The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-09-05

Ohioan's Announcement for
Mayor of Cleveland
Surprising.
Victory Over Mayor John
son Not Certain,
Some Assert.

The decision Of Representative Theo'
dore Burton, OF Ohio, to become a can
didate for mayor Of Cleveland in oppo-
sition 70 Mayor Tom johnson, hal
aroused no end Of comment. and ex-
cited no end Of surprise among his col
leagues IN Congress.
Many expressions Of regret ara heard
that so valuable a man as Burton is 10
be lost from the House, and many ex-
pressions of wonderment that he should
have reached such a decision, and
should have determined TO quit his ca
reer IN the House. where he has been
so prominent a figure.
Success Not Certain.
Ohio men familiar with the situation
say that not only is 1t by no means
certain that Burton will defeat Mayor
Johnson. but, on the other hand. the
chances are in favor OF Johnson's cleo
ton. Burton is not a politician Under
the johnson regime. Cleveland has been
wide open town. and il is said by poll
ucians who know the situation, TO be
extremely doubtful whether johnson
can be unseated In favor OF man who
intends 70 run things on a more sUrin-
gent and puritanical basis. Further than
have set out 70 eliminate Foraker from
OHIO politics. and all the Foraker infiu-
ence and all the Foraker following will
exert every effort to bring about the de-
Of Cleveland.
In the opinion of some of Mr. Bur
ION s friends he made a great political
mistake when he announced he would
no longer be chairman OF the House
RIVERS and HarbOrs Committee.
Roosevelt Candidate.
Talk that Mr.. Burton is going into
the Cleveland campaign as the Roose-
welt candidate, and that he has made
his decision because urged into II by
President Roosevelt, Secretary Taft,
and Secretary Garfield. Is not taken here
very seriously. II is quite possible that
Taft leaders. including the President.
have urged on Burton that If he could
WTest Cleveland from the Democrats il
would help the Taft candidacy But the
supposition here Is that Mr. Burton
feels there is a big field for reform in
municipal matters in Cleveland and
that he sees in successful administra-
ton OF the Cleveland mayorship a road
10 the Sen3 torship from Chic to sue
coed Senator Dick. II is whispered in
some quarters that the Taft leaders arc
delighted TO sidetrack Burton and get
him started after the Cleveland mayor
ship.
Chance for Gain.
Should Mr. Burton win and give
Cleveland a good administration, ma
tionaI attention viii be attracted to II
and he viii be the gamer for it. If he
is defeated by Johnson. however. he
may he wiped of the slate as a political
factor in Ohio. His friends say he can
come back 10 Congress even II beaten.
but his defeat at the hands Of Johnson
will undoubtedly weaken his hold on his
district and weaken his prestige else
where.
Mr.. Burton Is one OF the most hide
pendent men in the House. He has
opposed Speaker Cannon repeatedly and
he has had the courage to stand sduare
Inc big navy. And while II is said the
President has urged Mr.. Burton into
the Cleveland fight, the impression is
strong about Washington that the Pres
ident has had no great liking for the
mau who has stood in tie way OF some
or his legislation. In short, the motives
that have led Mr.. Burton TO go into the
mystery in circles where he Is well
known IN Washington except on the
theory that he feels IL a nigh DUTY TO
Gust the johnson regime and that he
sees way by doing SO Of achieving the
Senate.
By long ODDS he has made Cleveland
the seat OF the most interesting munich
pal fight OF the year and none will fol-
lev " more closely than his colleagues
CT the House who have grown to ad-
Tnire him for his independence and ms
genuine ability.