The Washington times., 1908-10-20


they are over any Of the other States
that are now looked upon as doubtful
Ohio has twenty-three electoral votes
and the lines might be drawn so that
this large strength in the electoral col
lege would be decisive. Leading Re
publicans having hand in the conduct
Of the campaign admit their worriment
over Ohio. They are receiving advices
that are unsatisfactory and disconcert-
ing, and up to date have not been able
to discern sucn systems as they could
wish that the Republicans are getting
their multiplied troubles in the Buckeye
State Strengthened out.
It IS the feeling Of the Republican
leaders here that both New York and
Indiana are less doubtful than Ohio.
They believe that Tafts chances of
carrying New York are improving ana
that, while the State is generally looked
on as close, Judge Taft is going 10 get
It. A month ago the trend in Indiana
was so strongly for Bryan that the Re
publican leaders were much disCour-
aged about it. Recently, however, the
situation has shown some signs of get
ting better for the Republicans.
Indianan Assures Them.
One of the ablest Republican poliu
clans Of Indiana. "A man who knows the
State thoroughly, has been here this
week and has given headquarters rc-
assurance. lie believes. as ne has toIG
friends here, confdentially, that Tafts
chances are now better than Bryan's
for carrying the Efoosier State. He puts
these chances at about 10 70 in Tafts
favor. and has advised certain Of his
close acquaintances that they can take
bets on Indiana at such odds with rea-
sOnable prospects Of winning.
OF course. II goes without saying tina
the Democratic leaders will not admit
there has been turning OF the tide In
Indiana in Tafts favor. They say none
Of their advices point in that direction.
However. there can be no question this
belief has taken hold Of the Republican
leaders about Republican headquarters
based on what they are hearing from
men prominent in the Hoosier organize
ton.
Think Marshall Winner.
Republican leaders admit Marshall,
the Democratic nominee for governor.
has the better chance OF winning. but
they feel that Taft will get lot OF
Indiana votes that Watson. the Repub-
Hcan candidate for governor. will not
have on account Of the liquor issue.
Republican state organization is work
ing in something Ike its old-time form.
II is generally conceded that when II
comes TO State organizations. both the
Republicans and the Democrats in the
Hoosier State are more nearly perfect
than in any other Western State. Each
side is working like beavers. and will
continue 70 do so up 10 the day OF
election
In Ohio. the Republican organization
Is weak. This is one phase Of the stu
alton there that gives concern to the
leaders about the Chicago headquarters.
Then there are a number Of other
is showing a strong trend 10 Bryan re-
gardless Of assertions to the contrary;
the uncertainty as TO how much OF
detection there Will be from Taft on
account OF the feeling Of the negroes
over the Brownsville case, and over the
attitude OF the AdministTa ton toward
Foraker: the soreness Of the Foraker
adheTents toward Taft; the liquor Ques-
ton and other matters that might be
mentioned
Mourn Mark Hanna.
eff Mark Hanna were only alive" is
common expression from Republican
leaders about the Ohio situation. They
Il
were at the head and front Of things
there he could iron out the difficulties
and smooth over most OF the troubles
But they fear the present organization
may not be able to do 1t. Moreover,
they realize that the Democratic organ
izatfon in Ohio this year is capable and
that the nomination OF JudsOn Harmon
for governor on the Democratic ticket
is a source OF strength for the Demo-
Gratis.
carry his own State. The hope Of the
Republican leaders here is that Mr..
TAFT has been able in his trip through
the State to strengthen his cause
among the labor element.
Think Cause Helped.
IT is apparent that Mr.. Taft believes
he has helped HIS cause. and the leaders
here are now auxiOusly awaiting de-
velopments to see whether this view
is going TO be confirmed, and whether
the next week or so will witness a
gain in their favor
Some idea Of the depth Of Republl-
can concern here about Ohio may be
inent Republican official of that State
VINO has been in Chicago this week
privately told his friends that Ohio
was lost TO the Republicans unless
straighten out the situation.
Wilson Visit Cheers.
The visit Of Secretary Wilson of the
Department Of Agriculture to Chicago
has been a good deal Of a tonic to the
Republican managers. This is for the
reason that Mr.. Wilson has been travel
ing about over the Middle West and
has been getting an insight into the
question OF now the farmers are going
to vote. That, after all, Is what all
the politicians want 70 know about in
asmuch as IL the agricultural vote
sticks to the Republicans Mr.. Bryan
will find Il uphill work getting TO the
White House. Secretary Wilson has
found that the great prosperity Of the
Middle Western farmers is one OF the
chief factors in this campaign why a g
he believes, the farmers are not dis
satisfied with conditions TO any such
extent as TO make them vote in large
numbers for a change Of Administration
and that BY reason OF this the Repub-