Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-19
Democratic Party in Bad
Shape Over There.
SMITH & co. COMMAND
Gov. Warfeld Tricked in His Ad.
ministration.
HE NAY ISSUE A STATEMENT
Danger That Boss Rule May Be Per-
petuated Through the Com
ing Election.
Special Correspondence Of The Star.

cpeciai Correspondence OF Inc star
BALTIMORE. Md. April Is. 1908
The democratic party in Maryland to-
day Is in bad shape, and the indications
even at this early date are that the
republicans will sweep the state next
November. Certain 1t is that the indie
pendent element will be solidly arrayed
against the Acknowledgement amend
ment. because the party leaders have
failed to live up to promises made In
regard to a primary election law. The
leaders of the Independents have openly
announced that a campaign will be
waged against the amendment. and that
the measure will meet the same fate as
the Poe amendment two years ago. The
friends of former Gov. Warfleli are in
bad humor because they have realized
that the governor was tricked during
the campaign last fall and was induced
to lend his support to the state ticket
ing legislation. The support Of Gov.
Warheld no doubt elected the ticket.
and his friends feel that this aid would
not have been extended had the gov
vicious legislation would follow demo-
cratic success. Therefore. their resent
ment is very strong, and they can be
depended upon to hit back at the first
opportunity.
All Advice Disregarded.
In the process of shaping legislation
at Annapolis the machine bosses openly
disregarded all suggestions made by
those not in the charmed circle. The
primary election law, against which
there were many protests from infiu-
entail democrats Of the better sort. was
railroaded through both legislative
bodies by Senator Smith and his band
of lieutenants. The crack OF the party
lash was heard more loudly at this past
session than for years at Annapolis.
The rule was one OF iron, and political
oblivion was threatened In the event
OF any bolt. With the present primary
election law and the Acknowledgement
amendment ratified the new political
machine would be in absolute control
of the destinies Of the state, and moth
could dislodge the Smith-Gorman-Ma
hon machine. It is for this reason that
a campaign against the amendment Will
be waged, and 1t Is not at All unlikely
that former Gov. Warfield Will be FOUND
in the vanguard of the tight.
May Issue Statement.
1t is generally expected that Mr.. War
field will issue a statement setting fortn
his views on the work Accomplished by
the legislature. and II he does decide upon
this action tho paper will be very en-
phatic one and well worth perusang. The
friends Of the former governor arc anx-
ious that he should pursue this course. TO
close friends the governor has expressed
his views, and they are not at all COM
plimentary to those In control OF ana1rs.
Such q statement would have tremen.
dous effect in the fall campaign, and
would, beyond doubt turn the state Into
the republican column. The fact must
not be lost sight of that Gov. Warheld.
although only private citizen now, 10
still a factor in the larger political al
fairs of the state. He has the confidence
of the great Independent element, on
whose vote elections In MARYLAND IN re-
cent years have turned, and they Will FOL.
low his advice regarding the amendment
Just as they did on previous occa sion
when the Poe plan went under by So.ooo
majority.
The indications are that when the re-
publican state convention meets here
April 80 there will be harmony. and that
the majority Of the Maryland delegation
will go to Chicago pledged to the candi-
dacy of Secretary Taft. There are quite
a few who favor Speaker Cannon. and
there will probably be a little riit early
in the proceedings. but it is expected that
the white winged dove of peace will soon
get down to work and will prevail all
along the line. A well known republican
accurately described the situation TO-DAY
when he said to The star correspondent:
'.The sentiment general among republic
cans 10 for Taft. and the only opposition
comes from those who are not friendly
toward President Roosevelt" To put the
actual situation In plain words. therefore,.
the only handicap that confronts Taft Is
the Roosevelt Endorsement. and this means
that the regular party organization ie be-
ing opposed rather than Taft. There Is no
real movement In favor OF any other can
didate. although Speaker Cannon Is known
to be favored by the organization
foyces ]. M. d.