Evening journal., 1910-04-08
FRIDAY, APRIL 8. 1910
POLITICAL sPEcULATIoNS.

THE Chicago Tribune has been making a
canvass to ascertain the views of editors
OF Democratic newspapers on the next Presiden-
tial candidate of the party. One significant
thing about the returns from the poll is that
there is a surprising sentiment among the ed-
tors for Colonel Bryan. Perhaps the Dover
Delawarean was not far wrong the other day
when it ntimated that Mr.. Bryan still had
strong hold the affections of large number
Of Democrats
OF the editors who responded to the Tribune
poll AIS favored Bryan as the candidate again
and 4I4 favored Governor Harmon, of Ohio.
For Colonel Roosevelt the Democratic editors
polled 50 votes, former Governor Folk, of Mis-
souri, got % and Mayor Gaynor, of New York,
30 The remarkable vote for Roosevelt shows
the breaking up of Democratic party lines and
the firm grip that Mr. Roosevelt has upon the al
fcctions of his countrymeHf regardless of party.
But it seems from this poll that Governor
Harmon is the coming man in the Democratic
-saartit sse> tact that he elected governor in
Republican State riveted attention upon him.
He has made stir during his administration by
uncoverng many instances of graft. The gov
ernor will be a candidate for reelection and
should he win, he will in all probability be the
Democratic candidate at the next Presidential
election.
Mayor Gaynor. of course. has some following
because of the notice he has attracted as Mayor,
but his term is young yet and those who favor
should take more than a successful term as
Mayor of New York to make man Presden-
tal nominee. Ii may be recalled that when Mr.
Mcclellan was first chosen Mayor boom was
started for him for President and he was much
discussed throughout the country. But the Nc
Clcllan boom did not last, and it may be that
the Gaynor boom will meet the same fate Ii
the Mayor should be elected Governor of New
York the way would be pretty open for him as
a Presidential candidate Should Governor Har-
mon be defeated for reelection, his Presidential
chances would fade, although they would not be
entirely obliterated
The Springfield Republican, one of the lead
ing newspapers Of the country in considering
the Roosevelt Democratic vote among the edi-
tors makes curious speculation about the next
campaign 1t thinks it possible that there will
be rush OF Republicans to Roosevelt at the
next Presidential convention. Perhaps the Re
publican has been impressed BY the stories
Walter Wellman of the Roosevelt party is send
ing to this country in which he says that
Roosevelt is mum on the Presidential question
and viii be free TO act regardless of Taft But
the Wellman accounts are followed BY a de-
" NAL and a statement described as "authorita-
tive that Roosevelt and Taft would be found
pulling In the same harness when the former
President returns
Should Roosevelt get into the fight again, the
Springfield Republican thinks that would prob
ably mean the nomination of Mr.. Bryan again
and around Bryan would rally the 'conglomer-
ate forces of conservatism and moderate radical
ism against the menace OF rash impetuous and
violently disturbing third termism, such as Mr.
Roosevelts renewed candidacy would mean
This view assumes that Mr. Taft would be on
OF it. but this is by no means to be taken fo
granted. The same paper admits that Mr.. Tai
IS sticking to his main purposes and making
more progress than the country appreciates TIL,
achievement IS greater than the seekers afte
sensations are ready to admit Those who hav
faith in the President are given no genuine
cause for encouragement and in common fair
ness let the other fellows give the man il
the White House fair chance He is deter
mined to win it for himself at any rate
1t is long time until the next Presiden
tial election rolls around, and there will be man,
who will approve of the plea of the Republican
for fair chance for Taft. The President ha.
not been given to sensational methods and thi:
has displeased those who have been reveline
in the sky rocket methods, but Taft is not OF
the sliding board BY any means though his
Democratic critics have sought to place him
there.