The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-10-12
by WILLIS j. ABBOT.

| ny Hills J. AbuOI.
Detroit, Mich, Oct, 1.-THE twelve con-
gressional districts OF Michigan are to-day
| represented in Congress by twelve Re-
/ publieans. The majorities by which these
Republicans were elected In only one
/ instance fell short OF 5000. and as a rule
| ran from 5000 up to as high as 1900
| That would hardly look encouraging TO
the Democratic managers in the State
/ Nevertheless l find that the chairman
of the Democratic state committee has
hopes OF several districts. This letter viii
| give In the main the Democratic point Of
view, and the article TO follow IT vii!
give the Republican side; but even while
attempting TO give both sides OF the ques-
ton / cannot refrain from pointing out
that Michigan for the Democracy looks
| like a very sere and barren land
Probably the most promising Congress
/ ional district from a Democratic point Of
view, is that of Detroit Edwin DENLY.
the present member has been In Congress
three terms. He comes OF distinguish
ed family. his father being known to all
public men as the longtime United States
Minister TO China. Representative DENLY
was one of the naval militia and served
in the war with Spain. Is a graduate Of
the University of Michigan, and was an
official in China under Sir Robert Hart.
There can be no question as TO his educa-
ton for public service or the ability that
he has manifested
Likely to Beat DENLY.
But While in Congress he has been the
most aggressive OF standpatters. Here in
Detroit since the tendency toward pro-
gressivism has appeared. he has at
tempted 10 qualify, 10 hedge, 20 put HIM
self right. If I may judge from what I
hear on the streets and in the hotels Of
the city, his seat is in serious danger.
His opponent. Frank z. DOremus, has
been comptroller OF the city Of Detroit.
made a good record. and has seemingly
no enemies. or so few that they are not
likely to affect his vote. DENLY. because
Of his insistence on the Payne AIdricn
tariff and because of his answering
fidelity 10 Cannon and Cannonism. has
built up a multitude OF foes in this city
] do not oyerstate the case when say
that even the Republicans admit the
chances are very great against his re-
election. I notice in public places bets
posted. now narrowly approaching even
money on his election.
The Modest Nr. smith.
Probably that is the only district IN
which the outlook strongly favors the
Democrats. Yet there are other districts
IN which they have a fighting chance.
according TO their own spokesman. For
example. the Sixth district. in which
Samuel ". Smith is now the Representa-
tive in Congress. 1t is fair 10 say Of MIR. /
Smith that whatever he may be on the
platform, he is the most modest member
OF Congress represented in the Congress
sional Directory Though he has been
in Congress for six terms. his biography
IN the directory is comprehended I'm thir-
teen words. There are several gentlemen
who have been there only one term who
take a page TO set forth their surpass-
ing achievements in the way of state
craft
Mr.. Smith does not even give his last
majority. but upon looking ii up else
where l find that he had about Il 900
To the good This time, I am informed. |
he Is in serious danger That doesn't
sound reasonable. unless there shall be
more or less OF a Democratic landslide
He has opposed to him an able cam
paigner, Alva NJ. Cummins. of lansing
/ he issue there also viii turn upon the /
question of progressiveness. Smith ike /
practically all the renominated Congress !
in
for the regular programme as laid down /
by Cannon and Dalzell. Payne, and AID |
rich.
How much the revolt Of the Michigan |
voters is going 70 show itself against I
men OF his type it is impossible 10 tell.
Republican managers and Democratic /
managers unite In saving that anv one |
who attempts 10 give figures on this cleo |
ton Is either deluding himself or delud- |
ing the people 10 whom he presents his |
estimates. Here in Detroit there is
avowed and open hostility to the record |
OF the last Congress, and resentment /
manifested toward those who were mart /
of H. But the country districts Of Alicbi- /
gan are prosperous. and what the farm /
ers may do when the voting comes on /
neither party organization is willing to !
Diekema After Speakership.
The Fifth district comprehendlng as
It's chief town Grand Rapids. and now
represented by Gerrit ]. Diekema IS
claimed by the Democrats as doubtful
Mr.. Diekema lives at Holland Mich
a place where they grow fruit. and prob
ably the only place in the United States
where they make wooden shoes. for Hol-
land is inhabited largely by HoHanders.
He is a picturesque character. thunder
ing very much in his home district bu,
not creating very much turmoil at Wash
lngton. He has singular habit Of an
that unless Cannon shall be re-
elected Speaker. he will be. and in the
intervals Of this prediction he takes
more modest ground by assuring his
home people that he will probably be
the chairman Of the Ways and Means
Committee. Nobody at all eonversant
With Washington affairs anticipates that
either OF these honors will be heaped
upon the Diekema head. Still, his in
sistence upon them may help in his dis
-rict. His normal majority is 5000. Op-
- L.