The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-12-27
Trio of Governors HarmOn, Wilson, and Mar
ShalD Factors to Be ReckOned
With in 1912.
EACH PROVES HIMSELF CAPABLE
Harmon DiplOmatcally EffaceS Undesirable Candidate
for Senate, Wilson Makes Similar Fight, and
Marshall Early Cleared Field

and he recall but otherwise Is an ardent
and eloquent champion OF rule by the
people. He is not dreamer. or a poIiti-
cal fanatic, but level-headed man OF
parts. in whom the modicum Of common
sense is always conspicuously IN evs-
denee.
MarshaI's handling of the senatorship
situation. like Woodrow Wilson's, was
in striking contrast with Judson Har-
mons seeming evasion Of duty in similar
premises.
In the Presidential speculation. neces-
sarily tentative at this time, a eomblna-
ton OF New Jersey and Indiana in 1912.
with Wilson and Marshall as the stand
ard-bearers. eommends itself strongly 10
thinking. deliberative Democrats.
New Jersey and Indiana are tradition
ally Democratic States. and under any
thing Ike normal political conditions
would be Democratic in q national cleo
ton.
Ohio. in spite Of its on-year upheavals
on local issues. is tradihonally and in
herently a Republican State. and there
are few Democrats who honestly believe
that Harmon could carry it for Presi-
dent
William Jennings Bryan has announced,
and repeatedly. that he is not a eandi-
date FOR another Presidential nomina-
lion. But he is factor. and a decided
factor. in the situation-a factor that
cannot be ignored by any Of the candi-
dates.
a Pennsylvania Democrat who knows
the Nebraskan well ventured The predie-
lion recently that he win become a can
didate again. ~Mr. Bryan," he said.
viii not tel US what he wants as to do.
In answer 10 our letters begging to know
his wishes, he simply answers. Watch
my editorials in the Commoner.'
Some time ago Mr. Bryan was urged.
to indicate his personal choice for the
Presidential nomination in 1872 He put
Gov shafroth. Of Colorado, first and
Gov. Marshall. Of Indiana, second. He
stated frankly then that he was opposed
to Harmon. He regarded him as a reac-
tionary. a man closely affiliated with the
interests and wholly out Of tune with
the progressive Democratic party Of to-
day He did not conceive II possible
for the party TO win except on progres-
sive lines. He evidently thought that
Harmon before the nation would cut
about as SORRY a figure as did Alton 3.
Parker in 1904 Harmon opposed Bryan's
nomination in 1886, but did not vote
against him. He was regular in the
Bryan campaigns following.
More recently. AIr Bryan has been less
inclined TO commit himself as to can
didates. and in d late issue Of his paper
mentions the availability of the several
ayowed and receptive candidates He has
privately expressed misgiyings as to
Woodrow Wilson. Of New Jersey. and
John A. Dix. govemor-elect Of New
York, as probably dominated too greatly
by Eastern sentiment. bat it is known
that Dr. Wilson's fight upon James
Smith. jr. who is seeking the Jersey
Senatorship again. has challenged Bryan.s
admiration and prompted his hearty apr
plause. As between Wilson and Har-
mon, there is no doubt that to-day the
Nebraskan would infinitely prefer VII
son, but he personally regards Marshall
as the most available of the trio
The new year-the year preceding the
Presidential struggIe-will see many
momentous moves on the political chess
board. The issue of popular government
is the great and growing issue which
promises to supplant all else-not except
ing the tariff which viii trouble the
Democrats more than anything else.
Here at Washington, the Democrats.
alert to their great opportunity, do not
minimize the strength of President Taft.
They admit frankly that he is growing
steadily in popularity. and that the eoun-
try's better acquaintance with him will
mean increasing strength and confidence.
But, while prepared to see him "come
back they believe that his party is so
completely discredited and torn with fac
tional dissensions that il is doomed to
inevitable defeat In 1gf2