The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-12-17
Clark, Underwood and
La Toilette Must Be
Reckoned With.
EACH POSSESSES
BIG FOLLOWING
Of the Three, Speaker Has Per
haps More Friends in Houses
Of Congress-Saying Moth
ing About Presidency. but
Simply Smiles and
Waits.

Washington, December le.--Dcspita
the fact that seldom since the GILL
War has the country gone to either
House Of Congress to select candidates
for the presidency. and still less fire.
from Congress to the White House
there are to-day at least three states
men serving in the national leglsla.
turc who have more or less we'll de-
tined aspirations for higher honors
These are Speaker Champ Clark, cf
Missouri, and Floor Leader Oscar VI.
Underwood, of Alabama. both worthy
rivals OF Governors Wilson and Hur-
mon for the Democratic presidential
nomination, and Senator Robert NJ.
La Toilette, of Wisconsin, who is con-
ducting an active insureent propa-
sanda against President Taft in the
hope that he may succeed in snatchins
the standard from tho President and
become the Republican nominee in tho
approaching campaign.
Men without Experience.
roster OF candidates for tho pres
idency OF both parties in the past nifty
years shows that for the most part
presidential nominees have been men
without experience In Congress-Grdnt.
Hayes, Arthur. Cleveland, Roosevelt
and Taft gained their knowledge Of
governmental affairs elsewhere than
in Congress Harrison served in The
Senate. Garfield had had a successful
career in tho House. and so had Nc
kinley up until 1890. whom he was dc
feated for reelection to Congress. This
defeat virtually kicked him upstairs.
for he became twice Governor of Ohio.
and then was nominated and elected
twice to the presidency
Blaine and Bryan had congressiona!
llYltt l.,,k L.. -,
in attaining the White House goal so.
altogether. congressional service docs
not necessarily pave the way TO the
Executive Mansion. but those who ow
are seeking the honor seem TO ig-
more that fact
or the three candidates. or nea,
candidates. for the nomination. Speak
er Clark doubtless has the largest fol-
lowing. both personal and political
The high favor in which the Speaker
Is held is not confined to the Demo
Gratis alone, but Republicans. especial
ly those of the House, among whom he
is best known. declare that II there
is to be Democrat elected they
would prefer to see Champ Clark ge
the place above any one else.
II the nomination were left to tn,
selection of the members Of the Hous,
Of Representatives. there is little
ry off the prize. While the Speaker
declines to discuss his candidack tc
any extent, although he smiles when Il
Is mentioned. both he and his friends
and supporters appreciate the fact
that his chances lie chiefly in an
agreement upon him as a compromise
candidate.
II Is generally conceded that Wilson
and Harmon Will control the bulk oil
the delegates to the next convention
but even their most optimistic repre-
sentativcs doubt the ability of either
to command the two-thirds majorit,
which Is required to nominate in tn,
Democratic convention. Then, in the
deadlock which seems likely TO ensuc
! friends of the Speaker intend to pres.
! him forward as 4 compromise. 4 grea
deal of quiet work is being done. boil
j In and out of Congress. in his behalf
| despite the fact that his own State I.
In way already committed to tn,
candidacy OF former Governor JOSEPH
w. Folk.
! PLAYS Waiting Gnmc.
The Speaker has succeeded in steer