The Washington herald., 1911-12-24
WITH THE POLITICAL PROCESSION

and the Car OF all the Russias. and
with diplomats OF all nations, not only
here in Washington. but in Europe. Even
so, he has not overlooked single town
ship in Michigan that needs attention in
a campaign. and during the holiday re-
cess will carefully ascertain the down
deep political feeling in his State with
reference to next years national contest.
One result of the persistent talk that
the Harmon managers were about to
open headquarters in Washington prior
to Christmas was the sudden dropping
in Of Woodrow Wilson'S managers from
New Jersey, intent on finding out just
what was planned by the Harmon people
and what sort of headquarters Hugh
Nichols the chief manager, would main
tain Il turned out that Nichols was
not in Washington and was not expected
until the Democratic National Committee
meeting, but the Wilson people who hur-
ried here felt amply repaid for the visit.
as they kept busy among Southern Con-
gressmen who have admitted consider
able Wilson sentiment in their States.
although 1t is now being overshadowed
by the demand for Oscar Underwood.
Apparently the Underwood movement
has disconnected the Wilson managers
more than all the claims of the Harmon
! leaders in Northern States. A month ago
there was assurance of almost a solid
South for the New Jersey candidate, but
both Underwood and Champ Clark have
cut in upon 1t.
Following President Taft's declaration
that all Federal officials should be under
civil service, and hold their jobs during
good behavior, a considerable section OF
New York Republicans began operations
J for the nomination of United States At
torn"y Whitman for governor.
1t has long been the habit of the
White House to pick a likely and am
/ bilious young man for United States at
torney in the New York City district
and then push them forward in State
and even national politics. Henry l.
Stimson was once district attorney. and
then the nominee for governor. although
he picked a bad year for the honor
Now comes the talk for Whitman, who
has done very well as Federal attorney
and he was given a formal send-Off at d
banquet in honor OF Fred Tanner, loca
| New York City leader, Friday. While
the dinner was a modest one, given iT
an old-fashioned hotel away downtown
it attracted attention even In the remote
counties of the State because of the
Whitman boost, and also because STATE
| Chairman Barnes was one of the speak
ers along with Herbert Parsons, late
member OF Ongress.
Barnes and Parsons did not give mucf
attention 10 the Whitman ambition, bu
touched on the way United States Sen
atOrs should be chosen. Barnes opposed
the election of Senators by the people
declaring that the Genesis of the Senate
is that it should he check on the pop
ular mind. and that II not wanted tn,
Senate should he abolished. The de
mand for election of Senators by tn,
people is one of the examples of wronl
thinking that now find favor" exClaim
ed Chairman Barnes, and one Of tn,
great duties Of the Republican party &
to teach the electorate to think cor
reCtly"
To this Outburst. Parsons retortec
that the Republican party was the part,
of common sense, and when the peopI,
believe change in the mechanism O
the government is needed 1t is the duty
of the party of common sense to makI
the change.