Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1911-04-18
HARMON, WILSON, CLARK, BRYAN
Four Names Being Considered With
Reference to Democratic Nominee.


tariff, the Mexican situation, Canadian
reciprocity and general legislation are
the immediate and surface topics Of
discussion, but deep down underneath
1t is presidential candidates in which
the real interest lies, and Democratic
presidential candidates at that.
| No one discusses the Republican
] presidential nomination except Ian
| guidly. 1t is taken for granted that Mr..
Taft will be renominated and the hos
tile element of his own party is quite
certain he will be beaten-and they
think he wholly deserves 1t. Many Of
his own friends are depressed over the
poverty of his chances, and 1t is no
secret that Republican hopes generally
are centered upon 1916 and not on 1912.
This situation makes the Democratic
presidential possibilities loom larger
now than ever before at a period so
far in advance of the choice Of a can
didate
Harmon Boom First.
There have been some developments
since congress opened. In Washing
ton sentiment shifts and changes with
Kaleidoscope swiftness, but it inva-
riably reflects the feeling of the coun-
try. Back in January the Harmon
movement was dominant here and the
Harmon steadiness, courage and con-
servatism stood out overwhelmingly.
| OF nf ha
cratic ship toward the Ohio man and
his friends felt his hand was closing
on the helm. He was regarded as the
logical candidate and the argument
that as the Republican nominee will
come from Ohio the Democrats must
name a man who has already demon
strated his ability to carry that great
pivotal state was used with effect.
About that time there was certainly
real Harmon feeling in the Wash
ington air. And then came a shift.
The singular success of Woodrow
Wilson in electing MARITIME to the sem
ate in the face of a heretofore impreg-
nable organization, his legislative tri-
umphs at Trenton and his luminously
progressive" speeches in the south,
resulted In a tremendous boost Of his
cause and a corresponding slump in
Harmon stock. Southern congressman
came into Washington with glowing
reports of the overwhelming sentiment
in their districts for Wilson. New
Jersey politicians did not hesitate to
declare that, so far from injuring him
machine had made it impossible for
any combination to get that delegation
away from him II he were a candi-
date. Taft's friends seemed quick to
iecognize that Wilson Is a more for
midable man than Harmon and more
likely to be the presidents opponent,
and they still think so.
| Bryan Upon the Scene.
Then congress opened and William
Jennings Bryan came here and put
another crimp in the Harmon candi-
dacy. Harmon was here, too; but his
presence aroused no great enthusiasm,
and aside from recognition Of him as a
presidential aspirant, his visit made
hardly a dent in the political situation.
| Just now Harmon stock is lower
than it has been since the election.
| Harmons friends are not unduly de-
pressed about this, nor about the state
ment that Mr.. Bryan believes the Ohio
man is out of it. They recognize that
the situation can shift back just as
| quickly as 1t shifted before and they
have the utmost confidence in Cover
nor Harmon's ability to look after his
own political interests. They also
know that he has with him now lead
| ers in a number of states who are not
easily affected by changing public SEN
| timent and who can be counted upon to
stand by him as long as he is d candi-
date. Of the support of his own state
| there Is. of course, no doubt.
Rise In Champ Clark Stock.
| Within the last few days there has
been a decided rise in the Champ Clark
presidential stock. Many people think
this is due to the Bryan visit. the pres
ent speaker being accepted as the
choice of the peerless leader" The
tribute paid him in the William Ran
dolph Hearst interview Is likewise con-
sidered something of a factor In the
promotion of his chances, but others
look upon the increasing seriousness
with which the Clark-for- president
idea is being taken as largely due to
Mr. Clark and the wisdom with which
he has conducted himself since the No
vember election that gave the Demo-
Gratis control of the house and made
him the choice of his party for the
speakership.
Mr. Clark is today the most con-
spicuous Democrat in Washington and
will continue as such for two years at
least. Analysists of the situation re-
gard his opportunities for the legiti-
mate promotion of his own president
ial aspirations as greater than those
of Governor Harmon or Governor Will
son. While the Democratic caucus
Mr.. Clark consenting-stripped the
new speaker Of his committee ap-
pointing power and revised the rules
so as to lessen his authority, it Is
recognized that his Is the dominating
influence in his party in the house and
that the admirable Democratic pro-
gramme mapped out for this session
has been i'm line with his advice and
wishes. If it is successfully carried
through it will continue the record
upon which the presidential candidate
of the party must rely to win in the
1912 campaign, and a large part OF
the credit for the construction of this
record must and will he given to Mr..
| Clark.
| Not Taking Any Chances.
1t is this situation that so greatly
encourages the friends of the speaker
who think he is headed toward the
White House. and it is their conviction
that as the national convention ap-
proaches he will grow in political
stature and strength. Mr.. Clark and