The Washington herald., 1911-06-22
The Political Situation.

With the denomination of President
Taft practically assured-notwithstand-
ing the announcement that Senator
La Toilette proposes to be a candidate
the situation in regard to the Demo-
cratic party becomes interesting.
Up TO the present time three Demo
Gratis of national reputation have been
mentioned prominently in connection
with the nomination-Gov Harmon,
Gov. Wilson, and Speaker Clark. The
former has formally entered upon his
campaign with Senator Pemerene, of
Ohio, as his manager. He has had q
long and excellent public career. but IS
unquestionably handicapped by the op-
position of Mr.. Bryan. Whatever may
be said regarding Mr.. Bryan, there is
no doubt that he still has a following
which, although not as large as for
Imerly. is of sufficient size TO be
taken into account. In considerable de-
gree, therefore, Mr.. Bryan'S outspoken
and emphatic antagonism' to Ohio's
governor will have its effect upon the
latter's candidacy. In addition to this,
Gov Harmon lacks the element of per
sonal popularity, which is factor in
determining the final result.
Woodrow Wilson loomed prominently
as a candidate when he proved himself
an effective administrator in New Jer-
sey, and his chances for the nomination
were given a decided impetus by his
visit to the West He IS popular; he
has cspoused all the reforms for which
the progressive element in both parties
are contending, and his ability is con-
ccded. One thing, however, must be
remembered. BY his opposition to the
return of former Senator Smith to the
Senate he alienated the New York or
ganization. 1t is true that New York
is not absolutely essential to secure the
nomination, for Cleveland was nomi-
mated at Chicago in the face of that
States bitter opposition; but the fact
still remains that if Gov Wilson can
not secure New Yorks support he will
need very large following in other
States to offset this detection. If New
York is not to elect a Wilson delega-
ion TO the convention, it makes the
prize ali the harder for him to attain
When Champ Clarks candidacy was
first suggested, it lacked convincing
force. The public accepted it as a pos
sibility, but hardly as probability AS
events have shaped themselves. however,
it has taken on much more definite
form, and it is by no means to be
ignored. 1t is true that some compli-
cations have arisen in respect to for
n1er Gov Folk, whose aspirations were
formally Endorsed by the State con-
vention of Missouri Democrats, but if
these can be satisfactorily adjusted, it
IS quite within the range of probability
that Speaker Clark will emerge from
the nominating convention as the COM
promise choice OF the delegates. The
record of history is, of course, that no
Speaker of the House ever occupied
the Presidential chair Henry Clay
was conspicuous example of failure in
this respect, and, in later years, Thomas
B. Reed afforded another instance.
Precedent, however, is not infallible,
and Mr. Clark might be the exception
10 the rule.
Hope springs eternal in the Demo-
cratic breast. Just now it seems to have
some foundation, and this fact gives to
the Democratic nomination an interest
which it would rot otherwise possess.