The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1912-05-24
TAFT HOPEFUL OF
CARRYING OHIO
FORECASTS REGARDING BUCK
EYE STATE PRIMARIES
VARY, HOWEVER.
REAK
Newspaper Men Wire White House
the Contest viii Be ciose.-La
Toilette and General
Apathy.

Washington. May 22.-The informa
ton coming to the White House re-
garding the Ohio contest between
President Taft and Colonel Roosevelt
was generally favorable to the presf,
dent. 1t is apparent. however, that
although claiming votes enough in the
Chicago convention to nominate tho
president. his friends are hoping for
better than his even break" in Ohio.
not only for the influence that suche
result would have upon the electora
in the New Jersey and South Dakota
primaries. but also upon any waver.
ing and doubling delegates among the
uninstructed chosen to the Chicago
convention.
A variety Of reports received at the
White House from confidential and
disinterested sources. mainly from
newspaper men who are watching the
situation In Ohio. indicated that Pres.
ident Taft will do well to carry half
Of the state delegation. But he may
get more than half. One report re.
ceived was that the delegation of six
at large is practically conceded to
Taft. There will be no surprise what
ever II Taft does not get over II dis
trict delegates. General apathy aud
La Toilette are uncertain Influences.
ing by the fight he Is making and
from reports reaching here from his
train.
Some Wire Forecasts.
Taft was cody received when he
first entered the state. tut later he
met big crowds and enthusiasm"
Sentiment Ia apparently nov run
ming ron the colonel. but 1t is prob.
ably too late to give the state to Taft.
Dan Hanna and Brown are hurting
Roosevelt. Taft has put up d strong
battle. has been growing stronger as
tho campaign progressed. and turDini;
opinion his way. but the idea OF most
of the newspaper boys is that lie will
take half the district delegates. or
less"
Another telegram from Fl source
favored with favorable Taft views. IL
is as follows:
II think Taft is sure of seven dis
tricts. with eight doubtful and lean
ing to him.. Roosevelt seems to have
four, with two doubtful aud leaning
to him"
1t is fair to say that In White
House circles there was not the least
doubt that the strong arguments the
president presented will have q good
effect throughout the country, regard.
less of results in Ohio today, unless
the president should get q severe
drubbing there.
On the Democratic Side.
Woodrow Wilson. Governor Har.
mons only opponent, did not enter
the state. Harmon's serious antag.
onist has been William Jennings Bry.
an, who, speaking for the Ohio Pro-
grcssive Democratic league, has at
tackled the governors candidacy and
has urged Wilson's nomination.
Senator Robert NJ. La Toilette,
after opening the fight in the state,
returned last Friday night and made
three speeches in support OF his
Governor Harmon limited his cam
paigning in his home state to five
night addresses, which were given
over to answering Mr.. Bryan.
Supporters Of all factions in the
~five.cornered contest are expecting .
large primary vote. Because of the
complicated ballots. returns are not
expected until late. The polls will
be open from $500 a. m. until $3.50
D. m. Lewis C. Laylin. Taft's Ohio
manager. a confident In his predic-
lions. Walter +. Brown. chairman Of
the Republican state committee. who
has managed Roosevelt's campaign in
this state. left his headquarters with
out making any prediction as to TO-
days outcome. The committee. how.
ever. promised a practically completes
sweep for Roosevelt.