The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-05-13

Atlanta. May 12.--(Special )-There is one of the shrwedest bits of pol itics wrapped up in the question as to whether Thomas E. Watson shall be one of the Georgia delegates to Baltimore the state has seen in some time.
 The Hoke Smith Woodrow Wilson faction is trying to reap all possible advantage from the fact that the Un- derwood leaders are somewhat divided upon the advisability of making MT. Watson 8 delegate.
 l It is figured out somewhat after this fashion: Tom Watson pitched in and materially aided in the election of Hoke Smith as governor the first time, if he did not give him the balance of power. Then Hoke Smith "ditched" Watson. He took the position that he would have been elected without Wat son and did not need him. Naturally Mir. Watson was unified and has been fihgting MT. Smith ever since. 1 In the very next campaign he prac- tically defeated Mir. Smith for re-elec- tion by taking sides with Joseph M. Brown.
 The Hoke Smith element has come to realize that in close races Mir. Watson comes pretty near holding the balance of power.
 It Is but natural that this element should chafe under the evident advan- tage which the other side is securing through MT. Watson's influence It is conceded that he performed an im- nj a r1t art fp ha vpda 1 victory. tt-
 Therefore what would the Hoke Smith element like better than to see the con servatives, the Joe Brown faction, ditch Mir Watson. just as they did?
 Their evident intent, therefore. Is to stir up enough opposition to Mir. Wat prevent his being made delegate to Baltimore.
 If this were done. wouldn't the way be open for them, 1t might be asked. to show MT. Watson where he had got ten the rough end of 1t one time at least from both factions; therefore. why shouldn't he return to the Hoke smith faction, let bygones be bygones aud help them win in future fights?
 Of course 1t has not reached the stage of a deal or even a prospective deal, but politicians are pointing out that the stage settings, are all there, and the villain Is sitting just behind a canvas tree whetting his knife on his [ oot M
 Some of the Underwood leaders have taken the bull by the horns and announced that they feel Mir. Watson Is entitled to go to Baltimore as a member of the Georgia delegation, If he wishes, and that he will have their full support to that end.
 aco ~ D tn1,- <p klx derwood campaign in Georgia Is one of those who took that stand imme- dlately following the primary, and hc Will undoubtedly contend that Mir Wat son should be made one of the dele rates at large. now that 1t Is known he desires to go as Georgia delegate.
 There are others who take the same view of it, stating that while they differ with many of MT. watson's views politically and otherwise they can ,hu- reel that he did a splendid work to- ward bringing about the Underwood victory and he is entitled to this recog- nition.
 The indications are. therefore. that MT Watson will be prominent mem Der of the Georgia delegation, though he Will not likely be the chairman of lt-a position which. 1t seems. consid- eed by common consent. should 20 to MT Hutchens Possibly. there will be | 1oi'0 NisSusSioH over IL III the COnVen- tlon, but present indications are that MT. Watson will go as a delegate to Baltimore and will have all the oppor- tunity he is looking for to say things about Mir. Bryan.
 Tee general impression seems to be that Manager sHutchens of the Under wood campaign. who is expected to be chairman of the state convention. will go to Baltimore as chairman of the state delegation.
 This accounts for two of the eight places, 1t being generally conceded that there will be eight delegates at large chosen, each with a half vote
 Among other candidates or prospect i've candidates for delegates at large are the following:
 Congressman W. G. Brently of the Eleventh and Congressman William schley Howard of the Fifth. the only two members of the Georgia delega- Sion who openly. persistently and ac- lively supported the cause of MT. Un-