The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1912-01-30
THINK WATSON IS
TO MAKE CONTEST
New Castle Times Gives Its
Opinion on District Po-
litical Conditions.

Regarding James Eli Watson the
New Castle Times comes out with
the following frank statement:
II the Republicans of tho Sixth Dis
trict do not want tha Hon. James 4.
Watson to run for congress they had
better not offer him the nomination.
Neither had they better let him know
that he could get it for the asking or
for the running for it. He wants to
make the race and wants it SO bad
that he can taste it.
The visit of Vice President Sherman
to the Sixth District last October and
all the hullabaloo incident thereto
were not just little current happenings
without political Significance. 1t was
surmised at the time that it was a
prearranged plan to put Our Jim back
in the running, but when he made that
famous speech telling of the 81 varie-
ties Of fool-Republicans and yellow
necks that existed in Wayne county.
1t was supposed that he had taken him
self out of the race.
But some politicians like some cats,
have nine lives and can resurrect
themselves when occasion demands.
Jim Watson belongs to this breed and
can get in the game whenever he hears
the call-and his hearing is good.
There is much difference of opinion
among Republicans as to the strength
Mr.. Watson would develop as a candi-
date. Some political wiseacres claim
that he would make the best race of
any man in the party and could come
nearer defeating Finly Gray. Other
workers say that Jim would fall down
In Wayne county and would be likely
to lose it altogether. No Republican
could be elected in this district unless
he carried Wayne by a substantial
plurality. There are still other Re-
publicans who would not commit
themselves on the Watson proposition,
and 1t 10 these still others that are to
be feared. They are the uncertain
quantity that make. the politicians
hesitate. 1t 1t were assured that Wat
son would be the strongest candidate
he could have the nomination, for
more than anything else is wanted a
man who can beat Finly Gray. who
has demonstrated that he is a past
master at the political game. Finly is
good fence builder and q tireleAs
worker. 30 that beating him will be
no child's play.
Another feature that will add spice
to the campaign. according to the re-
port, will be the financial side. Wat.
son has influential friends, such rs
Cannon, Sherman and others who are
leaders OF the Republican party. MIR.
Watson is a valuable man for the Re-
publicans to have in congress and
there would be no lack of funds to
carry on . campaign for his election.
Some persons say that $4,000 could
be put into this district, but We do
not see where that amount could be
used to advantage. There Is not q
large floating vote in the Sixth Dis
trict and 1t is the quiet vote. the kind
that money does not reach. that IL in
doubt. For that reason we do not attach
much importance to this wild talk.
Watson 10 . hard campaigner and a
good one. He has IN immense &C
Quaintance and could quickly effect .
working organization. There are NO
other candidates mentioned for the
Republican nomination and We would
risk guess that the contestants in
next falls campaign will bs Finly
Gray and JAmes = Natsoa.