Semi-weekly herald., 1912-08-26
PENNSYLVANIA TO THE FRONT.

has for the first time in many years
become the center of interest SO far
as national politics is concerned 80
Heretofore no one gave any attention
to the Keystone state inasmuch as
it has been the banner Republican
state. About the only interest mani
Tested was in the size of the Repub-
lican majority.
In 1896 Mckinley carried Penn
sylvania by something like 100000.
In 1900 he carried it by few thou
sand less. In 1904 Roosevelt car
ried it by over 100000, the largest
majority ever given by an state to
a national candidate In 1908 Taft
carried it by 100000.
The great Republican part in that
state got into fight over the pres
idential nominee an dthe Roosevelt
people under the leadership of Finn
won a large majority and the Finn
people got control of the Republican
party in the state.
The nomination of Taft and the or
ganization of progressive party in
troduced in that state an unusual
condition which row prevails. Be-
fore the presidential nominations the
national electors had been nominated
there as they had been in several
other states. 1t happened that of
the 3S electors that 30 were for Ted
DIV Thic
caused much disturbance and some
litigation.
Finn wanted to make his fight for
Roosevelt in the Republican party
but Teddy advised otherwise. An
agreement was made between the
i.inn forces and the Republi ans
". erebJ the 30 Roosevelt electors
were to withdraw from the Repub-
lican ticket and together with eight
others be placed on the Washington
ticket by petition. The word Wash
ingon" was the name chosen in that
state for the Bull Moose party. As
yet these 80 Roosevelt men have not
Withdrawn and the Republican man
ager threatens suit against them.
1t will be remembered that the
Roosevelt forces are in control of
the Republican party and have nom
mated state ticket over the head
of Senator Penrose. A certain num-
ber of the state Republican candi-
dates have been placed on the Wash
ington ticket which is also under the
management of Finn. 1t will be seen
that Finn is absolutely certain of
controlling the state and electing his
state candidates.
Under their arrangement the ma
tional fight will be three cornered
one, very much to the satisfaction
OF the Democrats who are now claim
ing the state by some $4,000. plural
ity. The Democratic manager has
made the following schedule of votes
for the November election: Taft 35O.-
600; Roosevelt 100000; and Wilson
448,0OO.
There is still another formidable
party in the state which has been
gathering up in recent years the in
dependent voters. 1t is known as the
Keystone party and is presumed to
poll something like $4,000 v, IS. This
party II said to be for Wilson.
Considering the large majority
Roosevelt received there in 1904 and
the large primary vote he received
this year it is thought by his follow
ers that the Washington party has
good chance carry the state.
The regular Republican party also
claims the state for Taft on the
ground that Republicans will not
desert the party just for the sake of
Roosevelt.
The whole nation will watch with
interest the results of the state as
they will be given out in the election
returns, remembering that the Key
stone state will poll between 1,2OO,-
900 and 100000 votes this coming
November and will have 3S electors
in the electoral college.
One or two other facts are to be
considered in the making up of pre-
dictions of the November vote. Will
son sarried Pennsylvania easily over
his Democratic opponents; and the
Keystone state is very close neigh
Dor Of New Jersey, the home of
Wilson. These facts may have very
much to do with the size of the Will
son vote ir the state.