Evening star., 1912-01-20
POLITICS OF A DAY


Col. Henry Watterson. author Of the
statement on the Woodrow Wilson-Har-
vey feud. came to town last night to at
tend meeting of the Perry memorial
commission. No sooner had he put up at
the New Willard than he was besieged
with requests for further discussion of
the now famous break between Gov. Will
son and his sponsor.
THE tears that are being shed over the
passing incident are wrung from those
who have hitherto been the most conspic-
uous opponents of Gov. Wilson-witness
the frequently quoted statement of Mayor
Dahlman Of Omaha, Neb.. who has for
months not only been openly opposed to
Gov. Wilson, but who has been the ag-
gressive champion Of another candidate
The same applies to others who have in
dulged in lachrymose expressions. This,
Of course, is to be expected whenever any
man develops decided lead for the nomi-
nation.
The gist of the issue, as see it, is
whether one friend In private converse
plain question, resort to fattery and dis
stimulation, or whether he shall state the
truth as he sees it,
Gov. Wilson, who is in Michigan, still
refused to make any comment about the
break with Col. Harvey
Shown Gov. Wilson's description Of
him as "a nice old gentleman" Col. Wat
terson said:
Surely. as Mrs. Malaprop observed.
the governor speaks laconically. Age is
to go back on friend and call it
virtue"
The colonel was asked about the claim
that, In speaking Of the Harvey-Wilson
n q Tor
Who said that?" he asked
Mr.. Bruce of Baltimore" he was told.
"Ah, yes" he said. Baltimore! Bal
timore! That is the place where they
their politics in white chokers and their
religion in silk hats and swallow tail
coats and expect to go to Charlie Bona
parte when they die! I always did feel
sorry for Baltimore"
More than this Editor Watterson re-
fused to say. He intimated that. so far
as he was concerned. the Wilson Harvey
incident was closed-unless somebody
started something"
West Virginia's Protest.
West Virginia republicans were very
much stirred up over Gov. Glasscock's
declaration that the state favored the
nomination of Roosevelt. Former sena-
ator Nathan B. Scott declared that West
Virginia will certainly send a Taft dele.
CATION to the national convention. This
statement was confirmed by Representa-
tive Hughes and later State Chairman
v. L. Highland sent this telegram from
his home, at Clarksburg:
you can put 1t down just as strongly
as you like that the West Virginia dele
CATION will be for Mr.. Taft. The repub-
licans of the state generally favor his
renominat ton, and the sentiment of the
delegates will be responsive to that feel
ing.
! "Col. Roosevelt has many admirers In
West Virginia, but he Is not regarded as
q candidate, and as q consequence Mr..
Taft is assured Of unanimous support at
the Chicago convention"
Roosevelt or La FOllettes
According to a dispatch from Denver.
Col, the Republican in a news article to-
day says a concerted plan is on foot to
call a national meeting Of progressive
republicans to decide upon a choice be-
tween Roosevelt and La Toilette as can
, didate for the nomination to head the re-
publican national ticket. and to receive
the support of progressive republican
delegates at the coming national conven-
ton.
J. S. Temple. leading progressive re-
publican Of Denver. according to the
| story. has received letter from
Clifford Pinchot at Washington say
ing that q working agreement has
| been made between the supporters
Of Roosevelt and La Toilette. with
the idea Of concerting progressive
| strength in the republican national con-
| vention to bring about the defeat OF
President Taft for denomination.
The plan as set forth is for q meeting
Of progressive delegates to the national
convention to be held several days be-
which Of the two. Roosevelt or La Fol-
lette. WIN have the stronger support. and
place the stronger for nomination ter
/ lnyoej6nnfial candidatA