The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-05-19
LEADERS SAY OHIO
WILL DECIDE FIGHT
Republicans in Congress Anxiously
Awaiting Result in Buck
eye State.
BETTING FAvoRs ROOSEVELT

Republican leaders in Congress are
awaiting the outcome OF the Ohio pri-
mary election Tuesday with unusual in
| terest. They look upon the result as
| probably decisive as to the Republican
nomination. Even President Taft's
| friends believe that il his own State
should vote overwhelmingly in favor OF
Roosevelt, the effect would be to make
the President ineligible as the nominee
at Chicago. They are not prepared,
however, to concede the claim of Roose-
velt's followers that II would mean the
nomination OF the colonel. II President
Taft should break even with Roosevelt
on the delegates. or should carry a ma
jority Of them, he would still stand a
very good show for the nomination.
The fE1ends in Congress of the admin
istration are not prepared TO accept the
claim OF Roosevelt's friends that he will
carry Ohio, although some of the re-
ports are rather discouraging For ex-
ample, II became known here yesterday
that for three weeks the betting in north
ern Ohio has been even money that
Roosevelt Will carry Ohio over Taft. and
within twenty-four hours, II was learned
yesterday, $4,000 has been offered at odds
Of 20 to II that Roosevelt will win over
Taft in the Ohio primary election Tues
day.
Has Strong Organization.
President Taft's managers, led by his
brother, Charles P. Taft, and such skill
full politicians as Arthur I. Vorys. Re-
publican national committeeman from
Ohio. and practically all the Republican
members of Congress from that State
have perfected a fine organization, and
will get out full party vote, II possible.
II Col. Roosevelt wins the Staff, II will
not be as the result OF the stAy-at-homs
vote, as has happened in a number Of
primaries held this year.
Senator Burton is in Ohio campaign
ing for President Taft, and will remain
in the field until the eve of the election.
Just before he left for Cleveland Mon
day he assured his colleagues in the
Senate that President Taft would win.
A few weeks ago Senator Burton was
not so sanguine over the prospect
Of the President in his home State. But
he has been getting detailed reports
from Ohio which have assured him.
President Taft's friends in Congress
are very much pleased with the cam
paign he has been making in Ohio.
There is still scattering talk about a
third candidate in the event President
Taft does not carry Ohio, and feels that
ne is willing to throw his strength to
some Republican who can give hope Of
defeating Roosevelt for the nomination
There is a strong sentiment for Justice
Hughes west OF tie Mississippi He Is
also a favorite in Vermont and some of
the other New England States The
only obstacles to a compromise candi-
date. say the leaders in Congress, is
the probability that II President Taft's
name were withdrawn or his delegates
released. Roosevelt would gain enough
delegates which. when added to the
strength he already has, would nominate
him.
Would GO for Colonel.
Very little reliance is placed here In
the claim made by Senator La Toilette
that he can deliver his delegates against
Roosevelt. It is known here that the
delegates from North Dakota, ten IN
number. who were elected for La Fol-
lette as first choice, were required TO
avow themselves publicly for Roose-
welt for second choice.
Senator Cummins 10 ready to deliver
his ten delegates.to Col. Roosevelt when
ever they are needed.
Representatives from Wisconsin say
that while the twenty-six delegates from