Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-01-21
New Jersey Governor Is Less
Popular in Maryland.
NOW LOOK TO THE WEST
Clark or Harmon Thought Likely to
Get Votes Of State.
PRESTON BOOM Is GROWING
Friends of Baltimore Mayor Regard
Him as Promising Material for
Vice Presidency.
Special Correspondence Of The star.

special Correspondence OF The Star. IS
BALTIMORE, Nd, January %, 1912.
The Woodrow Wilson boom in Maryland
did not suffer to any great extent be-
cause of the Watterson-Harvey episode.
AS a matter Of fact, it was badly pune
| tured long ago. To be more explicit, the
beginning of the end Of Wilson enthusi-
| assn here came when the New Jersey gov
ernor espoused the initiative and referen-
DUN.
The leading supporters Of the Wilson
boom in this state were promn law
yers and others in professional life, to
whom socialistic tenets are a bette noir
1t Is true that when Wilson first came
| out as a presidential candidate the for
mer students of Princeton University resi-
dent here got together and formed an or
ganization to advance the interests of
Wilson. There was great enthusiasm
manifested, and plans were outlined to
secure a sold Wilson delegation from
Maryland to the national convention
Then came the espousal by Wilson OF
the initiative and referendum, and at the
same time came slackening in the local
ton. Prominent men who had been shout
ing his praises and working actively for
him became silent and ceased all activ-
ity. On the occasion Of Gov Wilson's
many prominent Princeton men from the
luncheon rendered the governor was the
source of much comment
Harmon or Clark.
The indications at this time are that the
Maryland delegation will go to the con-
vention unpledged. but that q western
man will be favored, either Harmon or
Speaker Clark. Both these men are very
popular with the politicians of power
herein fact, they could be happy with
ether IL tother dear charmer were away.
1t is regarded as significant that VIII
liam r. Hearst should visit Baltimore at
this time, and make his first utterance in
favor of Speaker Clark fo- President. Mr..
Hearst d d not mince words in advocating
the Speaker, and asserted that Clark
would prove an easy winner if nominated.
Some politicians here assert that Hearst
is after the nomination himself, and that
he is playing good polit cs in espousing
the cause of the SIissourian They claim
that Hearst is in position to make po-
litical deals as a result of which he might
by the switching of delegations in the
a dark horse, and eventually walk OF with
the nomination. Others, however, point
to the fact that Charlie Murphy of Tam
many Hall would never consent to the New
York delegation going to Hearst and
that therefore the noted editor would be
without support from his own state.
Boom for Mayor Preston.
Friends of Mayor James H. Preston
have started a boom for the huStling ex-
ecutive as Vice President They claim that
in the event of a western man capturing
the head of the ticket the second place
should go to the south or the east, and
assert that Preston would fill the bill ad-
mirably for both sect Ons. In any event
81. oH {e,
in full blast here. and his supporters are
booming him among friends in other
states. The fact that Mr.. Hearst, while
in Baltimore tbs week. was the guest Of
Mayor Preston has caused reports that
Hearst will spring Clark and Preston as
the national ticket and lend all his influ-
ence to bring about the nomination Of the
Speaker and the mayor of Baltimore.
Mayor Preston has every qualification
for the high Office of Vice President. be-
ing man of large financial means, an
excellent presiding officer. a good speak
err cultured and q good fellow. Mayor
Preston has declined to comment on the
movement inaugurated by his friends,
preferring to allow sentiment to crystal
lize before setting forth his position. His
friends. however. propose to open a lit
every effort to bring about his nomina-
ton in the event of western man car
rying off the presidential nomination.
Preparing for Convention.
Robert GRAIN the chairman Of the local
committee which will have charge OF
the preparations for the national con-
vention next summer, has already an
nounced the membership of the commit
tees which will prepare for the recep-
ton, entertainment and housing Of the
delegates and visitors. Partisanship
has been thrown to the. winds by Mr..
Grain in making up the committees, and
prominent republicans and democrats
comprise the membership. Gov. Colds
borough has been named as chairman of
the reception committee on the part of
the state and like position for Mayor
Preston on behalf of the city.
Already plans are being worked out to
brilliantly illuminate the entire city, and
the Fifth Regiment Armory, where the
convention Ill be held. is to be trans
formed into a building beautiful by day
through the aid of growing flowers and
at night by beautiful electrical effects
and American flags.
1t has been definitely settled that there
shall be no increase in the hotel and
boarding house rates. and efforts are now
under way to secure reduced rates On all
railway ana steamship lines entering the