Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-04-28
TAFT AND CLARK IN LEAD
Seems TO Be Little Doubt That These
Two Will Be the Victors.
HARD FIGHT WILL BE MADE
Roosevelt and Wilson Managers Still
Hopeful Of Carrying the
= State.
Special Correspondence Of The star.

BALTIMORE. April 81, 1912.
The presidential primary campaign
Is on in full blast now. The headouar-
tiers of the two republican and three
democratic candidates are working
overtime and the campaign managers
are getting down to brass tacks." The
.uaft leaders assert that the sensational
developments regarding the harvester
trust suit has greatly damaged the
Roosevelt campaign In this state and
that many who were wavering have
now enrolled under the Taft banner.
=, Chairman John B. Hanna Of the re-
publican state committee has just re-
turned from a fortnight's tour in Har-
ford county and other sections OF the
state and expresses every confidence
that Taft will have the Maryland dele
cation. To The Star correspondent
Chairman Hanna said today:
Il have not changed my mind about
the outcome in Maryland or the coun-
try at large. There has been q reaction
IN fSvor Of Taft His recent victories
Island. coupled with the plain talking
that has obtained during the last few
days day. has stiffensd the situation all
have more of a fight than had been
expected, due to the moral effect OF
outside battles and to liberal expendi-
in hand. President Taft's speech here
next Saturday will go far toward show
ing the people just what the real ma
rsf al # II this g, campaign is and he win
the national convention"
Bravado in Roosevelt Camp.
At the Roosevelt headquarters today
there, was decided change In the at
'mosphere. For weeks past the visitor
was impressed with the air of conf
dence that pervaded the rooms. and the
leaders seemed cocksure Of victory for
the colonel 1t Is true that the man.
the Maryland delegates, but the spirit
pervading them Is rather one of bra
vado than OF belief.
The most interesting development of
the week Is the attitude assumed by
CHARLES J. Bonaparte, Attorney General
In the Roosevelt cabinet On the day
Following the publication Of the cor
respondence between Roosevelt Bona
parte and Herbert Knox Smith regard
ing the harvester trust suit. Mr.. Bona
Parte made q vigorous attack upon
President Taft. in which he said:
regret to be compelled to say that
the publication Of the documents about
the harvester trust has caused me to
PRESIDENT Taft and a very different
sentiment concerning him from those
had entertained. The question
whether or not papers not intended
Tor publication. In the custody Of an
executive. ought to be published is one
which must always be determined by
the attendant circumstances. and espe-
etally by the public interest, but. in
every case, their publication should be
20 made as to promote a knowledge
of the truth and not to promote the
dissemination of calumnies.
II wauld not have believed that the
President would act on different prin-
ciples. and I feel bound now to with
draw the statement I have several
times made publicly that IL he IL NOM
mated he will have my vote in Noyem-
bed"
Only Clark and Wilson.
In the democratic camp the fight has
now narrowed down to Clark and Will
son. with the chances in favor Of the
Speaker. Mayor Preston. the city lead
er. during the week came out in
lengthy statement setting forth reasons
for his support Of Clark and this has
been followed up with Endorsements OF
Clark by the ward organizations.
That Clark will have the state. as well
as the city organization. behind him in
the primaries, became almost certain
when Arthur p. German formally an
nounced this week that he favored Clark,
and gave as his reason for espoustng the
cause of the Speaker that he believes
Clark lis the character and stripe OF man
who can unite the party and lead US to
s victory In November"
The campaign for Mayor Preston for
vice presidential nomination IL on In
full swing. and literature setting forth
the claims Of Maryland and the south for
the second place on the ticket will be
sent broadcast over the country this
week. and there will be special PAM
phlets sent to each delegate uvhO Will nj.
tend the Baltimore convention.
1t is reported that William Jennings
Bryan will lend aid to the Preston cam
@paign In the event OF Clark being nomi-
mated. While here this week, Mr.. Bryan
had conference with City Solicitor
Field. who was Mr.. Preston's campaign
manager during the mayorality fight. and
who is the closest personal and political
friend OF Mr.. Bryan in Maryland. Poltt-
1cal organizations all over the city are
Endorsing the Speaker for President and
The mayor for Vice President. and the
battle cry of the regular democrats is
nrk nd ma DE-