The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1912-05-24
FORECASTS REGARDING BUCK.
EYE STATE PRIMARIES
VARY, HOWEVER.
EVEN BREAK PROBABLE
Newspaper Men Wire White House
the Contest viii Be ciose.-La
Toilette and General
Apathy.

ton coming to the White House re-
garding the Ohio contest between
President Taft and Colonel Roosevelt
was generally favorable to the presi.
dent 1t Is apparent, however, that
although claiming votes enough in the
Chicago convention to nominate the
president. his friends are hoping for
better than his even break" in Ohio.
not only for the influence that such
result would have upon the electors
In the New Jersey and South Dakota
primaries. but also upon any waver-
ing and doubling delegates among the
unfnstructed chosen to the Chicago
convention.
A variety Of reports received at the
White House from confidential and
dfsinterested sources, mainly from
newspaper men who are watching the
situation In Ohio. indicated that Pres.
ident Taft will do well to carry half
Of the state delegation. But he may
get more than half. One report re-
ceived was that the delegation of six
at large Is practically conceded to
Taft. There will be no surprise what.
ever II Taft does not get over IA dis
trict delegates. General apathy and
La Toilette are uncertain influences.
Roosevelt is apparently worried, judg-
Ing by the fight he is making and
from reports reaching here from his
train.
Some Wire Forecasts.
Taft was cody received when he
first entered the state, but later he
met big crowds and enthusiasm"
Sentiment is apparently now run
ming from the colonel, but it is prob
ably too late to give the state to Taft,
Dan Hanna and Brown are hurting
Roosevelt Taft has put up a strong
battle, has been growing stronger as
the campaign progressed, and turning
opinion his way, but the idea of most
Of the newspaper boys is that he will
take half the district delegates, or
less"
Another telegram from source
close to the president and probably
favored with favorable Taft views. II
Is as follows:
Il think Taft is sure of seven dis
tricts, with eight doubtful and lean.
ing to him. Roosevelt seems to have
four, with two doubtful and leaning
to him"
1t is fair to say that in White
House circles there was not the least
doubt that the strong arguments the
president presented will have a good
effect throughout the country, regard
less Of results in Ohio today, unless
the president should get a severe
drubbing there.
On the Democratic Side.
Woodrow Wilson. Governor Har.
mons only opponent, did not enter
the state. Harmon's serious antag-
onist has been William Jennings Bry.
an, who. speaking for the Ohio Pro-
gressive Democratic league, has at
tackled the governors candidacy and
has urged Wilson's nomination.
Senator Robert NJ. La Toilette.
after opening the fight in the state,
returned last Friday night and made
three speeches in support of his cause
Governor Harmon limited his cam
paigning in his home state to five
night addresses, which were given
over to answering Mr.. Bryan.
Supporters of all factions in the
contest are expecting q
large primary vote. Because OF the
ballots. returns are not
expected until late. The polls will
be open from $50 a. m. until $3.50
p. m. Lewis c. Laylin. Taft's Ohio
was confident In his predic-
lions. Walter +. Brown. chairman of
the Republican state committee, who
has managed Roosevelt's campaign In
this state. left his headquarters with.
out making any prediction as to to-
days outcome. The committee. how
ever. promised a practically complete
sweep for Roosevelt.