The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1915-04-25
Political Situation.

| wind.
Two of the States, Maryland and Kentucky,
are normally Democratic. Massachusetts, the re-
naming one of the trio, is naturally Republican
but of late has been eecting the Democratic State
ticket owing to the division in the Republican
party Political conditions not, however, nor
NAL, so that both parties entering the cam
paign with some uncertainty as to the outcome.
The almost total disappearance OF the Progressive
vote and the sweeping victory achieved by the Re-
publicans last fall are factors which cause the
Democrats some anxiety. If the Republicans
should carry all three States-which does not now
seem probable-the moral effect of the victory
would be tremendous and would point to the
overwhelming election of the Republican cand-
date for President next year. If they should win
in MARYLAND and Massachusetts, they would be-
yond doubt be greatly encouraged, to say the
least
In Maryland a governor and entire State
ticket including the legislature will be elected The
Republicans are anxious to capture the legislature
because they desire to materially change the State
election laws and thus pave the way for the cleo
ton of a Republican United States Senator next
wear 1t does not seem possible for them to &C
complsh this result They might win the lower
house but under the State constitution only one
half of the senate is chosen every two years and
il SO happens that the present senate IS over
whelmingly Democratic and nearly all the hold
over senators represent that party. Nothing but
a political revolution of the most surprising
character could change the complexion of the leg
islaure.
But the fight over the governorship is en-
tirely different Gov Goldsborough. the present
Republican executive, was elected in 1911 by
plurality of nearly 5000. He has made good
governor, but has given no indication as to
whether he desires another term. State Senator
Warburton is the only Republican who has an
nounced his candidacy up to the present time
while former United States Senator Jackson, who
is the dominant factor in the party, has not yet
intimated anv choice among the woud-be candi-
dates In the Democratic party the contest is
full of dramatic features. 1t is recognized a
fight to the death for party leadership. Much
depends upon the outcome OF the Inayoralty
election in Baltimore on May 6, when Mayor
lanes H. Preston will, in all probability, be re-
elected over his Republican opponent. Charles
c. Heintzeman. Mr.. Prestons victory will give
him control of the Baltimore situation and thus
place in his hands the balance of power between
the Western and Eastern sections OF the State.
Under these circumstances his influence would be
most potential in the choice of the Democratic
CdnQlQdte al inc PRIMARIES hSAt JuiS'
There are three Democratic candidates-Repre-
sentative John Charles Linthcum, State Comp
,roller Emerson c. Harrington and United States
Senator Blair Lee. The story of the latter's en-
trance into the gubernatorial is interesting.
His term as Senator expires on March 3, 1917,
and it was naturally expected that he would seek
reelection He aspires to party leadership, how
ever and finds that this result cannot be attained
in Washington. Annapolis is. therefore, his OBJ
jective point. Should he be successful he would
depose Senator John Walter Smith from leader
ship and the latter is supporting Harrington. An
interesting feature of the situation is the under
standing that if Senator Lee wins the governor
ship he will not resign from the Senate until he
has qualified in his new office, thus preventing
Gov. Goldsborough from appointing Republican
10 the vacancy. Mayor Preston is anxious to go
to the Senate and it is easy to that agree
ment whereby Mr.. Prestons ambition would be
realized would be very helpful to Senator Lees
candidacy This is only of the many posi-
bties in the situation. On the other hand, Sem
ator Smith is experienced politician with a
strong organization and is certain not to allow
himself to be superseded without bitter strug
gle.
There prominent State issues, although
prohibition is certain to figure in the contest and
issues especially the passing of prosperity. The
Democrats will insist that the election is purely
State matter and will endeavor to subordinate
national topics.
In Massachusetts, the contest for the COVER
norship will besbetween former Representative
Mccall the Republican side and Gov. Walsh
for the Democrats. Former Gov. Foss may seek
nomination through the support of both Repub
cans and Prohibitionsts, although this is not
yet certain. There may be a Progressive candi-
date but the Progressive party, once strong in
Massachusetts, has dwindled into nothingness
and is no longer disturbing element. The out
come is matter of uncertainty. The fight will be
made on national issues, for which Mr.. Mccall
who is good campaigner with long experience
in Congress- is admirably equipped In the cleo
ton last fall the Republicans made gain of four
Congressional districts, so that the court now
stands twelve Republicans and four Democrats in
stead of eight and eight. This victory has en-
couraged the Republicans to believe that they can
win the governorship this year. 1t must be re-
membered however, that Massachusetts, has not
had Republican governor since the expiration