The Hartford republican. (Hartford, Ky.) 18??-1926, 1915-06-04
CLEAR PATH
FOR FAIRBANKS
Indianan Will Not Have Op-
position at Home.
Hoosier Delegation will Stand
Solidly Behind The Ex-Vice
President in Convention.

indianapolis. Ind, May 27.-By
withdrawing as a prospective candi
date for the presidential nomination
James E. Watson, of Rushville, has
cleared up situation that promised
no end of embarrassment to the Re.
publican leaders in Indiana. 1t will
not be necessary for them to choose
between Watson and Charles Warren
Fairbanks, as the former has declared
publicly that Indiana is for Fairbanks
and that he will support him.
The significance of an impromptu
speech Watson made at the Green's
burg love-feast few days ago is now
dawning on the Republicans who fail
ed to grasp it at first. 1t seemed to
have been overlooked at the lovefeast
that Watson had made it possible for
the entire Republican organization in
Indiana to get behind Fairbanks by
declaring that this State will have but
one presidential candidate, and that
Fairbanks will have that honor.
For several months Watson has
been regarded as a probable candi-
date for the Presidency. Whatever
encouragement he gave to the men
who were boosting him is not mat
ter of public knowledge. 1t is a fact
that many well-known Indiana Re-
publicans believed that Watson might
go to the national convention as a
dark horse,s and land the presiden-
tial nomination.
Several weeks ago it was reported
that Watson called on Fairbanks at a
hotel in Pasadena, CAL, where Fair
banks was spending the winter, and
talked with him regarding the situa-
ton. Watson. at that time, had an
idea that he might make the race. He
discussed the matter with Fairbanks,
and is said to have told him that
neither he nor Fairbanks would stand
a ghost of show II both entered the
running.
+ 1t is reported that as skillful as
possible he gave Fairbanks an oppor-
tunity to say that he would not be a
candidate. but that Fairbanks. who is
noted for his caution. refused to COM
NIT himself further than to say that
when both returned to Indiana the
discussion might be renewed. Watson
returned from California fully con-
WINGED in his own mind that Fair
banks is q presidential candidate.
The situation has been embarrass-
ing to the members of the Republican
organization in Indiana for the rea-
son that as long as there were two
prospective candidates its hands were
tied. Chairman Hays has maintain
ed a neutral attitude toward all can
didates. The State organization fol-
lowed his example.
But since Watson has removed
himself somewhat from the limelight
the party organizations hands are
united. 1t was stated by one of the
higher-ups among the organization
leaders that something will be done
some toward launching the Fairbanks
boom. AS matter of course. what
ever is done is contingent on the de-
s!res of Fairbanks.
He has kept himself out of the
range of interviewers on the subject
of his own political future. He has
not attended any meetings where he
could be drawn into the game in
manner that would cause him to do
some fancy side-stepping in order to
keep from committing himself.
1t has been taken for granted. how
ever. that he will become a candi-
date when he thinks the time is ripe.
The party organization is in position
now to go to the front in his behalf.
and will do SO unless he pulls the
strings the other way He has accept
ed an invitation to accompany the Re-
publican editors on their annual out
ing to Corydon and Louisville June
10 and IL. and 1t " regarded as like
ly that at that time something will be
done to call the attention of the coun-
try to the attitude Of the Republicans
OF this State IN his behalf.
A feeling exists among the Repub-
licans OF this State that Fairbanks
stands fine show Of being nominat-
ed. They believe that a man of his
type will be chosen. and they figure