Evening star., 1915-05-15
MR.. BURTON LEADS
FOR OHIO SUPPORT
Should He Seek Presidency
G. o. P. Forces May
Back Him
BELIEVED HE DESIRES
TO RETURN TO SENATE
Gov. Willis Not Expected to Seek
National Honors-0ld Republican
Leaders Gone.
BY N. o. MESSENGER.

BY N. o. MESSENGER.
COLUMB<S. Ohio. May 15.-Former
Senator Burton probably will command
the support of the Ohio delegation to the
republican national convention II he de-
cides to enter the race for the presidency.
The use Of the IF" is occasioned by well
grounded belief that he may choose to
stand for reelection to the Senate in
preference to subjecting himself to the
uncertainties Of the presidential contest
1t Is not believed that Gov. Willis will
be a candidate for the presidential
nomination. The early frost that fell
upon the boom of another governor has
been warning to him Gov. Whitman's
experience has been a dampener to Gov.
Willis
Many Ohioans think it is quite probable
that Myron T. Herrick will not be a can
didate. His health is very poor. for one
thing, and the opposition aroused against
him on the charge of ultra conservatism
and affiliation with the reactionaries has
been discouraging
Mr.. Burton Leads Field.
Former Senator Burton admittedly
towers above the other republicans in
Ohio. and IL the state is to declare for
a favorite son it is thought Mr.. Burton
will be the man. It is known that he
regretted not having run for reelection
to the Senate, and he is quite keen to go
back OF course, he will have to make
up his mind which he prefers, for the
same primaries which elect delegates to
the national convention will also name
candidates for the United States senator
snip Mr. Burton Is in South America
at present, thinking it over
The republican party in Ohio at this
time Is somewhat disorganized for lack
OF leadership. William H. Taft once
said that he would like to see the re-
publican party in Ohio a little more
Is not only fluid, but gaseous.
Old Leaders Are Gone.
The old leaders are gone; Foraker is
but memory Of departed power; the
old Mckinley crowd is scattered; Dan
Hanna ts trying to follow In the foot
steps Of his father and is setting up
an organization in northern Ohio;
Harry Daugherty Is practicing law and
letting the storm Of 1912 blow over
The integral units OF the party are ex-
istent and In healthy condition. but the
workings Of the primary law render it
difficult to assemble and organize them.
No one man seems to be able to grab
them; it would be like grabbing an
armful Of spaghetti.
Liquor Question to Fore.
Tho ubiquitous liquor question is to
the fore In Ohio politics. being spon-
sored by the republicans. The drys
were badly worsted in the last cleo
tions. but are up and at 1t again. Gov.
Willis has Just forced through the leg
islature a bill which leaves Cleveland and
Cincinnati free to handle the problem
and go wet IL they want to, but for the
rest of the state establishes thirty-two
license districts. grouping the countries
SO that one wet county will be hand
cuned to two dry counties. and thus
the vets placed In the minority on the
license boards.
their governor and legislature. and
their acts will be under scrutiny
through the operation Of the initiative
and referendum. Several of the acts
passed by the legislature Will proba bly,
be referred to the voters for sanction
and it Is thought quite likely that the
liquor law will be SO submitted.
Held to Be Reactionary.
The democrats charge that the re-
publican administration is reactionary
and that It has done nothing construc-
tive. There will probably be q loud
seems now that the governor win
have to dip into tho surplus In the
treasury, left by his predecessor, to
mako up the quota.
The democrats charge that this IL q
"jitney" administration. and poke fun
which they say IL OF the shirt sleeve
variety. Gov. Willis, 1t Is said, Is very
self sufficient. and there Is complaint
that he do6s not consult the party
ator Harding. 1t IL said that he has
succeeded in bending the legislature
to his will throughout.
1t 10 expected that he will be can
didate for reelection as governor, un-
less affairs should shape themselves so
tial aspirations He is not regarded.
however, by the more experienced re-
publicans as presidential timber yet
By the time his administration has
been submitted to tho test OF public
opinion he may be contented to have
his course as governor ratified without
looking higher at this time.
Confident Of Carrying State.
The republicans of Ohio arc very con-
ddent Of carrying the state In the
elections. but their con-
ddence 10 tempered by the uncertainties
Of the situation over the liquor ques-
tion and the possibilities Of foreign de-
Underneath the surface all thought
full politicians realize that the liquor
question and religion will play big
parts in the next campaign. To them
will be added another element of un-
certainty. the German-American vote.
Patriotic men OF both parties realise
that q very unhappy and deplorable
condition may arise through tho intec-
ton into state and national politics OF
religious and racial questions. but they
will have to be faced.