New Britain herald., 1915-03-22
Cummings for Senator.
CA. f. Howe in New York sunda.
Hera1d.)


Friends of Homer S. Cummings, of
Stamford, have begun to venture upon
loud whispers that he is a candidate
for the democratic nomination for
United States senator in 1915 But.
although they say they voice the de-
sire of the national committeeman.
and although there is plausibility
in their statement, it is believed there
will be no public avowal by Mr.. Cum
mlngs of his candidacy for many
months.
In fact, the likelihood is that Mr..
Cummings is the same sort of can
d1date for the nomination next year
that he was for the nominal ton in
1914. It was conceded that he cher
ished a senatorial ambition in the pre-
l1mlnary stages of the 1914 campaign,
but those who expected to hear mis-
silence on the subject open like a
flower were disappointed The sup
porters of Mr. Cummings thought
they saw in the bitter strife betw cen
Governor Baldwin and Representa-
Mahan for the senatorial nomination
a fine chance for their favorite as a
compromise candidate.
But it is said that Mr.. Cummings,
after a long survey Of the field de-
cided that party harmony with such
compromise was out of the ques-
ton, and that it was a bad year for
democrats, anyway. Accordingly, he
did not permit his name to go before
the democratic convention. He re-
manned nearly neutral in the fight for
the nomination. although what little
influence he exerted was in favor of
Governor Baldwin
Naturally, the object of launching
the Cummings boom for senator so
early is to head off other candidates
and to place Mr.. Cummings in a, posi-
ton of strategic advantage, where he
can have. the no1nir alton if when the
times comes he thinks the political
skies are propitious for . democrat
If he then does not care for the NOM
ination, he will be able to dictate to
the convention and fortify himself for
bid for the nomination in 1920. 1t
is a long look ahead, but it is no
fancy of childhood that those who
have INDUCED in far sighted an1bi-
lions in Connecticut politics have been
signally successful. Spontaneous nom
nations have been the exception in
Connecticut coventions
IT is said that the reason Mr. Cum
mngs does not come out in the open
as an avowed candidate for the SEN
atorial nomination next year is the
doubt which shrouds the prospect of
democratic success in the presidential
election Of 1916 Unless the demo-
cratic outlook improves nightly,
there is small chance of republican
rout in Connecticut
Democrats prattle OF the aliena-
ton of ten thousand republicans
voters because Of the party's recent
attitude toward the civil service law
but either they do not believe it or
they do not know what they are talk
ing about. OF course, the next year
is not unlikely TO be surcharged with
momentous political possibilities that
may upset all present calculations.
But no purely state issue is in sight
which presents the element of rea-
sonable doubt that the republicans
will hold fast in the 1916 elections
Should the unexpected happen,
however, or should there be a shift
in national tendencies due to develop
ments growing out of the war, Mr..
Cummings, his supporters say will
be enabled to take advantage of the
SITUATION Dy reason OF the early work
ing up Of boom for him.
Some of the democrats who are op-
posed to Mr.. Cummings say he could
not be induced to run for senator if
he should foresee defeat at the polls
Others among his opponents declare,
however that he will take the NOM
nation if he can get it, no matter
what the prospects of election are.
They say he believes that the defeat
cd democratic nominee for senator in
1916 will be renominated as the man
who offered himself as willing sac
rifice.