The Washington times., 1915-01-25
WILSON PRACTICALLY
SURE TO RUN AGAIN
Opposition Among Democrats to
His denomination Has Died
: Away.
Bv JOHN sNURE.


Talk that President Wilson will have
serious opposition in his own party for
denomination. which was rife at the be-
ginning Of the year. has practically died
away.
The President IL reasonably sure to
he accorded a denomination in 1916 with
out a struggle. unless there is a de-
cided shift in the present situation.
At one time. there was q movement
for the nomination of Champ Clark.
undoubtedly encouraged by some Of the
1912 friends Of Mr.. Clark but there is
reason to believe that this movement
has been halted.
Speaker Clark himself is not disposed
to get into the race. That is. he Is will
nominated and lead the 1916 fight. OF
course, II the 1916 situation, by any
change Of conditions. should become q
free-for-all. and Secretary Bryan and
others should enter 1t. Mr.. Clark would
The Speaker never has lost his an
tipathy to Bryan. caused by what oc-
CURED at Baltimore. And he never will.
Any talk that the breach has been
patched up may be dismissed.
Leaders Frankly Gloomy.
Democratic leaders about the Capitol
talk unreservedly about the 1915 out
look, and say frankly that the prospects
for 1916 are not bright, and that they
look to see the country swing back to
the Republicans.
The general trend among the Demo-
Gratis in Congress is blue. However. the
1916 campaign is twenty months away.
and many things can happen in that
time. End Of the European war. big
revival In business, legislative action
which would appeal to the country, and
and Republican leaders realize. might
Eend the tide running strongly in the
Democratic direction.
Combnemt on the denomination Of
President Wilson within the Democratic
c1rcles here Is of two kinds. The adj
only Democrat who stands any show of
leading the party to another Victory.
The men who are hostile to him say
no Democrat can be elected. and under
the circumstances they are willing to
have Mr. Wilson run again. Some of
look for defeat, and hence do not want
Speaker Clark to be a candidate.
As a matter of fact. on the basis OF
the figures of the 1914 election. the view
of many of the Democrats that they
cannot win in 1916 is unwarranted. II
the Progressive party should continue
strong. or If the remnants Of this party
should divide evenly the Democrats
would stand good show to win.
Democrats Have Chance.
The unofficial figures Of the 1914 cleo
ton show the Democrats the country
over polled SPAS votes; Republicans
s.013,S74; Progressive party. 1.So6,417. ant
Socialists, 6s7, ,495. The Democratic vot,
was about $4,000 more than in 1912, tn,
Republicans gained about 1,50O. 900 votes
and the Progressive party lost abou
100000 votes. II it be assumed tha
the Progressive party Is going practical
~ to pieces in 1916. and that by far thu
larger fraction Of its vote ia going t
the Republicans. then. taking popular
vote as an index. the Republicans will
Win. 1t is true this assumption is com
mon among most politicians in Washing
ton at this time. But It is not to bt
overlooked that II the Democratic part,
should appeal strongly enough to tn.
Progressive party vote to draw abou
half that vote to itself or if anything
should happen to strengthen the Pro
8ressive party the Democrats would
again be victorious. and President vii
son would get another term.
President Wilson undoubtedly wa!
correct when he said at indianapolis
In effect that everything defended OF
the Independent vote.