Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1916-08-24
IN CALIFORNIA

Il was decidedly delicate sltua-
ton which Mr. Hughes was called up
on to meet 10 California. and IT Is
little wonder that. according TO al re-
ports. matters were not rcmodied any
by the visit Of the presidential can
ddate 70 that state.
Ever since he camc into prominence
as a political factor IN the affairs Of
the state. Governor johnson has been
n storm center i'm california HIS
friends were most dovotcdly for him
and HE enemies most bitterly against
him. From the time ho assembled 20
the govcrnorship he has been under
q morcilcss fire, and nothing has been
left uudonc by his political opponents
to encompass his defeat.
Especially has this been the case
ever since 1912. when the governor
managed. by virtue Of his control Of
the election machinery OF the state, to
name progressive electors ON the re-
publican tirkct-a mancuycr which
resulted iu carrying California for
Roosevelt 10y am overwhelming plur-
atty over Taft, who received only
3,gI4 votes in the state. Naturally
old-lne republicans smartcd under
tho sting Of that defeat and have
been more bitter IN their opposition
TO Johnson than ever before
This year Governor johnson is a
candidate for the republican nomina-
ton for the senate. and has urged the
progressives to enroll as republicans
In order TO aid him In securing the
nomination Of that party. The sit
uauon has thus become more mud.
died than ever, ana the facuonal dit-
fcrencea between the California re-
pubHcans. already sharp. have be
come more pronounced than ever be-
fore. II is unnecessary TO add that
should the governor receive the re-
publican nomination it will only be
after one Of the hardest struggles
within the party that has ever been
known.
II was with matters in this shape
that Mr. Hughes entered California on
his campaign tour Right at the
start there were quarrcls as to which
Of tho two opposing organizations
should entertain him ana be rccog-
nizcd by him. Such a thing as get
ting together was out OF the question.
such thing as placatng both par
Ties TO the quarrel was equally i'm
possible. such a thing as taking
sides with one and not making the
other mad was hopeless task 1t
was AN entirely different undertakinB
from that which confronted MT.
Hughes Just after his nomination
when he was interviewed by both SUI
iragists aud anus and managed to
send both away delighted
Mr. Hughes ana Governor johnson
spent several hours together in the
same hotel IN Long Beach last sun
day. but did not meet II was de
MED that this was due to any uu-
plcasunnoss between them, and the
statement was made that the governor
ala not know OF the presence of the
presidential candidate in the hotel
If that les true, ncws carries mucn
moro slowly la Long Reach than one
would suppose The average news
paper reader Is apt to take the oN-
PLANTATION with "a considerable grain
OF salt-as the best way that smooth
politicians could find out of "a very
awkward situation
II viii be surprising If the republic
can split i'm california does not re-
suit m Wilson carrying the state hy
a substantial majority Republicans
are frankly pc%imisttc over the out
look in that state and democrats cor
rcpondpgN mhtlant And as for
Governor Johusou's chances for the
scnatc--wcll, We shall see.