South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-06-26
Uncertainty of Bull Moose
Vote Is Leading COnun-
drum With Both Repub-
IiCanS and Democrats.
News-Times Special Service.

News-Tirnes Special Service:
INDIANAPOLIS, June 26.-Prep-
arations for war overshadow all
politics In Indiana today. just as
they overshadow all other consid-
eratlons in the country. Yet out Of
the very warlike atmosphere itself
politics in Indiana are brewing.
Whatever the Mexican situation may
hold in store for the nation. IL will
have a very material effect on the
coming presidential election. And
Indiana will be one OF the biggest
factors. next TO the war situation
itself-or a possible European war
situation-in the solution Of the
problem Of November, according to
the expressed belief Of leaders Of all
parties here.
So much has been written about
Indiana as a pivotal state in politics
that the politicians here are cal
loused TO the problems that con-
front them in this unusual year.
Two senator's. a vice president OF
the United States. "A governor. a
legislature and a congressional dele
cation are not mere trifies TO blow
bubbles about. yet politics is ex-
tremely quiet just now, following
the three big national conventions
and preceding the proposed pro-
gressive convention, which is sched-
uled 10 be held here some time in
July IL the progressive state COM
nittee. meeting here June %. de-
cides 10 hold such a state conven-
ton.
Parties Are PUSSY Footing"
Democrats. while making little
noise at present, are putting in
some hard ticks in an Organizational
way. although there is little above
board 10 prove that 10 even the
democratic Hnemen. The republic
an state organization also is work.
irg. but little news about its &C
t.vities has yet been passed through
the censor. In fact IL is firmly be-
l.eved that the republican party in
Indiana just now is not in a position
10 do much talking. II is waiting
again. as II has done for several
well-remembe red and lean years.
since Mr.. Roosevelt first compelled
it TO put its hand 10 its ear in 1912.
Again. today. IL has it's hand up
there-listening and waiting for the
word from oyster Bay.
PrOgressives, democrats and re-
pubiicans seem TO expect Roosevelt
20 cast his lot with the Hughes fol-
lowing. but there will be vast
group OF progrcssives throughout the
ration-and IN Indiana-it is be-
lieved that will refuse TO follow
Mr. Roosevelt. At both great Chi
cago conventions there was a dis
tinct impression that Mr.. Roosevelt
had succeeded in administering his
favorite sign-the double-cross-on
& great many OF the progressives.
who had been heart and soul with
the progressive principles, regard
less Of party leadership. These men
saw in Roosevelt the exemplification
~ their idol of American thinking
until lie entered the Chicago con-
vcntions and proceeded to attempt
% spill the beans whichever way
they might want 10 go, just so they
spilled in his own lap In this he
was partially successfuI-as is now
ancient history.
Many Favor Democracy.
But his movements at Chicago
and the contemplated statement he
is TO make soon in which il is ex-
pected he will come out I'm support
OF Hughes. undoubtedly will drive
many former progressives clear
across into the democratic ranks.
And il car be said here also. with
ont fear of contradiction. that with
Wilson actually taking the reins
down in the Mexican border situa-
ton. there are a great many In
diana republicans. who know there
Ought to be a lot of reasons why
they shouldn't vote for Woodrow
Wilson-but they can't think OF a
single one OF them just now.
Edwin NJ Lee, the state chairman
Of the progressive party. apparent