The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1916-04-07


state of the public mind especially on
international questions. people are pre-
pared to insist or knowing what they
are getting.
There have been times In the past
when II was thoroughly good policy to
nominate a candidate for President who
had no known views. but was recognized
as a good party man. The comb nation
of such man for President with Vice.
Presidential candidate from a doubtful
stateSn which he was personally popu-
lar. was for many years perfectly sound
politics.
But this year, the country doesn't
want a pig In n poke. 1t In going to
insist on knowing what II 10 getting. and
defeat Roosevelt's nomination. lies in
tho fact that everybody knows exactly
where Roosevelt stands, and that the
contrast between him and other as
pirants, especially with reference to in
ternationai matters, is so striking that
II In inevitably commanding for him the
support OF good many people who
Ike courags. and frankness above every
thing else"
The fact II that Colonel Roosevelt IN
rather smoking out the rest of the gen.
tlemen who are discussed In connection
with the Republican nomination. The
statement which he issued at Port of
trip fooled the politicians profoundly.
Characteristic Statement.
That Ia one thing about the Roosevelt
method that the politicians seem never
10 learn. 1t was perfectly characters
tic Of him TO say that the country didn't
want him for President. unless 1T had
something heroic in its mood"
The politicians thought they saw in
that phrase Q handle to ridicule, that
they could get hold OF and employ to
his disadvantage. They started 20 be-
casm. only to discover that the country
understood exactly what "T r. q" meant
II not only understood but II mani
Tested measure OF sympathy and APP
pro ,n , that was positively astonishing
That Port Of Spain statement has now
been supplemented by the Oyster Bay
pronouncement In which the former
President outlines the platform on
mated by the Republicans. It IL COM
monty regarded as an ultimatum, and
one 10 which the opposition leaders are
likely TO have TO capitulate.
There is no doubt that q significant
shifting OF political centers of gravity
has taken place since the European war
began. Former Governor Stubbs or
Kansas pointed this out when in WASH
lnBtOn u Jay OF tWO ago.
East More Ardent.
He said that the western States which
we're formerly Roosevelt strongholds.
seemed TO be less enthusiastic for the
colonel than In other years. while the
East was very much more ardent in its
SUPPORT Of him.
Governor stubbs EXPRESSED the opinion
that Kansas Is decidedly In favor Of
Hughes.
When he was asked why Kansas was
for Hughes. he replied that he would
have to answer for him: he had known
Hughes as governor of New York, had
seen a good deal Of him. had campaigned
with him. and regarded him as a re-
uiarkable man and executive.
When he was asked what he under
stood Nj. HuRhes' Views to be. on what
NAV be called modern issues-those
growing out OF the war. the interna-
tionai situation. the Mexican imbroglio.
and the like-Governor Stubs admitted
that he hadn't an idea.
He did not think that the western
supporters of HUGHES cared: but he ad-
feerent view. and that Roosevelts en-
tire frankness and viRor In creating his
position has greatly strengthened him.
Can't Be Ignored.
The Roosevelt platform is one that
cannot very well be ignored by other
people who are seeking delegates. The
impression Is strong and is gaining
strength every day that the Republic
last analysis OF tust two classes of men;
those who are for and those who are
against Roosevelt.
A good many OF both groups will be
DELEGATES rather as a result OF acci-
dent. and will be sent there nomlnally to
Annn0rf
But In the final ANALYSIS as to a shake
down that may occupy a number or bal
lots II is expected that the Roosevelt
people will get on one side and the or
As the politicians are analysing Il to-
day, the result OF the primary in Michi-
gan was pretty thoroughly characters
tic OF the present sentiment Of the
was an aspirant for the Republican
Presidential support OF his State. He
has served great number Of years in
both Senate and House. has a good and
effective organization, and was support
ed by the party press, Under ordinary
circumstances he would have been given
| the delegation without much question,
though with the understanding that its
support Is likely to be complimentary
| and rather nominal.
Really a Protest.
Henry Ford was brought into the field
| against Senator Smith and carried the
delegates in/the primary. There has
been some disposition to regard this re-
suit as a good deal of a Joke on primary
| system. As a matter OF fact, II repre-
sents protest against the very pig-in-a-
| poke proceeding that Is represented by
| the candidates. OF several gentlemen.
Michigan Is proud Of Henry Ford as
| n citizen, and has at least the satisfac-
tion OF knowing just exactly what he
| stands for In international matters.
Thst he could muster. on his platform
of peace at any price, enough strength
Smith prestige. has been a real shock
to the politicians They are now call
culating that u the Smith candidacy
had contained, or seemed to contain,