Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1916-05-19
v0TEIFOR FORD
CAUSES WORRY
Pacifist's Popularity Taken
as Sign of Danger at
Present
RUM0Rs OF BoLTING
Possibility of Detroit Manufactures
Entering the Field as an lndepen.
dent Candidate

/ Washington, May 19-The amazing
vote cast in Michigan, in Nebraska
and in PENNSYLVANIA for :Iei"y Ford
for the Presidency is the most ex-
traordinary phenomenon that has de-
relopei in l;t;onal politics during
this campaign.
Moreover, it is vote that is caus-
ing widespread concern among Re-
publican leaders and an equal mea-
sure of interest among Democrats.
All hands are trying to fathom the
significance of candidacy that is
not candidacy, of an eagelness OF
thousands of voters to ballot for an
idea, of the determination of so many
men in sections far removed from
each other to support a mere propa-
gandist for. the highest office in the
land
And it is easy to see that such sit
uation has certain definite posslbl
lities.. For instance, Henry Ford, in
his enthusiasm for peace and in his
hostility to national preparedness,
may be induced to offer himself as an
independent candidate for the Presi-
dency. He might become convinced
that such course is the only means
whereby the people who believe as
he does can voice their protest against
| the policies of the two great parties.
AS a matter of fact, rumors nave
been current for some time that al
organized campaign is about to be
launched in behalf of Ford, and that
it is being withheld until the Repub-
lican and Democratic Conventions
have n.mei their candidates . :! an
nounced their platforms. The nominee
of each of these conventions will be
pledged to a vigorous maintenance
of American rights at home and
abroad and TO broad program of ma
tional defense.
The Ford people know this, OF
course, They do not dream that the
Detroit man may be the choice Of the
Republican Convention whatever may
be the frst-ballot vote for him at
Chicago. They expect the nomina-
ton of Roosevelt or a Hughes or
Burton and fully understand the
pledges which that nominee will give
to the country. Neither the Repub-
lican ticket nor the Republican plat
form will be in line with the Ford
propaganda.
With these things anticipated, it
is the plan of the peace-at-any price
advocates, according to the best in
formation, to name ticket of their
own and 90 before the country with !"
direct appeal of their own. They
would, it is said, offer candidate
who would attract not only the un-
compromising peace-shouters, but al
so the straight German vote, tie
. straight Irish vote and the straight
labor vote.
The opposition Of Ford to all ma
tional defense legislation, it is flgur-
ed would invite the support of those
German who will be un-
able to find any comfort in the pro.
misses of Republicans or Democrats;
those Irish Americans who have as
sailed the shipment of arms to the
Allies, and the labor class that point
, to the wages and hours which Ford
! has given the employees OF his factor
les.
These are the elements from which
. Mr.. Ford's friends believe he could
q recruit his votes, and if all four OF
6 them were to vote solidly for the De-
! troit manufacturer he would without
doubt play an important part in the
coming campaign. He might not be
elected even then, but he would make
! it impossible Cor the Republicans t.
r elect the next President.
That is the reason why Republi
can leaders are concerned about th'
: Ford vote. These leaders know tina
Ford is not enough of Republican
recessari's = TO abide by the .::iao .
4 the Chicago convention. They know
t that he would not hesitate minute