New-York tribune., 1917-11-27
Vardaman acing
Defeat in Election
For Pacihst Stand
[Staf Correspondence


JACKSON, Miss, Nov. Ex-senator
James X. Vardaman stands pat on his
record in Washington. Were he TO
begin again his career at the special
session Of Congress he "would not
change it by the crossing Of t. or
the dotting Of an g." He has mo
apology to make" for his votes on the
food control bill, the aviation bill and
other war measures.
Mississippi expected at least har-
hearted apology from a Democrat who
refused to stand behind the President
in time of war. In his self-satistied at
titude the Senator may find the eXpla-
nation Of why "the folks back home
seem less cordial than usual.
To-day he walks about the streets
Of Jackson as if he were a stranger.
Since 1890. when he first became a
member of the Legislature, he has been
a power in politics and the centre OF
an admiring group. Now he Is gener-
ally alone in his saunterings about
town. He has learned that things are
not es they were in Jackson.
Hard Campaign Ahead
There is no doubt that Senator Ward
aman realizes he is facing the hardest
campaign Of his career. He has lost
thousands Of friends and supporters
of long standing.
Since his return from Washington
he has made only two or three
speeches. but these have been sutfi-
cient 20 convince him that he is not the
attraction he was before he began his
policy of opposing the President and
the great majority in Congress.
After a ten-minute talk TO the special
session of the Legislature two weeks
ago there was none of the tremendous
applause of yore and few of the per-
sonal congratulations ne had grown
used TO. The Senator discovered that
some of those legislators who in former
campaigns had been his warmest sup
pcrters did not even give him pleas
ant smile nor shake hands at the con-
clusion Of his effort.
Before adjournment few days ago
the Legislature adopted resolutions by
almost unanimous vote indOrsng the
President and expressing confidence in
him and his associates. The resolution
I was said at the time, was intended as
a slap at Nardaman, and certain II Is
that it was not introduced by any OF
VGrdaman's supporters.
"Old Home Town" Cold
In speech Friday at Winona. hi:
cid home, where in 1888 he edited "Tht
Winona Advance" Senator Vardamar
said he had opposed war from first tc
last, but now that war had been de-
claled it was time TO bury all past diff
ferences He made no apology for his
attempts TO block legislation after wal
/ had been declared. "The old home
town" did not acclaim him the here
/ he was before the last session Of Con
gress.
The opening Of Congress Monday viii
recall to Washington both Senator
Nardaman and Representative Pat Har
+ rison, of the I'd District, who is after
+ Vardaman's seat in the Senate. liar
iison has made scores of speeches
which have been received with enthusi
asm. Everywhere he goes he is assured
\ by former Vardaman supporters tha
/ they are with him in his campaign u
/ line up Mississippi solidly behind th'
/ President.
7 EX-GoYe NOR r.. r. Noel, one OF th'
strongest men in the state, has alst
announced his candidacy for Varda
mans seat. lie has strong following
among the Baptists and prohibition
ists, which makes him "a factor 10 bt
reckoned with in the race.
The real opposition 10 Nardamanism
however, seems 20 have centred upoI
Harrison, and il is believed he will b,
the leading opponent. This is taken 4
mean there will be no nomination OF
the first primary and that Senator
Vardamsn and his leading opponen
will have 20 go before the people on 1
second ballot Harrison and Noel viii
I not tight each other. Their objects i!
| the same--the elimination OF VardamaI
I and all that he stands for in the stat
and nation. They class Vardaman will
La Toilette as one Of the little band 0,
"wilful men,