The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-11-01
DEMOCRATS HOPES
LIE IN VERSAILLES
Says T. r. and Taft to Get
Reply in Wilson Vindica-
ton Across Water.
CALL SMITH A WINNER
Republicans at Capital See
Boomerang in Attack
on Roosevelt.
CALL SMITH A WINNER
Special Despdteh TO The suS.


WAsHISGroN, Oct. 31.--With the po-
litical campaign having only a few more
days to run great confidence appeared
to-day TO exist on both sides Of the po-
litical fence. But what makes this cam
paign absolutely unprecedented and be-
yond the power of any one to forecast
very accurately its result Is the ad-
mitted fact that the political situation
is inextrlcably interviewer with the con-
ference row going on at Versailles It
was acroFs the water that the politicians
and political prognosticators were turn
ing their eyes to-day rather than to
happenings in this country.
That the Democratic leaders are
actually counting upon the developments
In the next few days abroad turning the
scales for them is too patent to be
questioned. II opinion expressed in cir
cles close to the white House and else
where Is any criterion the Democrats
expect that the outcome OF the allied
conference will be vindication Of the
President SO convincing that 1t will
KNOCK the props from under the whole
Republican campaign. Whether or not
the confidence that appeared around
| the White House to. day as to the out
! side information from the Versailles de-
alterations could not be learned. Close
| friends of the President remarked sig
nincantly. however, that the criticism of
the President and the Roosevelt Tai IT
| statement to-day would be answered best
from across the water"
The Versailles conference Is due to
| wind up in day or two. with its action
made known to all the world Events In
| Germany following the Versailles an
nouncement are also matters OF much
| speculation as to their bearing on the
campaign.
Republican, Are JubiIant.
Republicans hero were jubilant over
the Roosevelt-Taft appeal, believing that
next to the Presidential appeal OF last
; Friday, It would be the most potent fac
tor Nm their favor particularly by rea-
son OF the evidence II afforded OF Re-
| publican solidarity. 1t Is not believed
row. however, that the President will
answer this concentrated fire from the
Republican ''heavies."
| 1t was said that reports reaching the
White House were still OF the most OPP
timistic kind. One report to which great
| credence appeared to be given in White
| House circles was that Al Smith was
certain Of election as Governor OF New
York. 1t was said that some OF the New
York Democratic leaders had called UP
| with this assurance and had staked their
political reputation on 1t. The report
from New York was taken as an indica-
ton OF what was generally to be ex-
rectcd throughout the country.
The political discussion was not con-
tinued in the Senate to-day for lack of a
quorum.
There is renewed opportunity for strife
! in the Senate when II resumes session
| tomorrow owing to the necessity for
passing continuing appropriation to
provide funds for stimulation of food
production under the law OF 1917. The
new food stimulation production meas
ure In still in conference and therefore
continuing resolutions for the old appro-
| priation must be enacted. This means
a bitter debate may ensue when the Sem