The Oklahoma City times. [volume] (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 1908-1984, 1918-03-04

WASHINGTON, March 4.-(Spe-
cial with the announcement OF the
senatorial candidacy of Representative
Lenfoot OF Wisconsin, republican, the
stage IL set for the most significant
political contest wased since the en-
trance OF the United States into the
world war
II is more than a state contest in
volving Wisconsin, home OF paciiisn
The results will be so hefalded and re-
garded non only throughout the United
States. but abroad with our allies and
possibly inside Germany, II, by the
chance OF the loyalists splitting their
vote between two candidates the viper
pro- German propaganda should be VIC
iorious II II far more significant than
any mere party lineup between the
democrats and republicans. The situa'
iion even contains the possibility OF a
nonpattiSan agreement OF the loyalisis
OF both parties TO unite upon one eah'
didaie, although that is not on the
cards at this stage and won't be ex-
cept as last resort
The Issue 10 Loyalty"
Primarily, the issue 10 loyalty and
complete support OF the war, and the
test Is in a state where admittedly the
most violent anti.waf sentiment has ex-
listed and In which the fangs OF the
pro- German propaganda have sunk
deepest. But the issue will 60 before
the voters as confused mixture oi
absolute loyalty on one hand La Fol-
le,tism and the dubious brand OF war
support and extreme paeiiism he ha,
displayed az the middle ground, aud
absolute, undsgused opposition 10 the
war in any shape. form or fashion a.
represented by the pro-German social
istic view as the other extreme. The
election will be April 2, when the sue
cessor TO the late Senator Hustlng, a
fighting loyalist, will be chosen by
direct vote OF the people.
Washington Watches Race.
As the situation is viewed from here,
and Washington has watched every
move and development In the senatorial
fight with anxiety, there would be no
question Of victory for the sentiment
OF absolute loyalty and complete sup
port OF the war, be the candidate
democrat or republican, " the loyal's'
vote is not split too badly. Right now
the situation is admittedly confused
with two democratic candidates In th'
primary; two complete loyalist eandt
dates running for the republican nomi
nation and third man in the rae'
with the solid and united backing o
the LaFolette strength, seeking Il
capture the g. o. y. nomination AM
| the socialists on the other hand ex
pected 10 bring out Victor Berger o
Milwaukee, anti-war and antl-moi
everything else American. The force
OF LaFolletism and anti-war socialism
are iubilant at the split field. They Sc
in Il a chance OF winning a seat IN IN
senate even though they get but
minority OF the votes OF the state bu
already the common sense and loyalt
of the state leaders in Wisconsin is a
work and developments are expee,e
that will bring more unity OF actio
among the voters that believe in ull
qualified support OF the war.
Prepare to Unite Forces
The first step Of this character vi
be taken next week when the loyalii
republican leaders will seek to elim'
nate one OF the two absolute loyali'
candidates from the republican right :
that La Follettism would find an und
yided field in the party primary WI
II. Hayes, the republican national char
man, already has conferred with men
3 bers OF the Wisconsin delegation he'
/ with that in view and state leader
t next week, It is expected, will tai
some decisive action that will resu
|. in a united front being presented
the G. o. P. ranks against La Toilette
candidate. The primaries are pm
two weeks before the election and q
state and national leaders OF both pa
ties will be in close touch with the sit
! alton If nonpartisan action is needle
j after the primaries, then still furth
steps 10 assure a union OF the loyali
,s votes may be expected even il it entat
IS breaking down party lines
L Here Are Candidates.
n Here is the field of candidates in I
o. race right now:
ne On the democratic side OF the fen
iy Joseph Davis, formerly chairman Of I
ng federal trade commission, has resign
TO make the race for the democra
be nomination. He has the administrat
n backing. He is opposed by Pr
d. Charles Mccarthy Of the University
mt Wisconsin, who built up the legislat
-ly reference work binding the state ;
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