The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1917-19??, 1918-07-13
NOT PROPHECY. JUST TALK

oyaId," paid to Senator James of Ken
lucky in Sundays Banner, under the
caption of Our Ollie"
1t was a fervent appreciation by
one Kentuckian, who has long known
politics and public men, of another
Kentuckian, whom he was watched
almose from the cradle to his present
great prominence.
In his tribute "Savoyard" did not
venture any indulgence in prophecy.
Yet in Ollie James there are posi-
Dilities of future distinction which
would fill the cup of ambition of any
American.
Two years hence. the democrats of
the nation will be called upon to
make a presidential nomination.
He to whom the award is made will
have at least an equal chance of ell
ection with his republican opponent.
There is no one man to whom the
finger of destiny is pointing today wit
any degree of fiXedness.
The country has now a superb man
at the helm. There would be difficulty
in any era to find one to match him
in steadfastness OF faith, in poise of
character, in vigor of courage or in
ability to give EXPRESSION to the ma
tons motives and ideals. He is serv-
ing his second term, however, and I'M
less a dire emergency arises, must be
eliminated from the political equation
as a candidate for the succession.
A number of bright men of expert
ence and who have rendered and are
rendering service are from time TO
time mentioned. They would doubt
less be oftener mentioned but that all
are seriously averse to the discussion
of their names at a time when all
their energies and abilities have been
conscripted for uninterrupted service
along lines of greatest value to the
nation.
Men such as Secretary McAdoo,
Secretary Baker, in instance.
Both are presidential possibilities,
not to use a stronger word for fear
of treading permaturely upon terri
tory which should not be disturbed.
But, who will gainsay the eligibility
of Senator James for the distinction?
He is big man, not more so physic-
ally than intellectually. For several
years he has had little to leadership
in his party as well as in the very
distinguished body of which he is a
member. He presided over the two
national conventions which nominated
Woodrow Wilson for the presidency
and thus twice officially, SO to ex-
press it, sounded the keynote OF his
partys campaign for success. Twice
went to him the honor of officially
making known to Woodrow Wilson
the fact of such nominations.
In the senate, he has been for five
years the spokesman for the Wilson
administration, its bulwark and wall
Of denfense whenever assailed by open
critic OF hidden enemy.
He is foeman worthy the steel of
any chieftain in opposition.
An, orofoy. he i, fi1JnJ 1,r;4J, Faith in,
democracy and loyalty to the great
masses of the American people and
their institutions.
No candidate could be named who
would fare forth in pursuit or victory
with a stronger entitlement to the
support of American voters than he.
The popularity he enjoyes in Ken
lucky would spread until everywhere
his name would be affectionately |
spoken as a household word.
Geographically, he is well located.
Though memories of the civil war
nave little quickening influence upon
sectional prejudice or bloody-shirt +
he would even then be
Vulnerable.
Kentucky was a loyal state, though
PRESSED hard to quit the Union. 1t
belongs to the South, the Middle
Vest and its sympathies go to the re-
hottest corners of the national map.
Senator James is self-made and
veil made. He is an unspoiled child
# the American people, free from the
lemishes of demagogy as OF SYM
athy with caste and class.
He may not be mentioned in the
ext democratic convention, On the
Their hand, his name may be the one
lost mentioned. Right now, proph-
sying for 1920 is very risky bus
ness and our friend "Sayoyard" was
Use enough to avoid even an at
empt in the direction.
We are not in this editorial pre-
letting any hap or mishap, merely
EMPHASIZING the Importance to his