The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-09-01

to talk to their citi,ens and possibly In
flame them to the point Of violence.
Despite these facts. however, II is
said that the Mayor got around Illinois
considerably. Also that he has cor
rallied q considerable following. A man
who has just returned from q strictly
impartial canvass OF the State declares
that there Is much more Thompson
sentiment throughout the rural dis
tricts than might have been expected
This sentiment. 1t 10 explained, whether
logical or not, 10 tho result Of a
certain opposition to the war not ex-
pressed in words but decidedly In en-
dence in other ways.
Thempsen's Strength Great.
Reports published within the last few
days appear to bear out this theory that
secret snt-war feeling may have devel-
oped suhciently to give Thompson the
nomination. Virtually all the papers
In Chicago have had statements that
Thompson might be nominated, though
all have unhesitating declared that he
could not be elected over Senator Lewis.
Whether there Is anything at all to
the statement Of the returned traveller
or to those in the local newspapers
cannot be said with any degree Of ac-
curacy In an effort to gauge the real
situation with reference to Thompson.
It may be true that he Is going forward
With such rapid strides that in reality
ne 10 seriously menacing both McCoA-
mick and Foss, and then again It may
be part of the game Of the opposition
to the Chicago Mayor, which brings out
these statements. The hints of a
Thompson victory which have been
thrown out by newspapers adhering to
the Mccormick standard may have
been for the purpose OF strengthening
the backbone Of the Mccormick fol-
lowing.
Thompson's statement with refer
ence to his position on the subject of
the war has invariably been: II con-
denim the Democratic party because
sincerely believe that II was through
their inability. their inefficiency. their
indecision. their timidity. their wabbling
diplomacy, their administrative blund-
ers, their total inability to cope with
problems Of such magnitude that we
are now at war"
This attitude has peen responsible
for most Of the attacks upon the
Mayor. The language Of the most re-
cent structure: The man who is can
didate for high ONCE. who believes what
to the white faces Of American women
ana babes floating on the waters Of the
Atlantic when the Lusitania was sunk
by German torpedoes." has been char
actsrfstic of what has been uttered
from platforms in all parts Of the State
against him.
Thompsen's Cam paiEn Thunder.
The Mayor has hammered continually
on three main points. First, his charges
against what he calls the 'profiteering
newspaper oligarchy,' which he blames
for the war; second, his answer to at
least two OF the several charges reflect
ing upon his loyalty. and. third. his
promise that II elected he will demand
the CONSUMPTION of the du Pont powder
plant. the United States Steel plants
and similar Industries.
Coupled with the last OF these points
he usually has declared that IL he had
been in the Senate when governmental
control Of the railroads was authorized
he would have fought for an amendment
limiting the return allowed them to the
| same rate as interest paid on the last
Liberty Loan-4h per cent.
The attitude Of Gov. Lowden N re-
fusing to align himself with any Of the
three factions may be a significant straw
In the situation. The States chief exec
utive. despite the pleas Of both McCor-
mick and Foss adherents. 1t is declared.
has been consistently aloof from the
internal troubles of the Republican party
IN Illinois which have grown out Of this
contest. Other leaders have gone to
either one side or another, but not so the
Governor.
II has been limited that perhaps the
Governor sees the chance that Thomp-
son may be nominated. and in such an
event would prefer to be In the position
Of having done nothing In support OF
opposing candidates.
II was the fact Of the Governors at
titude that caused leading Republicans
| Of the State to count upon Col Roose.
welt not mixing into Illinois politics on
| the occasion of his visit to Springfield
where he delivered the centennial cele.
bration address a few days ago The
Governor having made no declaration
competent judges said. it would be I'M
diplomatic for the Colonel to take any
position so long as his host, the execu-
tive and political leader In Illinois, had
said nothing
Col. Roosevelt, however. did decide to
mix in on the situation. He issued a
statement in which he declared that il
would be calamity for the United
States II Mayor Thompson were to win