Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-09-18
GENERAL APPEARS TO BE MORE
POPULAR SINCE HIS RE.
TURN FROM EUROPE.
"PERsHlNG FOR PRESIDENT"
MAY BE POPULAR SLOGAN
Out Whether General Is Republican
or Democrat-Both Parties May Go
After Him il Popularity Continues
to lhcroase-Opposed to League.
IBy Il. G.. Dougherty.l

Washington, Sept. lS.-The reception
given Gen. John j. Pershng, both in
New York and in Washington, and sew
eral actions of the retained commander
Of the American eXpeditionary forces,
is giving the politicians OF both parties
considerable concern. They are Won
dering whether 'Pcrshing for Presi-
dent" will be a popular slogan in spite
of the fact that in all the political con-
versation around the Capitol for some
time pershinS has been thoroughly dis
counted as unavailable. This opinion
was really inspired by the wealth of
criticism made of him-not as a SOL
der, but for personal objections-by
returned soldiers who preceded him to
this country.
One of the things which has made
good impression since Pershing's re-
turn was his going out of his way to
call on the widow of Theodore RooSe-
welt. 1t is realized full we'll here that
this action would not do the general
any good with President Wilson. But
General Pershing showed in this way
that he still had gratitude for what
Roosevelt had done for him. The col
onel. when he was president, jumped
Pershing from captain to briSadier
general, thus prcCiptating row al
most as important in it's day as the
promotion of DR.. Cary T. Grayson to
admiral by President Wilson in 1917.
The politicians, however, are still
wondering whether Pershipg is dem
ocrat or a republican. Since his faith
law. Senator Warren. Of Wyom-
ing, is republican. the republicans
are claiming him. The fact that he is
a native of Missouri however, gives
rise to the belief by some that he is Il
democrat. IF the general was asked
the question he probably would reply
that he is a soldier.
Democrats and republicans alike
have their ears to the ground. They
are going to keep pretty close tab on
the general. If it begins to look like
the public takes kindly to the "Persh-
ing for President" talk both parties
can be depended upon to go after him.
General Not Cold.
There have been three outstanding
objections to General Pershing. One
was that he is cold and would freeze
the people, another that the people
will not vote for soldier for presi-
dent. and The third. and considered
most important by the politicians. the
returned soldiers, while speaking re-
spectfully of their commander, indi-
cate that the vast majority of the two
million men who went overseas would
vote against him.
In his visit to New York and Wash
ington General Pershing apparently
has blown up the first of these obJec-
tons. Already everyone Is talking
about the "Pershing smile He is very
human. There is almost boyish happi-
ness on his face as he greets the thronE
that await him at his hotel or acclaim.
him as he rides around the city in the
high powered army Limousine. Thus
far there has been none of the cold,
stern soldier of the field.
General Pershing will accept many
of the invitations to various cities
thruout the country that are pouring
in on him. The politicians will keep
tab on him and they will be quick to
catch the popular verdict. 1t is freely
admitted that General Pershing has
done nothing since his arrival home
which would interfere in any way with
possible presidential ambitions. His
snubbinc of the house military affairs
committee in Paris the day he was
leaving for home was bad from a tao
teal standpoint, but excusable in the
haste of getting away. they think.
Opposed to League of Nations.
General Fershing's opinion is going
to be asked on all army Legislation by
congress. He likewise is expected to
give the senate his views on the ne
cessity for the league Of nations The
Washington Post this week intlmated
that he is opposed to the league. and
no denial has thus far been issued by
him. This statement Is strengthened
by the fact that he has requested his
hearing before the congressional Mill
tary committee be postponed for about
4 month. His assigned reason, it was
said was that he would be in much
better touch with the situation at the
end Of that time, as he had so far not
been able to go over the war depart
ment bill for 100000 men. or go over
the situation at the war department
Actually. 1t is believed by some sem
ators, his reason Is that he would sure
ly be asked about the league Of nations,
and lie is not anxious publicly to go on
record against the president while the
treaty fight is raging on the senate
floor. Afterwards, 1t Is pointed out,
the general can easily avoid giving
opinions as to the merits Of the league
and can discuss the obligations i'm
posed by 1t with respect to increased
armies, etc., without taking sides.