Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1919-12-30
Marse Henry on the Outlook
From tho Jacksonville. (Fla.) Metropolis.

From the Jacksonville (Fla.) Metropolis.
The democratic party is dead. the TepublieaIT
| Watterson leading journalist Of his age, and
known and loved on two continents as "Marse
| Henry" is authority for the statement.
Answering question in the lobby of the
| Hotel Seminole this morning, regarding the
| growing strength of the republican party in the
and declared, politics is in fluid state. Strict
ly speaking, there is neither republican party
| nor democratic party. There are nothing but
two worn-out labels, which mean nothing but
Offices for the rascally politicians. The south,
rich again and prosperous, sticks to the demo-
cratic label through force of circumstances and
habit
"The negro has been hitherto kind of CO.
hesive plaster. But with the elimination of the
| negro question the solid south must be con-
son stopped and his eyes looked into a past
when the democratic party and south had been
synonymous, and when he helped general the
democratic forces to victory.
Then in answer to the question, What about
the democratic party?" he spoke tersely. There
is no democratic party. The president has abol-
shed the democratic party. There is in its
place a Wilson party-Mr Wilson will not be
able personally to lead this because of his i'll
health. But his son-in-law, McAdoo, in line
whelming defeat next year. Nothing seems
surer than that the republicans will sweep the
country in 1920"
With the searching vision that has made him
the greatest journalist of his day Colonel Wat
terson was following the declining power of the
recalled with the question. What do you think
of the presidents attitude in the league Of ma
tions?" His eyes flashed "The league of ma
tons is fad-a phantom, igment of the pres
ident's ideasn. 1t will never be ratified.
This country is never going to hitch itself
onto world of unknown complications, nor un-
derwrite the conclusions of Europe. We shall
be strongest and best as an independent power,
exercising a. friendly and benign interest over
the affairs of human kind"
Don't you believe the republicans are gain
ing strength in the south?" he was asked "The
republicans probably will carry several of what
are called the southern states" he predicted
You see then the creation of new party?"
he questioned.
There is always new party for the fellows
that are down and out" he answered. All the
same two parties, the one calling itself repub-
lican and the other calling itself democratic
will dominate in the elections. New questions
already coming. into view will divide these par
ties more decisively."
30 you believe the league of nations is
responsible for the growing republican strength
in the south?" was the final question.
The republicans have gained strength in the
south from general conditions and not from any
special cause" he gave as his opinion.
"But came down here to enjoy the Florida
sunsh ine, not to talk politics, he smiled. Don't
you know l retired and don't know any
thing about politics now?" he questioned quiz
zically and started for the door, waiting auto
mobile and drive The reporter was uncon-
vinced
'Wat minute, how about the democratic
presidential possibilities for 1920?" the question
stopped him. He came back and continued, get
this down right now, it's important"
The reporter visioned big story, and
his answer breath1essy.
presidential possibilities are always in the
air." Colonel Watterson chuckled and was gone.
A visitor to Florida for DO years. Colonel
Watterson is in Jacksonville for an indefinite
stay on his way to Cuba to remain until spring.
He is accompanied by his daughter.