The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1919-03-27

WASHINGTON, d. c., March 81
When news flashed across under
waters that Frank II. Hitchcock
4 guest at headquarters of Cen
Pershing at a grand review Of
oops, the Republican politicians at
end Of the receiving line got jolt.
HOW the ex-Cabinet member and
1amplon manipulation OF his party's
national conventions managed 10 get
out pe the country and away off yon'
der without anybody knowing It, has
puzzled and chagrined. Yet he did
Albright; none dispute 1t.
II places where presidential poll
Hcs Is discussed with more or less &C
enrate knowledge Of the trend, aud
IA some semblance of authority, the
PRESENCE Of Hitchcock in France as
tie guest Of General Pershing, is the.
Iiye topic just now. What does It
nean3
There Is not much divergence in tho
answer made to that question. 1t
means, according to the general reply
made, that Mr.. Hitchcock is up to his
old game Of scouting about with the
purpose and intention of picking up 4
presidential prospect who seems to be
p0ssessed OF the requisite quality OF
winner before convention. He is
looking them over, and one of the first
81 'em to attract his observant eye and
challenge his curiosity is BLACK Jack
efshing.
Now, "Black Jack" is as much Of a
mysterious personality to Hitchcock
IS lie is to everybody else. He has
been a soldier all his life, and what
bis qualifications are outside of his
profession nobody knows. 1t is not
known to what political party he
claims to belong, but there is author
~ from his family that he has n"'er
voted, being absent from home at al!
presidential elections. His father was
Republican. A belief exists which
lbs no proof to boldstec it up, that II
10 is, or becomes, anything, he is a Re
publican. On that theory, which is the
one said here that Mr.. Hitchcock is
WORKING on in his investigation, the
main consideration involved Is: can
rshing corral the soldier vote"
If Pershing can control the soldier
Vote then he is going to be, If he Is
Wiling to be, a presidential poS5Ibil-
it but in which party more definite
formation is needed to say. 81 lar
the question can be answered now
f,e politicians In the Capital declare
nat the answer is q negative one. This
Insertion of theirs is bassed on The
testimony Of returning officers anu
ieughboys, who haven't come bach
singing the praises OF Pershing as Ill
Nous wars soldiers have returned
oddly and enthusiastically che 'F'Eg
iic commanders under whom they won
ietorles. But, as a writer Ill the
Washington Post, points out, in due
oiifse OF time there may be change
sentiment in the army.
sCandor," says this commentator,
Nbels the statement that the sol
are not coming back shouting
Draises of General Pershing. They
g admit his ability and all that,
li,s is not their popular hero. All
sins Of commission and omission
ear to be charged up against the
aInander-in.chiet OF the expedition
forces. In due course of time
M OF the grievances and compl?in;s
fresh in the minds Of the Ameri-
soldiers will fade and vanish ana
efs will be explained away. hut
now it appears that practicaH.'
~ division is coming home covered
4 glory and nursing crouch. M
which does not add to the 'ayaila-
OF General Pershing as preSi'
tial candidate"
me Republican leaders in Wash
ton confess that they may be mis-
en- about It, but they do not believe
anyt hing serious will come OF the
Pdrshing talk. They recall that it was
incofporatedp under the laws of Ohio
81 ex-senator Dick and few others
It Akron, o., several mouths ago, but
seemingly died aborning even under
legally organized and ordained Ell
Tort 10 make it amount to something.
III this connection, it is remembered
that the effort to capitalize the he
roics embodied in the career OF Adj
niiral Dewey into a formidable presi'
entials factor proved fisasco, not d
little humitiating to the great sea
tighter IN his last years.
There are not a few men experienced
Ia onr highest form Of politics, who de-
clare it their opinion that making war
heroes over into presidents went out
81 fashion in this country some years
NO. with Mckinley to be more eX'
piicit, and that the sound judgment
and conservative sentiment OF the
American people are opposed to It.
They demand other qualifications than
merely q Spectacular record upoh
fields OF battle.
Right along this line is a statement
Issued today by the Republican Pub
lefty Association through its presi'
hent, Jonathan Bourne, Jrs an organi'
zation that isn't formally recognized
part Of the regular party organiza
ton. but which is maintained by con-
ributions from many Of the leaders
high IN the councils Of the party and
welding a decisive influence over Its
nolicies. The Statement referred to
roads:
poubtless inspired by desire for
Efficiency in the administration Of the
BUSINESS Of the government, public
opinion is noticeably crystalizing as
. the desirability one might almost
say the necessity, Of electing as Presi
dent Wilson'S successor in the White
Bouse-a. Republican who has had the