Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-12-17
FINDS Democrats
IN CHICAGO FEAR
DEFEA! IN 1920
Mr.. Messenger Discusses
Political Outlook With
Leaders of Both Parties.
BY N. O. MESSENGER.

CHICAGO, December 11.-Democrats
out here are rather low in spirits over
the political outlook for 1920. 1t looms
up like bad year to them. They are
rot very keen over presidential can
didates. in consequence, but disposed
to let the nomination go to most any
body who wants it.
Men high in the democratic councils
ask first thing of the visiting inquirer
whether President Wilson will be able
physically, to make the race if renomi-
mated, and take it for granted that he
can have the nomination-and welcome
If he wants it. Many of them. ap-
pretending defeat of the party at the
polls in November next, take the view
that it would be most appropriate for
the President to lead the hosts to the
very end.
Want President to Decide.
If the President does not want the
nomination, democrats hereabouts
think it probably will go to some one
who has the backing of the admins
party leader. Attorney General PAL
mer is believed to be the favorfte of
the party leaders, and it is assumed
that Mr.. McAdoo, the Presidents SON.
in-law. would be Endorsed by admins
tration officials.
my HCHSTdl rainier, VINO is
thls city today, has been favora bly,
received by democratic leaders and
there has been much talk on the side
about his availability as a possible
candidate. They think he could CAPT.
talize his official record to his benefit
ne would stand well with the ''drys, -
1t is said. Also with the supporters OF
law and order for his action on the
coal strike. and now is winning favor
by his fight to reduce the cost of liv-
ing.
Campaign Gets Queer Twist.
There is queer twist to the cost OF
living campaign. Gov. Lowden started
1t by calling a conference Of mayors
and state officials, whereupon along
comes Attorney General Palmer as the
representative of the government and
takes over command Of the whole
expedition. So now they speak of II
as the Palmer plan" to reduce prices
People are not enthusiastic over this
drive getting very far. however. An
auxiliary movement set on foot by
noted women here is counted upon to
secure more practical results in a
campaign against extravaganza and
against the purchase of costly raj
ment.
Among republican politicians the
feeling here is that the Wood boom
Will soon come to standstill and
that Gov. Lowden probably will find
his most threatening adversary to be
Senator Harding of Ohio.
The LOwden men are very confident
because they know they have strong
support for their man among republi'
can leaders of influence sin many
states, and they expect that influ.
bflce 10 be reflected upon the voters
at the primaries
Interest In Treaty Situation
Deep interest still is manifested in
the treaty situation in the Senate
Yesterday put in a day talking with
important men IN finance and politics
of both parties. Democrats and repub-
licans agreed. without exception. that
the Senate should take the treaty out
Of the hands of the killers" on the
one side and the sticklers tor no
change on the other. and frame COM
promise which would result in ratifi
cation.
Bankers and business men said that
too much emphasis cannot be laid
upon the bad effects on business and
especially on the building up of for
eign trade. by delaying the treaty
The country demands reservations,
they said. and they cannot for the life
of them see why the Senate does not
clap the reservations on without
further ado, and ratify. The big in
dustrial concerns of the west are look
ing for that promised boom in foreign
trade, and, instead of finding it. say
they can see Great Britain rapidly
gaining control of it.
MI. Mckinley Favored for Senate.
Speaking of business, reminds me
that apparently everything is set to
send a business man to the Senate to
succeed Senator Sherman. He will be
Representative Mckinley. of the
Champaign district.
This is the turn for the selection of
a down state" man and Mr.. Mckinley
is the one. He is declared to be en-
tirely acceptable to all factions of
republicans and it is assumed that
nomination will be equivalent to cleo
ton next year.