The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-07-09
DEMOCRATS HOPE
FOR WORD FROM :
WILSON ON 1920
Plans for the Coming Cam
'paign Wait on Announce
ment Regarding Presidents
Intentions as to Third Term
BY DAVID LAWRENCE.
Especial CORE spondent Of the News
Scin1itar)

WASHINGTON. July 9---Many are
the declarations and statements aud
Informative arguments which opponents
of the league OF nations are expecting
to hear from President Wilson, but
what interests Democrats in the ma
tional capital is whether or not the
president plans to run for d third term.
To them the league fight is q one
sided affair with the Republicans alone
to be won oyeA as the Democrats are
solidly behind tho league But the
Democrats Just as much az the Repub-
leans are anxious to get ready for 1920
and want to rally behind candidates and
get In on the ground floor,
Fortunately, there is no dearth Of
here today gnye the impression that
the presidential job might go a-beg
glng because of the last revenue law.
BY making the presidents salary sub
ject to the income tax. II had virtual
ly been cut from $751; TO $4,000. 1t
used to be $50,O00 when Mr.. Roosevelt
was in office and was increase just
before Mr.. Taft was inaugurated The
Increase grew out OF the high cost Of
presidential living which includes the
maintenance Of the White House and
entertainment OF guests, domestic and
foreign, and a desire to keep a pres-
dent free from financial embarrasments
that might affect his viewpoint toward
individuals from whom he might other
wise be compelled TO borrow.
1t is whispered that the reduction
of the presidents salary by means Of
the heavy income tax has affected
adversely men on Capitol Hill who
hitherto have been considered poten-
tial candidates for the presidency. 1t
has become the fashion In Washington
anyway for cabinet officers and others
whose salaries have ranged all the
way from $4,000 to a single dollar
year to quit their Jobs because they
couldn't afford to live on such income
but rarely has anybody declined in ad-
vance to accept any position except
possibly that of ambassador or min
lister because Of the meager stipend.
Men on Capitol Hin have year in
and year out looked with covetous eyes
toward the White House, expense or
no expense. The story goes, that some
senator's recently have confded to
friends that under no circumstances"
could they accept the nomination for
the presidency. Invariably they have
spoken of the large expense Of keep
ing up the White House and conduct
ing themselves as befits a president of
a great country.
Other senators who are not accus-
toned to think in financial terms and
TO whom the high. cost Of presidential
living is a matter Of no concern, have
been cruel enough to suggest that it Is
case OF sour grapes with their col
leagues. Even before the argument
arose. however. another group of sen
own pockets by a good bet now and
then began wagering large sums OF
money that not member of either
the senate or house would be nominated
to the presidency next time on any
ticket. And that's the status of things
in the congressional Cloakrooms There
are enough would-be candidates. but
none OF them Is believed by their fell
low senator's and representatives to
have n change.
Most of the betting and gossipIng
concerns the Republican presidential
Gratis have been timid about talking
That's why an expression from him
would relieve the Democratic politician
OF much worry. OF Coure, II Mr., will |
son wants to run, his hold on the Dem
ocratic party Is such that no other
care to make a contest for the nomina-
ton. But II as seems most likely, |
Mr. Wilson should make It clear that
he does not intend to run the an
of candidates will not be |
long delayed
Aside, however, from the personal as
poets Of the Democratic presidential
situation, there are friends of the |
league of nations who think it would |
be wise for MIR. Wilson to make 1t alb
Solulely pain by specific announce
ment that he has no ambition to sue |
ceed himself. They say his reception |
on the forthcoming western trip will |
partake of less partisan and personal |
politics II the president will announce |
that he Is through with presidential pol |
itics and interested only in laying the |
foundations for lasting peace
There Is evidence that arguments |
along this line have already come to |
Mr., Wilson's attention and that some |
expression direct or indirect may short |
ly be expected which will show the |
country that his sole purpose in stump |
ing the country Is to bring public |
opinion to bear on the American SEN |
ate for the benefit of the peace treaty
and league OF nations
Copyright 1919, by The News |
SCmitarD