The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-09-20
PREPARE FOR 1920
Politicians in Chicago Are Put
ting Pots on Fire.
Chauncey Dewey Is Strong Sup
porter of General Wood.
JOHNSON LOOKS STRONG NOW
LOWden Is a FavOrite With
Many of DOpesters.
Wilson Seems To Be Only Hope
of BOurbOnS.
JOHNSON LOOKS STRONG NOW
BY SAN FARRELL.

Chicago, Sept. 2O.-EVen at this
early date the political makers and
those myriad numbers of citizens who
imagine they have a vice in the af-
fairs of state, are centering their at
tention on the hundred and one odd
candidates for for the 1920 presiden-
tial campaign. In the lobby of the
Congress hotel, where more than one
statesman has been made and un-
made. the politicians gather and talk
over matters behind great clouds of
tobacco smoke. The focus among the
Republicans seems to be concentrated
on three men-Gen. Leonard Wood
Senator johnson, of California, and
Governor Lowden. of Illinois. In the
dim background, ready to spring into
the limelight If opportunity presents
itself are the remainder of the hum
dred and one Republican possibilities
No campaign headquarters have vet
been established by any prospective
candidate, but It is a well known fact
that each of them have an, organiza-
being held daily in Chicago, New
York, Washington and other cities.
and men are being sent to all parts
of the country with instructions to
keep their ears to the ground and re-
port the undercarrent OF popular ZEN
timent.
Dewey Is in For Wood.
Chauncey Dewey, widely known
Kansas millionaire. who recently re-
turned from overseas. is making his
headquarters at the Edgewater Beach
hotel. 1t is understood. among sup
porters Of General Wood. that Cap
tain Dewey will have an Important
part to play in the denomination
campaign next year. He and General
Wood have been great friends for
years and is believed to be in the con-
fidence OF the soldier. The Wood
adherents are making no secret of
their desire to wrest control of the
Illinois delegation away from the
Lowden men. who represent the party
machine in this state
The question that has arisen in the
minds of some Republican leaders is
whether or not General Wood will be
able to sway any material portion of
the soldier vote.
A Republican national committee
man from an eastern state has given
me the following statement:
Must Figure Soldiers.
I'VE must not underestimate the
strength of the 100000 ex-soldiers
in the 1920 campaign. l have every
reason to believe that this vote or the
bulk OF it. will go Republican. But 1
doubt II these men will be enthusiastic
over the nomination of a major-gen-
eral despite his recognized ability
The PershinR boom. which had gained
some Roadway about a year ago. coll
lapsed as soon as the troops began
returning from France"
This politician is said to be a sup
porter of Governor Lowden. He has
always been prominent in the con-
servative faction of the party.
According to all reports, Governor
Lowden's campaign has now out
reached the "favorite son" stage of
the game. He is successful business
hi
said, to draw the votes of that. class
Of voters who are DESTROYS of seeing a
man other than a soldier or a school
master in the White House.
Roger Sullivan. Democratic leader
on his return from the Pacific coast
a few days ago. declared that Senator
johnson appeared to have the biggest
backing in the far west. with Gov
ernor Lowden close behind. In the
east, the Wood boom is perhaps heard
OF the most, but other candidates seem
10 nave plenty of supporters.
BOrah Made n Hit.
In his address in Chicago a week
ago, Senator Borah. of Idaho, created
favorable impression upon Chicago
persons. some 10000 of whom heard
him. Charles f. Hughes is mentioned
occasionally. The boom of Senator
Harding of Ohio, is not taken very
seriously and the others do not seem
-
1t is also noticeable, in these some
what premature conclusions which are
drawn from utterances of political
leaders in Chicago hotels and clubs.
that Governor Allen. of Kansas. is
mentioned more frequently TO- vice
president than any other man. His
ability as a speaker combined with his
record as governor and in France,
would make him a valuable cam
paigner in 1920, the Republicans de-
clare.
Among the Democrats, but one
thing can be ascertained They all
believe that Mr.. Wilson will be a cam
didate for a third term. The possible
adoption of all the reservations in the
peace treaty, they say. will force the
president to make the race once more
on the grounds that he must vindicate
himself before the world. Very sell
dom does the mention of any other
candidate crop out. Once in awhile
one hears that William G. McAdoo
will be nominated. providing President
Wilson does not desire a third round
in the White House.
The national conventions are nine
months away and yet Chicago. the ma
tional hotbed of at least one political
party. is guessing even now on the
outcome over its near beer and but
termilk.