The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-03-28
By HUGH W. ROBERTS
 Washington Bureau The Age -Heral


 Washington, March .-(Special) Since James Cox of Ohio has come boldly out with an announcement that he is a can didate for the presidency, national lead CTS of the party are speculating on what effect his entry will produce.
 He demands attention. For he comes from state, normally republican, but sharply inclined to go democratic in elee- ton years. He is governor of that state, and is serving a third term Only one other man hasa been so singularly hon- ored, and he was elevated to the presi- dency.
 1t is contended that Cox can carry Ohio even should the republicans nominate Senator Harding of Ohio. That fact car ries great weight, because Ohio, this year, is regarded as pivotal. Should the demo- crats lose it, the party will lose, it IS argued.
 Governor Cox is a favorite of the ad- ministration This is a point in his favor in as much as the administration may prove strong enough 10 dictate it's suc- cessor. At the same time, Governor Cox is an anti-prohibitionist. He will en- counter the opposition of MT. Bryan. Per ley A. Baker, president of the Anti-Saloon League, who has residence in Ohio, some times and in Alabama, sometimes, has declared him wet thoroughly wet. Which fact, on the other hand, misnt make him the logical successor to the rather formidable following which Gov ernor Edwards of New Jersey, though not an actual candidate, has enlisted, a following throughout the nation the strength of which is indicated by the fact that in a poll conducted in Georgla Dy the Macon Telegraph he leads all other democrats in one of the states regardeh by the dry leaders as temperamentaily "dry."
 But. in discussing the probable strength of any candidate there seems to be an inclination on the part of democratic leaders to hesitate in anticipation or word from the White House. Once hesi- tation was due to fear that Woodrow Wilson would ask forNa third term NOV hesitation is due to belief that the Pres- dent will be able in convention filled ps offceholders appointed by the Presidene with delegates strongly favorable to the President and the things he has stood for If this argument materiaiizes wilson will of course name the nominee Ills onIy formidable opponent for control "f tbe convention will be Mir. Bryan. De- spite the sensational performances ol which the Nebraskan is capable, 1t IS believed that Mir Wilson will be able to make him take the count.
 Now. the question is: Among the can didates, who is Wilson's favorite?
 Personally, he inclines to Attorney-Gen- eral Palmer, a member Of his offlciai iani- ily. and a friend of many years. tired lu and out of season and never found wan. ing But. it is learned from source very close to the White House that President wilson may not call for the nomination If Palmer It is said that he wants tne man who. according to his analysis, Will make the strongest appeal to the pubic
 There is Cox The President is very fond of Cox, And the President, 1t may De stated with certain assurance IS not afraid of the Ohio governor because ne has net sought opportunity to bow down before the prohibition oiigarchy.
 And there is Hitchcock. The Presldehl te marital to Hitchcock. He appreciates his support of the League of Nations he appreciates the fact that the senator mas not only broken with Bryan, but mas actually haded movement in NeprasNa having for it's object the prevntion ol Bryan attending the San Francisco con vention as a delegate.
 And there is McAdoo. While the Pres- dent is not inclined to support ms soh- in-law. it is said to be certain that ne will not oppose him if his strength seems to be greater than thta of any other one man. And at the present writing 1t IS the general understanding in washing ton that McAdoo has a hold on the demo- cratic imagination recond to none other. So the President reserves his opinion. But the indication is that some time prior to the convention he will let the country