Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1920-06-10
G,rsuiatlSn GVsnins Yes5sfdsy Essis 141O3
Confusion Still Reigns.

Itisthe hope, if not the expectation at
Chicago to have the business OF the ke-
publican National Convention IN such
shane that the platform will be adopted
and all the nominating speeches made be-
fore the end of today's session, 80 that
ballotng may begin tomorrow. Inc open
ING indications of this morning were hardly
favorable to such comforting program,
confusion still being apparent, especially
in the desperate efforts to arrange plat
form that will suit the conflicting ele-
ments of the party, while the situation In
respect of the nomination for President
was "all at sea" However, il may be
nossible for some exercise Of central au-
thoritv-an element conspicuously absent
thus far-by which the desired program
can be put through. but there is serious
danger OF an open break.
While the convention is sadly lacking IN
enthusiasm, there is. OF course, much IN
terest in the struggle OF the aspirants to
the Presidential nomination. but without
any positive indications of the result. 1t
seems to be conceded that the three lead
ers. Wood, Lowden and Johnson, wlllprac-
ticallv destroy each others chances and
throw the final decision 20 the dark
horses" Johnson S nomination Is regarded
as impossible, by reason Of his wild radical
ism and his insistent hostility 70 the League
of Nations. The convention will not dare
10 repudiate or even ignore the League
in the platform. and Johnson IS opposed
"a il in toto. which position he IS sus-
tanned bv his good friend Senator Borah
of Idaho. Lowden and Wood are both
ruled out OF consideration, in the opinion
If MANY delegates, by reason OF the
startling exposure Of the employment Of
money bv their campaign managers in
the contest for delegates. And so the field
is open.
The talk about Governor Sproul Of
PENNSYLVANIA is variable His ardent
friends claim he is in position to receive
friendly support from the delegates com
mitted 10 all three Of the leading con-
testants when the ranks of the latter be-
gin to disintegrate But he stands as the
Penrose candidate. and this is serious
drawback. to saw nothing of his political
connections in the politically disreputable
State Of Pennsylvania. and his lack OF
qualifications for such high position as
Prs.ident of the United States.
The Republican party. together with
iss representation in the Chicago con-
vention. according to the Sun and New
York Herald, now full-hedged organ oi
the party, is divided into three distinct
elements-Ultra-C ra-Conservatives, Iibera
Conservatives and Radicals. II put;
Johnson In the latter class and rules hin
out Of the running on account OF ms
radicalism. 1t also says the Cltra-Con'
servatives should not be allowed to con
troll the actions of the convention, but
that the Liberal Conservatives should bt
given full reign And while il does not
designate who should be the choise Of this
element for the Presidential nomination
i. plainly rules out both Wood and Low
den on account of the stain Of primary cor
ruption that attaches to them. And thii
seems to be q very fair description Of tbs
situation at the convention city.
However, the end will come soon. There
is no probability of protracted contest II
the balloting, the prevailing opinion beinl
that after the three leaders kill each othe
of. the convention majority will soor
make a selection. Then will come tn
aftermath-prominent in which will b.
the attitude of Senator johnson, defeated
disappointed and sore. Will he bolt o
will he stand? will be the absorbing ques
tion until he announces bis decision.