El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1920-04-10

IN making analysis Of the Michigan presidential prl-
mary election returns these two significant facts should
be borne IN mind;
IT WAS PROM MICHIGAN THAT SOLDIERS WERE
SENT TO RUSSIA TO FIGHT AN UEDECLARED WAX
AGAINST A FRIENDLY" PEOPLE;
IT WAS IN MICHIGAN THAT A SENATOR OF LIE
UNITED STATES WAS CONVICTED OF ELECTION
BRIBERY.
Senator Hiram johnson, Of California Overwhelmingly
the choice Of Michigan Republicans for the presidential
Hoinaon is today Americas most radical and thorough
going exponent of the doctrine that the United States
should not interfere IN the affairs Of Europe
MAJ Cen Leonard Wood senator JOhns0ns chief OPpo-
nent for the nomination. stands accused Of having at his
Couple these facts together and the explanation for
senator Johnsons remarkable victory, which came as
surprise to nation is not difficult to find The Re
pubcans Of Michigan the first Of the larger states to ex
press their preference for president have gone on record
against European meddng and against even the suspicion
corruption; perhaps also against any military candi-
Hiram Johnson is partly responsible for the defeat Of
the peace treaty. with its League Of Nations appendage
He and senator Borah first 10 raise their voices N
unaerable opposition to the pact From the start Of the
fight he one Of the leaders OF the forces winch N
umphed when the treaty Of peace vas sent back 10 the
the Republican platform adopted at Chicago contains
pank declaring against American participation IN the
League Of Nations Hiram johnson might be the parys
logical standard bearer for he IS the man who created the
issue If on the other hand the platform supports the
Lodge program Of American membership II the league
not the Wilson league but league in which the United
States VII retain It's sovereign rights as nahon-then
Republicans cannot consistently uon1nate eelatoA
johnson.
Only the Michigan Republicans know what was IN their
minds when they rolled up two to majority for sena-
tor Johnson over Gen Wood johnson supporters point
TO the result as verdict against the league wei
tribute to the Californian personally. On the face Of
things they justified IN this conclusion But it must
forgotten that senator Borhs charges Of excessive
expenditures by the Wood campaign managers IN the
Minnesota and Dakota campaigns still fresh IN the
minds Of Michigan Voters who had but recently had re-
vealed them the Newbery scandal Whether tue OF
not the Borah charges undoubtedly had material effect
on the Michigan result.
With the Michigan vote recorded, senator Johnson has
suddenly assumed commanding position IN the pre-eon
vention campaign the candidacy Of Gen Wood has
correspoadngIy declined its strength Certain It IS that
Hiram Johnson be reckoned with The fact that he
is a western Is longer point against him but
rather serves him IN his fight for it California home
Johnson, that elected Mr. wilson president four years
ago.
Iohnsons candidacy is dstasteful to the conservative
element Of his party The Californian RooseFets
running mate the Progressive ticket IN 1912 and was
one Of the late presidents most intimate associates bis
fight against the firmly entrenched special interests In
California which he after Of the most bitter po
ticaI struggles IN American history, made him powerful
enemies It freely predicted that the 'g business
teress VIII never permit his nomination but after the les
son Of 1872 doubtful If the delegates the Chicago
convention viii dare dsobey any mandate which the