Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1920-06-25
G,rsulasl0H GVsnins Ye5tsSdsy Eeeds 141O1
The Democratic Convention.

The DeTnOCrattC &pnNtHuph
The opening of the National Conven-
ton of the Democratic party at San Fran
cisco. on Monday, will find an Embossed
meeting of leaders who 60 into conference
to summarize the sentiment of the country,
and act upon it. 1t will not, like the CHI
caeo convention, be controlled over the
telephone wire by any Senator Penrose'
even if there were such boss in the party.
The Democrats at San Francisco have
decided in advance on no candidates ior
the leadership of the party, nor Tor the
second place on the ticket, and almost all
of the delegates are uninstructed and Tree
TO follow their own Judgment IN picking
nominees that they regard as the best
qualified to meet the conditions OF the
hour. There are but few in the field.
All the idle, misguided pens that have
written of President Wilson's aspiration
to serve another term have not shown the
slightest ground for surmising that ne has
the least intention or desire to continue
in the Office. The only Presidents who
have insisted on more than two terms
were neither of them Democrats, and
the party is on record favoring the OLD
preceder,t established in the first days OF
our national life.
Mr.. McAdoo who seemed the most
likely man of those spoken OF, has de-
clined to permit-so far as he can-to
have his name presented to the conven-
tion and the Others who have been put
forward for the high Office seem to be
about on an equal footing, while Attorney
General Palmer has more delegates be-
hind him at this time than any other
asplrant. Carter Glass also stands high
in the esteem of his party and IS strongly
favored.
OF all the dark horses the present
Ambassador to Great Britain, John W.
Davis, appears to have the most consider
able following of the conservative element
Of the party. Democrats who steadfastly
adhere to the principles of the party OF
jefferson, like, for example, the Hon
George Gray. In a recent conversation
Mr.. Gray gave an estimate of the capacity
of Mr.. Davis. He declared him TO be
fit and well equipped for the high office
The successful candidate for the Presi-
Dental nomination before the San Fran
cisco convention, whoever he may be, vii
have to have such commanding merit as
to gain the support Of two-thirds of the
almost one thousand delegates.
The platform of the convention vii
make the League of Nations Its chief
feature. 1t will demand the ratification
of the Versailles Treaty and the League
covenant without qualification" or,
In other words, without any amendments
or alterations that Will change a single
one OF its conditions.
Late advices from the convention city
indicate that the modification of the
Volstead law may be advised In the
platform and whether or not there is to
be added dry plank to the declaration
of principles viii depend upon the
strength of the prohibition element in
the convention, directed by William
Jennings Bryan.
There is every probability that the
Democratic platform will in a large degree
meet the demands of laborers of the nation
so far as they are entirely reasonable and
Just and fair to both sides Presi-
dent Wilson's attitude on the labor ques-
tion and the admitted fairness of his
stand in every vital dispute that he has
faced warrant the assumption that the
party, of which he is the head and leader,
will follow his suggestions for a just and
liberal recognition of the rights and claims
of workers. That he may be trusted to
not go beyond the bounds of fairness or
that he will hesitate to advocate like JUS
tice for capital is assured by his action
last session of Congress in vetoing a
railroad measure that was backed by the
labor unions almost to a man.
~Outside of Mr.. Bryan's contention over
the proposed prohibition plank and
possibly against seating Senator Reed, of
Missouri, as a delegate there will probably
be little to disturb the quiet deliberations
of the delegates.
The claim that President Wilson will
'boss" the conxention is purely the inven-
tion Of the foe. As the head and leader
of his parH the President will doubtless
clearly Express his desires and probably
will press with much insistence his views
on the League of Nations and nut his
party in position to take the offensive IN
the campaign on this paramount issue.
He viii doubtless urge the Endorsement
of the ratification of the Anthony suffrage
amendment.
The Democratic party will go into the
campaign entirely Embossed, but directed
wisely, and only through some great