New-York tribune., 1920-09-26
By Carter Field

MILWAUKEE,, Sept. 25.-With due
allowance for the fact that election is
sia weeks off and with the realization
that twenty-four hours are frequently
q lifetime in politics, Wisconsin looks
to-day as though the majority for
Harding and Coolidge will not be less
than 100000 and may pass 100000.
Senator Irvine L. Lenroot, despite
the bitter opposition he encountered in
the primary from the La Toilette
crowd, seems sure winner. From
present indications his majority will
not be less than $4,000 and may reach
$4,000. This makes, obviously, due al
lowance for heavy cutting by the fol-
lowers of La Toilette and also for some
cutting by other elements.
1t was a big surprise to political
writer coming from Washington and
New York, where fear had been rather
openly expressed as to Lenroot's
chances, to find how strong he is. I
have talked to all kinds of people, Re-
publicans, Democrats and Socialists,
politicians, business men and saloon
keepers, even to few Republican
women who went over to the Demo-
cratic PARTY through admiration for
Woodrow Wilson, but have yet to find
any one who will privately express the
belief that Lenroot will be defeated.
Clean Sweep Predicted
: Further, the Democrats do not really
hope to capture q single Wisconsin
seat in the House of Representatives.
The only real contest is in the old
Victor Berger district in Milwaukee,
where Berger is running again, this
time against former Representative
William II. Stafford, who was defeated
in 1916 chiefly because of his record
on the McLemore resolution.
So that apparently the only ques-
tion as to Wisconsin's delegation in
the House is whether it shall be ten
Republicans and one Socialist-or,
rather. one vacancy, since the House
probably would refuse to seat Berger
again-os whether il shall be eleven
Republicans
The one element of doubt is on the
Governcrship. John j. Blaine, La Fol-
iette man. was nominated at the pri-
mary by the combination Of Nonparti-
san League and La Toilette forces. His
opponent, Colonel Robert Mccoy, is
immensely popular and the state is
proud of his war record. If / should
hase-a prediction purely on my per-
sonal contacts since coming into the
state last Tuesday should say that
Mccoy would certainly be elected, as
have met so many persons who said
they intended to vote for Harding
Lenroot and Mccoy.
However, every one here is of the
opinion that the majority for Harding
viii De SO overwhelming that Blaine
Will be pulled through. In addition
OF the primary fight has not worn off
and the natural tendency. will be 70,
those who now intend to cut Blaine to
drlft back into regularity. Indeed, there
are evidences of just such a drift
several persons told me they had in.
tended to cut Blaine, but had thought
better Of it.
Lenroot Seems Safe
This probably will hold true and re
suit in Blaine's election, unless ther,
should be some movement from L,
Eoiiette against Lenroot. Should l.;
toilette make any open move in thii
direction the fat would be in the fir,
% once and the defeat of Blaine woult
be assured. Even this, however, prob
ABLY would not defeat Lenroot. He car
nun $4,000 behind Harding without be
Ing IN serious danger. In addition, th'
extreme probability is that La Follett,
viii make no such move. He has to,
much at stake. involving whether h.
comes back 20 the Senate two year
from now, when his term expires.
Inc whole situation hangs on tn