The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1920-04-22
BY Z. r. cLIPsoN.


Mystery regarding the political po-
sition and party affiliations of Herbert
Hoover has been dispelled by the an
nouncement of his conditional will
ingness to accept the Republican presi-
Dental nomination. He has said that
he will accept if it is felt that the
issues necessitate it and it is demand
ed of him, and further clarifies his
attitude in the following words:
IF the Republican party-with the
independent element, of which / am
naturally affiliated-a adopts forward
looking, liberal, constructive platform
on the treaty and on our economic is
sues, and ifsthe party proposes meas
ures for sound business administra-
ton of the country, and is neither re-
dictionary nor radical in its approach
to our great domestic questions, and is
backed by men who undoubtedly as
sure the consummation of these poll
cies and measures, will give it my
entire support"
Although Mr.. Hoover's declaration
created somewhat of a sensation, it
relieved the tension existing in the
camps of other candidates. Surround
ed by silence and secrecy, his atti-
tude had occasioned more or less
quaking in both Republican and Dem
ocratic strongholds. No one promi-
nent on either side felt like hurl-
ing a javelin at him for fear that it
might rebound and act as a BOOM
erang. Each party wanted his sup
port and the competition had been so
keen as to take on the characteristics
of race, with each side endeavoring
to get to him and land him first.
Mystery entered the situation some
weeks ago when Secretary of the Navy
Daniels, positively refusing to give
name, but speaking most emphat-
ically and authoritativeiy, said he
knew who the next president of the
United States would be. The most
active guessers were practically unani-
nous in the theory that the secretary
had in mind Mr. Hoover, and that the
food man had made promises or had
definitely committed himself to the
Democratic party. The theory as to
the definiteness was modified later
when Mr.. Hoover, pushed to some ex-
tremity for a declaration as to his po-
litical affiliations, stated that he had
of late years been aligned with the
Progressive Republicans. In the con-
gressional elections of 1913 he APP
peared TO favor the Democrats, and
made some statements indorsing the
leading policies of President Wilson.
The action of Mr.. Hoover has
brought the political pot from more
or less simmering state to an actual
boiling point. His entry makes him
strong contender for the Republican
nomination, ard his declaration Of
principles will have much to 60 with
preventing both parties from adopting
either extreme reactionary or ex-
treme radical viewpoints. He has
stated tslat no one should be able to
dictate the policies of great parties,
yet every man and woman has right
to decide what issues and measures
he will support He thus creates po-
sition which makes it possible for him
to repudiate both parties after their
national conventions. Some observers
see in this hint that if the candidates
and platforms of the two parties do
not satisfy the liberal thought of the
nation, Mr.. Hoover will be willing to
support third and independent tick
ct. Meanwhile several booms have
already been affected by his entry
into the race. His supporters are en-
gagged in an active campaign. In the
Minnesota primary. where it was nee
essary to write or paste his name On