New-York tribune., 1920-01-10
Party Counsels
Confused by
Bryan's Action
Continued from page I

and the opin.on at that time, coming
from the source it did, was taken as
conclusive.
Senator Walsh, of Massachusetts, and
ex-senator James A. O'Gorman, OF New
York, conferred late to-day, and while
they declined to comment afterward 1t
IS understood that they went over the
in both of which the Irish vote con-
stitutes tremendous percentage Of
their strength. In view of the Presi-
dents wish to make the treaty the
issue and in view Of the bitter opposi-
ion to the treaty of the Irish voters,
it is understood Democratic politicians
rom many of the Eastern and New
England states are tremendously dis
;ouraged.
Situation Annoys Senator's
Democratic Senators are more dis
turbed over the peace treaty as the
issue in the campaign than the national
committeeman or officeholdels who ap-
plauded so vigorously at both dinners
when the Presidents announcement
was read. Every Democratic Senator
in his speech, all prepared before they
knew the contents of the Presidents
derwood, who spoke extemporaneously,
showed clearly that he hoped the
treaty would be speedily ratified and
got out Of the way as a political
issue. The Senators took that posi-
tion to-day despite the obvious fact
hat the Jackson Day dinner made the
task of reaching a compromise on the
peace treaty more difficult.
The Senators realize better than
iheii co-party workers some of the
difficulties of the campaign if the
ssue. Senator James A. Reed, of Mis-
souri,, for instance, would, his friends
declared to-day, unquestionably bolt
the party. Reed has a great personal
following in Missouri, which has been
getting closer and closer, until Re-
publican Senator was e.ected in 1918.
fhe chances for carrying Missouri
with the league as an issue would be
highly favorable to the Republicans.
Oklahoma Also in Danger
Oklahoma is another state apt to 60
Republican. it is declared. if the rati-
fcation of the peace treaty without
reservations is the iss Se~otor
Gore would be against the President
on that issue, and the tempe: . ne
peop.e of one Congressional District
..dy has been demonstrated in 81
;pecial election to be against the
eague.
In Tennessee Senator Shields cou
scarcely support candidate for Presi-
dent committed to ratification without
reservations, nor could Senator Tram
me in Florida, nor Senator Hoke
Smith in Georgia. Florida and Georgia
~c 50 overwhe ming Democratic that
his might not make any difference
but Colorado is one of the states the
Democrats must have, and Senator
Thomas, who comes up for reelection
this time, voted against the ratification
of the treaty at ALL He would vote
for it neither with nor without rcser-
close, having gone Republican in 1918
Democrats from that part of the coun-
ry say that probably no Democrat
ave Thomas would have a chance, and
factional fight, if there is one, might
ruin Thomas chances.
Wilson Candidacy Doubted
The Democrats do. not seem to take
the Presidents desire to have the
! treaty the issue in the campaign as ar
indication that he will run himself
! They still expect there will be an an
nouncement some time soon, or else
he word w ! be irpnd down that
he will not be a cand ddate. Some OF
the Democrats interpret Tumulty's
backing of Attorne General Mitchell
Palmer as signifying that the presi-
dent will not run and that he i,
for Palmer.
At any rate, Palmer is the bene.
factor under the present official 81.
lence. and the fear Of Bryan dom ior
is driving the Democrats behind the
Pennsylvania. His speech. made al
both dinners and at luncheon yes
Nrday, "auscd much favorable com
ment, and the Palmer men asserted
that he had walked away with tn,
honors.