The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1920-04-01

of the fact that Herbert Hoover had en-
tered himself in the Republican primaries
of California on the league of nations is
sue This means he will fight it ont
gainst Hiram johnson who wants neither
league nor treaty, nor reservations.
Politically, this part of the Hoover let
ter is the most important 1t means that
Hiram Johnson will probably lose in his
own home state. For under California
laws, anybody can vote in either Repub
lican or Democratic primaries without
regard to previous affiliations. So Demo
Gratis can vote for Hoover. A combina
ton of Democrats who favor the league
and Republicans who think likewise is
enough TO defeat Hiram johnson.
Many of the supporters of avowed
Democratic nominees, like Palmer and
McAdoo were glad Hoover had written
letter saying he was naturally affiliat-
ed" with the Republicans. This removes
their most dangerous competition-at
least they think he has been removed
But the most significant fact of the
whole business is what is happening under
the surface in both parties, namely, a
demand for Hoover irrespective of party.
Here is something that shows which way
the wind blows:
Several members of congress who have
been back home" sounding out their
constituents have come back to Wash
ington. A man who went to Tennessee
in the interest of McAdoo candidacy came
back with the story that the Democrats
want Hoover.
A man who went to California for
Hiram Johnson is back with confiden-
tial report that its all Hoover in Cali
| fornia."
A man who knows the situation in
Minnesota and is himself supporting an
other candidate says scores of newspapers
are coming out for Hoover.
| Only one returning Observer mem
Der of congress who looked into the situ-
alton in North Dakota for his own can
didate-says the mon partisan league
is against Hoover.
The burden of the tales brought back
is that the nation is sick and tired of the
political manoeuvering of both parties
and that the effect of the failure of the
treaty in the senate is to hold present
office holders responsible for being guided
by politics rather than the national in
terest. That is something independent
newspapers throughout the country have
oeen telling congress for many weeks
but the truth is only now being realized
And the name of Herbert Hoover has
been seized upon as the one means of ex-
pressing the resentment of the country
against both the Republican and Demo
cratic machines in the government.
The professional politicians in the Re
publican party are already ridiculing Mr.
Hoover's announced appeal for liberia
platform and progressive nominee at tn,
Republican convention. The Democrat,
politicians have been doing it at tn,
mention of Mr.. Hoover's name for thei,
ticket. This viii not hurt Mr.. Hoover,
prestige but help it for the friends o.
Mr.. Hoover would like nothing better
than denuneiation of Mr. Hoover by tn,
reactionary elements in both the Demo
cratic and Republican parties for the,
believe this will not affect the rank an,
file who are ready to support a progress
sive leader. On the contrary, they ar
sure it will mean millions of Independent
votes no matter on what ticket MI
q Hoover eventually makes the race.
Opportunities other name is Work.