The Washington times., 1920-04-12
JOHNSON STARTS
MARYLAND BATTLE
California Senator's Entry Into
Primary has Awakened other
G. o. p. Candidates.

IL is a foregone conclusion that II
Senator Hiram Johnson OF California
follows his intention OF entering into
the Republican primaries In Mary
land, the Republican state leaders
will not leave him without a worthler
opponent than the blank space on the
ballot representing an unipAtructed
delegation. 'st,t
Belief Of organization men backing
various other candidates IL that az
least one and possibly more OF the
national candidates enter the hight
here as result OF Senator Johnson's
action. IL was declared. however
that the Republican organization as
such will take no decided stand. leav-
ing its members free to back whom
ever they see NJ.
Lesderr show ChnETIa.
Leaders made no attempt to conceal
their chagriR over the precipitation
OF a fight which they claim is bound
to affect seriously o. Il. Weilers
chances for election to the United
States Senate.
State Chairman Galen l.. TAFT would
not forecast that Gepersl Wood Will
take his cue from his opponent, but
he declared that such action by the
general would not be unwarranted
in the situation" lie asserted en-
phatically that, although he has come
out as a Wood man, he will act inde-
pepdentIy OF the organization and
that other Republican leaders and or
gsnizations Will do the same.
Hoover D~cI.ion.
One OF the most interesting effects
OF the announcement was to draw
from John T. Stone, head OF the local
Hoover boomers. the statement that
Mr.. Hoover has been asked to decide
one way or another about entering
his name, and will be heard from
within thirty-six hours.
"Prior to Senator Johuson's action
I had not made up my mind whether
IL would be wise for Mr. Hoover to
file here" said Mr.. Stone "Thc ad-
vent OF Senator Johnson, however
with the probability of General Wood
and the possibility of several Others
following suit. certainly will have the
effect OF disposing us toward per-
svading Mr.. Hoover to take the ac'
ton"
Mr.. Stone believes that Mr.. Hoover
will be guided in his action largely by
the advice of his Maryland friends
Orxsni.atien to He "Hands On"
Men close to Mr.. Weller declared
emph hatically that 1t Is a mistake to
believe his organization will come out
into the open for General Wood. Moth
ing could be more hurtful to his
chances, they pointed out. 1t wal
said .authoritatiyely that the organi'
zation will be hands of" and will
permit its members to do the fghtinG
as individuals. They were extremel,
cautious in their statements, but be-
tween the lines might be read the be-
lief that General Wood Is certain tc
toss his hat into the Maryland arena
soon.
Senator France, who is supporting
Mr.. Weller. declared openly. however
that Senator Johnson's entry will
prove a cue not only for Genera
Wood but for Governor bowden unt
Senator Poindexter. and perhaps fol
Nicholas Murray Butler and Mr.
Hoover, to enter this state. .Th'
Maryland senator declared that h,
has been in personal communication
with two OF the Presidential candi
dates and has talked to the friend!
OF the others, and found a tacit un
derstanding that Mr.. Weller would
not be embarrassed by dividing hi
constituents over the Presidential
issue. ..
At the same time the understand
ing was to cut two ways. In othe
words, IL one of the candidates saw
At to abrogate it, his action was t
allow the others free headway for ;
general stampede. Senator Franc,
believes that the abrogation has oc
Cured and he now is waiting to hea
the thunder of the stampede.