The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1920-09-19
MASSACHUSETTS PRO-LEAGUE
REPUBLICAN,

ItISI u DhLISfA4N.
The surprises of political vote-count-
ing in the United States are usually
| well worth examination for the sake
of whatever light they throw upon
the drift Of public opinion A case
in point seems to be that Of Con-
gresham Alvan T. Fuller whose
nomination as the Republican can
Massachusetts is one of the outstand-
ing results Of the recent primaries,
the effect of surprising overturn in
the election figures developed by the
last 10000 ballots to be counted in q
statewide vote. To people throughout
the United States it may be Of small
moment that Congressman Fuller hap
pened to be the man who figures in
this result, but very many Of them,
without much doubt, will be interested
in noting how this particular NOM
ination indicates a preference for pro-
gressve ideas on the part Of a con-
siderable body of the electorate.
Regular Republicans in Massachus-
etts look for political guidance very
largely to United States Senator Henry
Cabot Lodge. Not only is Senator
Lodge influential in Republican party
affairs in Massachusetts, but his op-
position to the League of Nations,
contingent ON its being made subject
to far-reaching reservations, has been
n nf knnxrladoa nd
much discussion for months past. 1t is
generally understood that few can
didates are likely to win Republican
favor in this state unless they have
Senator Lodges approval. Congress-
man Fuller however, has been rather
vigorous in his opposition to Senator
Lodge. He has been notably independ-
ent in his political actions and dis
cussions, and he has expressed his
conviction in favor of the ratification
OF the League covenant. Yet here he
Is. a successful nominee, and there
is no question that his success has
aroused CONSERVATION amongst the Re-
publican regulars in the state. Mr..
Fuller himself went TO bed on the
night of the primaries apparently be-
lieving that the young speaker Of
the Massachusetts House of Represen-
tatives, the Hon. Joseph f.. Warner
Of Taunton, was safely in possession
Of the nomination. AS n matter of fact.
the voting throughout the state. lack
Ing only single congressional! dis
trict left the speaker in the lead by
something like 5000 votes. But that
congressional district happened to be
the one represented by Congressman
Fuller. II included eight thickly pop
ulated suburban cities just outside
Boston, and the shoe city OF Brock
ton. Those nine cities. rolled up a
plurality for Mr.. Fuller OF almost l5.-
900 votes and gave him the nomlna-
ton. More than that. in year when
Republicans confidently expected to
carry the state. the nominee would
seem to have a strong hold upon
position that is generally regarded as
the natural stepping-stone to the gov.
ernorship.
Speaker Warner has publicly attrib-
uted his defeat To Congressman Full
er's e'eventh-hour criticism OF him
on n question OF legislative ethics.
But Il seems fair TO INFER that this
matter could have been no more
than contributory cause to the con.
gressman's success. 1t Is more to the
point to note that Il so-called Pro
gressive" has been named over the
head Of regular" and that. In addi-
tion to taking an exceptional attitude
In favor OF the League OF Nations.
this Progressive ls the same man
who distinguished himself In congress
by advocating reforms In the general
procedure OF the national Legislative
branch, with a view to securing speed
Ter action and greater efficiency. II
IL barely possible that the voters In
Congressman fullor's district rcmem-
Der HIS championship of these re-
forms with considerable favor.
II Is not to be wondered at that
OF this sort came from
man who literally broke In" to poll
ties as businessman candidate. That
the voters who have known him most
intimately have favored independence
OF the sort he has manifested IL clear
from his previous election to office. II
remains to be seen whether his ad-
vancement to higher preferment now.
In the face OF opposition from regular
Republicans who are lukewarm II
not hostile to the League OF Nations.
IN significant OF desire amongst
The rank and fi'e OF the party for a diff
fercnt NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Science