Evening star., 1920-01-18
WOOD BOOM TAKES
FORM IN MARYLAND
Hoover Ideal Man for Both
Parties, Or. GoodnoW
Says.

BALTIMORE, Md. January II (Spe-
ciaD.-The Maryland boom for Maj.
Gen. Leonard Wood took definite
| shape this week and incidentally re-
| ceived considerable impetus through
| the presence at the first Wood meet
ing in the state of Galen N. TAFT,
| chairman of the republican state
committee and campaign director for
| the ruling Weller-Jackson organiza-
| ton.
A large number of representative
republicans of Montgomery county,
upon the invitation of DR.. Ryan Deve-
| reaux, formerly of Gen. Woods COM
| mand, gathered at the Devereaux
home in the Bethesda district Thurs
day to avail themselves of an oppor-
tunlty personally to meet Gen. Wood,
who, accompanied by State Chairman
TaIt, whose home is in Montgomery,
| came over from Washington for the
event. Every section of Montgomery
county was represented, as were also
the large suburban communities ad-
Jacent to Washington. The general
was warmly received by the repub-
ilcans present. many Of whom are his
personal friends.
TAFT n Roosevelt Man.
Mr.. Tart explained after the meet
ing that he had attended the gather
ing as citizen and republican of
Montgomery county, but since he was
Roosevelt man it is evident that
his interest in Gen. Woods. chances
for the presidency is more than cas-
ual. In this connection the follow
ing quotations from an informal
interesting:
"a recent poll made at the Mary
land legislature indicated that Gen.
Wood was the first choice for Presi-
dent of those participating in the
poll. 1t is the opinion of many that
republicans, and particularly those of
western Maryland.
"The general policy of the repub-
lican leadership in Maryland has been
to send uninstructed delegates to repub-
lican national conventions. 1t is be-
lieved that the managers of the cam
paign for Gen. Wood desire the SYM
pathetic cooperation of the repub-
lican organization in all of the vari-
Gus states where his campaign now is
being conducted.
May Form Wood Organization.
ut is understood that an organiza-
ton in Maryland for the pushing of
the movement on behalf of Gen. Wood
will be formed shortly
This was the first indication Of a
preference by any one high in the
councils of the Maryland republican
organization. Up to this time the
state powers that be in the party
have been understood to have been
inclined to follow the usual course
of sending an uninstructed delega-
tion. How far Mr. TAFT will get in
his efforts to win the sympathetic
cooperation" of the Weller Jackson
organization remains to be seen,
There are now many republicans who
expect the Wood strength to grow
rapidly, although there is much doubt
as to whether big Chief" Weller ana
former United States Senator Jackson
will fall into line for any man unless
forced by powerful sentiment.
The Montgomery visit of Gen. WOOD
was his second to Maryland this week.
Last Monday he motored over and was
. guest at a private dinner at the home
Of Norman James. at Catonsville. a
suburb OF Baltimore. j. Craig Mclsan-
ahan, Blanchard Randall and Jacob
France were also present. The gem
erals visit was described as more Of a
social call than Of political conference.
DR.. GsoAnow for Hoover.
Herbert Hoover has an enthusiastic
supporter for the presidency in DR.. j..
University. internationally prominent
educator ana one of the country's best
Informed men on world events. with
conditions as they are at present." he
declared in an interview the other day,
this country needs in its next Pres
ident Hoover's genius for practical ac-
accomplishment, his administrative ability,
plus his knowledge of world conditions
and his fine, wholesome spirit" He
spoke Of Hoover as the ideal candidate
for both parties. The interview was OBJ
tanned at John Hopkins Hospital. where
DR.. Goodnow Is confined with a broken
leg, the result of a fall during the recent
dre at the hospital
JOHN A. ELGERT.