Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-10-17
Rise and Fall of Democratic Hopes Feature Weeks Political Dew
THE WEEK IN POLITICS
Summary of National Developments, Based on
Reports From The Stars Special Core
spondents and Staff Writers.

Particular attention from now on
will be devoted to development of
the New York situation, because
conditions in New York are typical
of those in other eastern states. 1t
is not contended that Gov. Cox
could not possibly be elected with
out New York, but it will be con-
ceded that in order to win he
must get some electoral votes in
the east. and the same factors that
are operating against him in New
York are operating also in New
Jersey, Connecticut and elsewhere
= x X x
In Ohio. Indiana and other mid
die western states the campaign
seems to be moving along the ex-
pected lines. with the predictions
strong that Harding will carry
them by substantial, if not phe-
nomenal, pluralities. Democrats in
Indiana nave not abandoned hope
that they will be able to elect
Thomas Taggart to the United
States Senate. defeating Senator
Jim Watson, nominated by the
republicans to succeed himself. The
Indianapolis correspondent of The
Star estimates that if Harding car
ries the state by $4,000 or more.
Watson will pull through. but if
Harding's plurality drops to $4,000
or lower the senator will be in
danger.
There is a tremendous registra-
. ton in Indiana. and some anpre-
hension is expressed that the vote
will be SO heavy that it will over
tax the facilities at the polling
places. In those precincts equipped
with voting machines auxiliary
paper ballots will have to be pro
vided. for it would not he nos.
sible. for all those registered to
vote by machine.
One Of the most hopeful demo-
cratic notes of the week comes
from Kentucky. where both parties
are whooping things up for rous-
- ing finish. The very biggest ora
torical guns are being sent into
the state-and Kentuckians dearly
love their oratory. 1t is predicted
mat the outcome will depend on
the way the women vote. so the
oratory is addressed largely to the
ladies' and, of course. is more flow
cry and fervid than ever. The
league of nations is practically the
only issue discussed. and the demo-
Gratis profess to believe that an
overwhelming majority of women
are for the league.
From a number of states comes
word that interest is keener in the
senatorial and congressional cleo
tlons than in the contest for the
presidency. This is especially true
in states where it is conceded that
Harding will get the electoral
votes. but where factional strife
makes 1t possible for the democrats
to pick up seats in the Senate or
House of Representatives.
The national republican manage
ment doesn't attempt any conceal
ment Of the fact that it is worried
over Congress. If there is land
slide for the presidential ticket,
of course, it is likely to make both
houses safely republican. but in
event of close contest loss of the
Senate and possibly of the House
is an uncomfortable possibility.
The final two weeks of the cam
paign, therefore, are bound to see
an intense fight in doubtful states
where senatorial seats are at stake
and in close congressional dis
tricts everywhere.
The possibility that the repub-
licans may pick up few House
seats in far southern states is not
being overlooked. In event Of a
close margin in the lower house of
Congress. two or three republican
congressman from below the Ma
son-Dixon line would be handy
things to have around.
Copyright. 1920. by The Washington STAR