New-York tribune., 1920-02-03

ing TO go on. This could be entirely
/ true and not disturb the facts just set
iorth at an. 1t would rather strengthen
thelr logic. But there is more to it
! than any mere fear on the part Of the
polltlclans here that they would not
get the offices. Most Of the big Re
publican leaders in this state arc
nill!onalres Few Of them want any
offices Tor themselves. Certainly they
want to control the patronage-that is
what a political machine lives on
but they also are human in their
!riendships. They knew and trusted
John I: King, and they did not like
I at an to discover that the man who
brought them on board the Wood ship
had been dropped overheard.
The facts as here revealed are not
very generally understood in Missouri,
although there is realization all over
the state that the "St. Louis crowd"
has for some reason lost its interest
in Wood. Every man to whom |
ta'kcd In three cities in this state said
that ""ood was slipping" here;
On the Democratic side all is bitter
dssension. Those who call themselves
Administration men have been trying
10 read Senator James A. Reed out of
the party, and so far Reeds friends
have prevented any such action.
particularly desperate effort at the
stGte committee meeting. at Jefferson
City, last Thursday failed, despite evil
| lence that Reeds friends were in the
minority.
The situation seems to- be that Mis-
souri, is not with the President on his
treaty fight at all. Those for ratif
cation without reservations are IN
very small minority, and there is a
Il l. hon ,t,
his desire to "kill the whole business"
a prominent Democratic politician who
does not agree with Reed pointed out
to-day, there is only one newspaper In
favor of ratification without reserva-
tlons-"The Kansas City Post" Every
other newspaper in those five cities
either wants the treaty with reserva-
tions or else wants it killed.
In addition, there is the powerful
influence of Senator Reed, who is
enormously strong in the state, despite
his opposing the President on this
question, so close to Mr.. Wilson's heart.
Then there arc those friends Of former
Speaker Champ Clark who have never
forgiven Mr.. Wilson And on top Of
it all there is the influence Of William
jennings Bryan, still potent in Mis-
Joseph w. Folk, an ardent Bryan sup
porter who still has strong follow
ing. as evidenced By his nomination
for Senator two years ago.
Many big Democrats admitted to me.
on the promise that their names should
not be used. that Wilson would be
overwhel lmingly beaten if he should
run again. A Democratic editor said
the East should stop counting Missouri
as part of the solid South"
missouri is doubtful state" he
said
Attorney General Palmer would be
weak candidate IN Missouri, many
Democrats told me. William Gibbs
McAdoo see,ns to have more following
here than any Of the Democratic can
didates mentioned Organization lead
ers. however, as III nearby states. seem
to be for Palmer as against any other
candidate, the one point on which thcy
all unite being a hope that the Presi-
dent Will not run again.
There is a not batt for the Sena-
torial nomination on the Republican
side, indicating ct least a little conf
dence that the Republicans may carry
the state. Senator Sclden T. Suenccr.
Republican. who defeated Joseph y
Folk, two years ago for Senator Stones
unexpired term, is being opposed by Col
onel Dwight +. Davis,a millionaire, who
was decorated three times for bravery
at the front in France, and j., L. Min
mis-, former vice-Dresdent Of the
Wabash Railroad Spencer has de
veloped a great deal OF strength in
rural Missouri, Il is said here. Davis,
with the backing of the st Louis
crowd, is expected to pile up the votes
in this city Most observers think
Mnnis will run third, although he is