New-York tribune., 1920-03-02
Palmer Opens
Campaign for
Democrats
Stands OH Record Made by
Administration in Enter
ing the Georgia Primary
as Presidential Candidate

WASHINGTON, March 1.-The Presi-
Dental campaign, from the Democratic
standpoint, was opened tonight, in the
opinion of political leaders here
through the announcement of A,
Mitchell Palmer, Attorney General, that
he would allow his name to go to
the Georgia state primary ballot as a
candidate for the White House.
In telegram to Hiram L. Gardner,
secretary of the Georgia State Demo-
cratic Committee, Mr.. Palmer said:
II understand that my friends have
entered my name in the Presidential
primaries. If the Democrats of the
state of Georgia see fit to select me
as their choice l shall receive the honor
with deep appreciation. l deem it
highly important that the Democrats
of Georgia should have the opportunity
to directly pass upon the record made
by the epresent Administration The
candidacy Of one who supports that
record in every phase presents that
opportunity"
The Republican campaign has been
on several weeks, but the formal an
nouncement by Mr.. Palmer was the
first from any of those persons who
have been mentioned as possible choices
of the San Francisco convention.
Democratic aspirants for the nomina-
ton have held back formal announce
ments awaiting declaration by Presi-
dent Wilson as to his plans. Although
nothing has come from the White
House, the open candidacy of the At
torney General, who is particularly
close to Mr.. Wilson, was accented in
some quarters as definitely indicating
that the President would not enter
third campaign.
Big Rush Expected
With Mr.. Palmer's that in the ring"
politicians here look for formal an
nouncements to come quickly from
those who have been holding their can
dldacles in the background.
Governor Cox of Ohio and James w.
Gerard, former Ambassador to Ger
many, while permitting their names to
be placed on primary ballots, have not
as yet made formal announcement.
Others who have been mentioned in
connection with the Democratic nomi
nation include William G. McAdoo. for
mer Secretary Of the Treasury; William
Jennings Bryan, thrice Democratic
standard bearer; Senator Robert l..
owen, of Oklahoma; Herbert Hoover.
and Governor Edwards of New JerSey.
Former Secretary McAdoo, one of
the first mentioned as a possible candi-
any way that he might enter the Dem
ocratic lists. but in answer to a tele-
gram from the Mayor of Milledgeville.
ga, MS nome town, saving that citizens
there had circulated a petition in his
behalf, Mr.. McAdoo wrote that he
would not permit his name to be placed
on the Georgia primary ballots.
Mr. Bryan on several occasions has
asserted that he was not and would not
be a candidate. Should Mr.. Bryan re-
mar firm in his resolve, speculation as
to the candidate to obtain the former
leaders Endorsement has been vide
spread. In political circles Mr.. BRYAN
is considered as having a very friendly
feeling for Attorney General Palmer
Telegram From Hoover
The Georgia state committee, which
received Mr.. Palmer's telegram to-
night, also received telegram from
Mr.. Hoover, petitions for whom had
been presented. In this telegram the
former Food Administrator said he
thought nothing would be added to the
public welfare by the use of his name
in the state primary
Attorney General Palmer, in the view
of politicians here, enters into the
campaign with substantial organiza-
tion behind him. This organization. it
is said. has resulted in part from the
activities of Mr.. Palmer as Alien Prop
erty Custodian during the war and as
Attorney General. In Illinois Mr.
Palmer's organization is said to be par
ticularly strong: Last week he re-
turned from speaking trip, which
took him to Topeka, Kan,. and Frank
fort, KY. Several weeks ago he made
a more extended trip through the Mid
die West, with the result that although
an Eastern man, native of Pennsyl-
vana, he is widely known in the Cen
trail states.
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