Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-01-25
BY N. o. MESSENGER.

SdHulu WeiSHlIS "a diA Soh'iuSi
atoms entering into the contest
for the republican presidential
nomination leads some Of the neu-
trail political observers to the con-
clusion that at this particular time
Gov. Lowden Of Illinois holds the
position Of tactical advantage over
his rivals. It is held that his can
didacy, as the case now stands,
possesses more assets Of practical
political value than the Others
In drawing this deduction from
the attending circumstances those
who do so explain that they are
dealing solely with the practical
aspect of the situation. disregard
ing for the moment all sentimental.
psychological and non-utilitarian
political elements. They discount
the Wood strength. which, while
admitted, is claimed to be circum-
scribed and thought by many to
have reached high-water mark for
the present.
AhCy CStlAA<1S0 lhS adA
strength, which is now invariably
discussed as in large measure
contingency, to be dependent for
its utilization upon a possible
deadlock between Lowden and
Wood.
Question of HOOver's Strength.
They claim that the Hoover
strength, known to be existent in
volume in the political atmosphere,
cannot be assessed for it's po-
1itical value until it has crystal
liked into political entity. It
must first be shown whether he is
regular republican or an independ-
ent, seeking both republican and
democratic votes.
When definite announcement is
made as to Mr.. Hoovers policies
and plan of campaign, all the po-
l1tical managers will make it their
first and most important duty to
sound out the sentiment Of the
country toward him.
Two main causes are assigned
for the conclusion that at this
time Gov Lowden's candidacy pos
sesses more assets of practical
political value" than the others.
Backed by Old Leaders,
First, because his candidacy is
known to be backed-beyond per-
adventure of a doubt-by a great
many of the influential leaders of
the old line republicans, the men
who do things" in the party man.
agement, and who exercise power
in the state organizations that
largely figure in the selection Of
delegates. .. !s...z4a Z
Second. because he now seems
publican delegations from the
southern states which will give
him on the first ballot group Of
votes which will make an impress
sive showing and which are likely
to be retained under firm control
thereafter.
During the past week the Low
den supporters were given definite
information. gathered by men at
work in the southern field. that he
is already well intrenched in the
south and growing in favor all
the time. Gov. Lowden is prob
ably better known in the Missis-
sippi valley and Atlantic seaboard
states than any other northern
ests have served to keep him in con-
contact with southern business
men and he is personally popular.
Value OF Support in South.
The political managers place
stress upon the value of the pros
pective support of southern dele
cations to the Lowden candidacy,
and those in closest touch with
the situation are confident that he
will have it in greater degree than
any other man now in the run
ming. They expect uninstructed
delegations, composed Of men
favora BILE to Gov. Lowden.
Developments in the Wood camp
during the past week were con-
fined to building up his manage
ment, which had suffered, tempo
rary dislocation through the dis
placement of John T. King and
other incidents. The Wood people
have come to the realization that
it is now devolvent upon them to
create an aggressive practical or
ganization. and cease to be de-
pendent alone upon the support of
the progressive republicans and