Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-12-10
Stearns Gives Word
CONTINUED from Page One)

surprise at this time following as 1t
does his declaration of policies IN
his annual message to Congress ana
coinciding with the annual meeting
here this week Of the Republican ma
tional committee and with what Is
regarded as virtually the selection or
Cleveland, through the withdrawal by
Chicago last night of its invitation
for the Republican national conven-
ton next year.
For some time friends of Mr.. Cool
idge had urged him to make his
position known soon and 1t mad peen
planned by some of them to nave the
presidents candidacy indicated IN
resnonse to the recent unanimous in
dorsement given him by the South
Dakota Republican proposal conven-
ton.
Whether Mr. Butler, who has been
in Washington for several days con-
ferring with the president Mr..
Stearns and others will assume the
duties of national convention manager
has not been indicated. In any event
he is expected to have the active
suppe TT in his work of c. Bascom
Slemp. secretary to the president; OF
James B. Reynolds. veteran In ma
tional politics. and others.
Mr.. Butler previous to this year
had had little actual experience in
the field OF national politics. al
though he has served in both
branches of the Massachusetts legis-
lature and is discussed widely as a
possible candidate next year for the
Senate against Senator Walsh
Democrat, of that state. 1t Is be-
lieyed the extent of his participation
in the national campaign ultimately
may be determined somewhat by ms
own course with respect to. the
senatorship. He is 81 years of age.
Temporary Coolidge headquarters,
it is understood, will be established
in Washington in charge of Mr.. But
Ter, who will thereby be in position
to advise readily with Mr.. Slemp
and Mr.. Reynolds. as we'll as with
MIR. Stearns and others. Details in
volved in the appointment OF a num-
Der of regional managers. it Is indi-
Gated, will be given first considera-
ton at such conferences. 1t is gen.
orally believed that Mr.. Slemp, who
is also national committeeman for
Virginia and knows the southern field
thoroughly, will be in general charge
of tie situation in the south.
Announcement of the Presidents
candidacy is expected to have an H.
mediate effect upon plans of other
prominent Republicans who e
been mentioned in connection with
the presidency. 1t is believed it will
be a considerable factor in determin-
ing the course of Senator Watson of
Indiana: Governor Pinchot of Penn
sylvania; and others reported to be
considering entrance into the race
for the Republican nomination.
Of To1if0rnio
only other announced candidate for
the Republican nomination, has de-
clared an intention to seek endoi Sc
ment in the primaries wherever jos.
sible and the fact that the Coolidge
announcement was made at this time
is generally interpreted by political
observers here as indicating that tic
President also will enter all states
having preferential primaries with
the exception of those in which tLeve
may be native sons known to be
friendly to Mr.. Coolidge.
Notice of intention to be a cam
didate must be filed in two states.
Alabama and South Dakota, by jan
uary l. The announcement tonight
makes it possible for Mr.. Coolidge's
friends to enter his name in those
two states.
brought to bear upon those active in
Mr.. Coolidge's behalf by the leaders
of the nti-Johnson forces in Cali
fornia to have Mr. Coolidge enter the
primaries. Thus far, 1t is
no decision has been re-
ported on that point.
The Presidents desire is said by
his friends to be that he be allowed
to remain as much as possible in the
background, he has told some who
have conferred with him that while
he regarded it as perfectly legitimate
Tor a president to engage upon a
for reelection. he con-
eidered that his time and energy first
belonged to the Office IN which he
served. In accordance. with that
at this time that Mr.. Coolidge will
enter upon any campaign tour during
the winter or early spring.
Mr.. Butler said he would have
at present to add to the
statement of Mr.. Setarns. He con-
ferred tonight with Mr.. Slemp and
sevral Republican leaders of Con-
GresS as we'll as some who are here
for the national committee meet
ing.
Assurance of strong support for
the Coolidge forces began to pour in
upon Mr.. Butler tonight. Leaders
of several states were understood to
have expressed the belief that with
Mr.. Coolidge an avowed candidate.
the way was tledr for strong cam
paign in his behalf.
Lewiston Shoe Merchant Dieo
Lewiston, Me, Dec. 9-Charles A.