Evening star., 1923-12-02
MARYLAND c. 0. P.
/ PRIMARY IS SEEN
Democrats Regarded as Sure
to Send UninStruCted
Delegation.
Epecial Dispatch t. The Star

Special Dispatch to The Star
BALTIMORE, December 1.-While
the republican party will undoubtedly
have a presidential primary next
year, 1t is not believed that such Will
be the case with the democratic party
and that the delegation to the demo-
cratic convention Will not present
Gov. Ritchie as a "favorite son." but
viii be uninstructed.
Senator Hiram w. johnson has al
ready announced that he viii enter
the Maryland primaries, which may
force President Coolidge to follow
suit. and it is said that former Sen
ator Joseph l. France may also enter
the race, making il a three-corner
light for the nomination. Rumors
have been persistent this week that
senator France Will not only declare
himself candidate, but has already
started work to enlist supporters III
the Maryland delegation to the ma
uonal convention.
Notwithstanding the fact that GOV.
Ritchie has declared that under no
circumstances is he a candidate for
the pres! dental nomination, and is
said 10 favor William @. MvAGoo,
many democrats persist in bringing
his name forward
The governor left this morning to
spend short vacation at French Lick
Springs. and although French Link
Is favorite conference place for
democratic politicians, he said that no
political motive is back of his trip.
Primary Likely.
Although the leaders of both po-
Htical parties would avert "a presi-
nehtla4 primary contest, Senator
Weller is skeptical OF the ability of
either to prevent candidates from
going after Maryland'S vote He
bases this opinion on the states pc
Su!lar law governing presidential
nominations.
Assuming that by agreement the
leading candidates would consent TO
Oeter TO the delegates sent to the ma
uonal convention what is there to
LreNent an aspirant seeking notoriety y
asked
III his was the only name offered
~ would De mandatory for the cleo
tlon oncl3lS to place il on the hal-
1ul ana the convention compelled
gates to vote for this man"
discussion of candidates by Mary
idhu democrats at this time has mar
roWed down virtually TO McAdoo and
Underwood. While their respective
fashion among the leaders, it is inti-
mated rather definitely that if Me
Adoo enters the Mary and primaries
Underwood also will be entered An
unlnstructed delegation was held
preferable to a contest between the
Two.
Gov. RitChie is believed to favor
William Gibbs McAdoo, to whom he
is close through mutual friendships.
Weller for Coolidge.
On the republican side the organi-
cation headed by Senator Weller is
definitely committed to President
Coolidge. Opposition to Coolidge is
being brewed by some leaders of the
faction opposed to Weller. The Mar
chant-Lowndes combination, count
ing also on support of former Senator
William p. Jackson. are not allowing :
the Coolidge sentiment of flow un-
checked.
The counter move they plan Is TO
indorse Senator Hiram w. Johnson
and make fight for him if neces-
Sary, in the presidential primary.
1t is hampered, however, by the
TACT that former Senator Jackson,
who naturally would be among the
opposition, is slated for nationa.
committeeman and naturally would
wish TO avoid giving deep offense to
Weller.