Evening star., 1923-11-16
Elemental Fight in Ranks of
Ruling Party Seen as
Indicative of Split.
REPUBLICANS REALIZE
GRAVITY OF SITUATION
Course of La Toilette Cause OF
Speculation-Many Favorite
Sons Seen.
BY N. o. MESSENGER.


With the fiat statement by Senator
Hiram Johnson Of California that he
is candidate for the republican
presidential nomination, and what
was construed as the tacit admission
of William G. McAdoo that he seeks
the democratic nomination, politicians
in Washington today had fruitful
topics for gossip and speculation.
Neither announcement came as a sur
the well posted.
Republicans naturally see in Sena-
tor Johnson's statement a fat declara-
ton of war against President Cool
ldge. the administration at Washing
ton and the republican leadership in
Congress. No other construction is
possible when he says reaction and
progress must fight it out again in
the republican party in the coming
presidential primaries. l question not
men now, but their philosophy of gov
ernment; That which obtains at Wash
1ngton does not fit present-day needs
Ultra conservatism there rules; pro-
gressivism challenges it. And the en-
suing contest will determine whether
the republican party shall be the per-
manent instrument of reaction or
day conditions and aspirations"
Who0ps From Democrats,
Imagine the loud whoops of joy
that went up today from all demo-
cratic leaders and politicians at these
words of derogation of the republi-
can party. its administration and
Congress, from candidate for the
presidential nomination. They said
all they will have to do will be to
remain silent and let the aspirant
talk. Then. should he not win the
nomination and it should go to Presi-
dent Coolidge, just placard the coun-
try with quotations of what Senator
Johnson had said about the party and
its organization and controlling ele-
ment.
Come. all We faithful would then
be the cry of the democrats, holding
themselves to be the only true pro-
gressives," and would naturally count
on the support of the republican vot-
ers who had backed Senator Johnson
at the primaries.
The first practical effect of Senator
Johnson's announcement of his candi-
dacy for the nomination is expected
to be the entry of other aspirants into
the field. Not all OF these will be
actual antagonists of President Cool
idge, but. on the contrary, in the role
of "favorite sons" will seek to hold
the vote of their states, for subse-
quent disposal in the national con-
vention as conditions seem to demand.
For instance, in New York state
republican leaders are reported to be
laying plans to carry the delegation
in support of Senator James w.
Wadsworth. He himself has declared
for President Coolidge. 1t was point
ed out by a prominent New York re-
publican today that 1t will be diffit
cult to instruct" the delegation, but
easy to pick out delegates who will
favor a certain candidate.
Lowden Seen ms Factor.
Former Gov. Lowden of Illinois
said g. few days ago that he "is not
a candidate''-but that was a few
days ago. 1t is known that his
friends. as well as the supporters of
Senator johnson, have been busy in
Illinois for weeks working for their
respective choices. Gov. Pinchot is
fully expected by the politicians to
come out shortly as candidate, and
there will be a spectacular contest
between him and the organization in
Pennsylvania with which Senators
Reed and Pepper are affiliated for
COnlTOl OF CHe Q6l6RdClOn. Inc
thought is that If Gov. Pinchot found
he could not gain the nomination
himself from the convention he would
throw the delegates under his con-
troll to Senator Johnson.
Senate La Follette's course is the
subject of speculation and doubt
among the politicians. He will, the
prevailing belief is, control the Wis.
consin delegation, but what he will
do with 1t only he himself apparently
knows.
The profound political gravity of
Senator Johnson's announcement is
recognized in all Republican circles
today, although the leaders, for OBJ
vious reasons, are loath to comment.
1t is recognized that Senator Johnson
has one advantage of his opponents.
in that as a member of the Senate
during the coming winter and before
the nominating convention he can
freely express his views upon legis-
1ation. either in criticism or upon in
itiative and proposal, and keep him
self constantly before the public.