Evening star., 1924-02-10

of its weekly political
survey, deal almost ex-
clusively with oil and the effect
of the oil disclosures on the for
tunes of candidates and parties.
So engrossing is the oil scandal
that the possible political effect
of former President Wilson's
death is barely mentioned by the
correspondents. though here in
Washington it has been assumed
that passing Of the former Presi-
dent would have considerable
bearing, at least to the extent Of
influencing the stand of the DEM
ocratto party on international re-
lations.
The oil disclosures as affecting
the entire political situation are
discussed, but interest chiefly GEN.
ters around the effect on the cam
didacies of Mr.. Coolidge for the
republican and william G. McAdoo
for the democratic presidential
nominations. Almost unanin ously
IL iS dBTecO tHc fFeSlueHt Is
personally 'unweakened by the dis
closures-that his chances for the
nomination have not been lessen
ed. There is, though. the suggeS-
tion that they may make it more
difficult for him to be elected in
November.
In the case Of Mr.. McAdoo
there is very marked difference OF
opinion. In some states the Nc
ha
rorturbed and not at all inclined
to let McAdoo's employment by
Doheny interfere with a vigorous
quest for delegates. In other
states there appears a disposition,
If not to drop McAdoo. at least to
await developments before tying
up any tighter to his cause.
= x y =
Texas and Washington furnish
striking examples of how differ
entity McAdoo's connection with
the oil interests is viewed. His
Texas managers are unable to dis
Germ a single cloud on the McAdoo
horizon and are going ahead with
their plans as If never drop of
oil had splattered on their candi-
closures are said to have thrown a
monkey wrench into the plans of
the democracy OF that state. 1t
had been felt that McAdoo was
assured of the Washington dele
cation. The democrats had grab
bed oil as an issue and were de-
manding a housec!eaning. Their
barrage caught McAdoo in the
open. and now Washington DEM
ocrats don't know what to do.
Utah probably furnishes typi-
cal case of democratic sentiment.
McAdoo continues to be the IA
vorite there, it is reported, but
democrats are watching the oil
investigation and are ready for
a quick shift unless McAdoo
makes favorable showing be-
fore the Senate committee. In
Illinois McAdoo's friends are said
to be marking time. awaiting fur
ther Developments. There is a
more optimistic feeling in the reg
ular Illinois democratic organiza-
ton. which wants an uninstructed
able to Gov, Smith of New York.
There is a feeling among Virginia
democrats that MtAdoo's availa-
bility has been impaired. but his
friends still hope he will come
through. In Michigan, where Nc
AQOO WAS Il 1dNOTlte IOuT years
ago. he is believed to have been
weakened by the oil disclosures.
Michigan democrats had been
planning to get in line for Nc
Adoo in case Henry Ford with
draws, making it unnecessary to
put Senator Ferris forward as an
offset.
X * X
Democratic leaders in Wiscon-
sin committed to- McAdoo refuse
to be shaken by the oil disclosures,
though they admit a temporary
setback. Anti-McAdoo Wisconsin
democrats are greatly encouraged.
They want to send a delegation of
"wets" to New York which can be
delivered to Gov. Smith or to Sem
ator Underwood as second choice.
McAdoo's appeal Is to the drys,
and it is about fifty-fifty propo-
sition with Wisconsin democrats.
Kentucky reports that it is i'm
possible yet to tell how McAdoo
will be affected there by the dis