The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-01-03
Like His Late Chief, Roose- welt, He Resents Steam Roller Tactics Of National Committee In The South BOLT WOULD MEAN EASY VICTORY FOR DEMOCRATS Strategy Of Regular Leaders In Ignoring Alabama Statute To Procure Delegates May Prove Booneeranq
WASHINGTON BUREAU 1
 THE AGE-HERALD ! Washington. ID. C.. Jan. 2

Developments in southern states may give Senator Hiram Johnson an opportunity to bolt the republican convention and lead an independent movement of the President in emu lation of the example of his former political chief, Theodore Roosevelt, it is pointed out here today.
 The control of the party in Georgia by Henry Lincoln Johnson, negro. and in South Carolina, by Joseph w. Tolbert, is an indication to Senator Johnson. it is said that the voters of those states, and other southern states where similar conditions pre- vail, have no real opportunity to ex- press their preference. the specific indictment which may be brought by Johnson, however, is to be known as the Alabama case"
 Alabama Law Cause.
 The legislature of Alabama pro- vided presidential primary. The republican national committee for mally decreed that in all states where the law seemed to hinder any citizen aspiring to the presidency, tion should be elected in conventions. President Coolidge, following the cue of the committee, declined to enter the primary in Alabama. Senator Johnson, however, admittedly aware that a republican convention in Ala bama would be controlled by the or ganization, and that delegates partial to Coolidge would be named, entered the primary.
 h Senator Johnson has made f.o statement for publication relative to the Alabama case" It Is understood, however, that he knows that if the voters in Alabama express a prefer ence for him, and inasmuch as he is not opposed by Coolidge that devel- opment Is probable his delegates would be thrown out of the conven- tion by the national committee. For the national committee, which will pass on all contests, enunciated the decree that in certain states, includ- ing Alabama, primary laws would be ignored. and delegates chosen by convention.
 Loses If He Wins.
 On the surface. 1t appears that if Senator Johnson wins in the Alabama primary he will lose, nevertheless; that he has entered under such con ditions has given rise in Washington to the supposition that he is endeav- bring to make 1t plain to the public that the people are not being given an opportunity to express them selves, and that, that which seems popular approval of the administra- tion. Is merely the manipulation of the bosses.
 It is regarded as probable that Sem ator Johnson will make extensive use of the Alabama case" 1t is known that tho people are not partial to the Coolidge administration, which he regards as reacttonary.
 What his plans are cannot be fore told. It is said, however, that if he Is exclusively convinced that the control of the convention by Coolidge is the result of stifled popular voice, he will resort to dramatic pro- cedure that the alleged condition might not be perpetuated.
 If Johnson should proceed tndepen- dently no doubt Is expressed that the democratic nominee would be elected overwhelmingly. There is chance "A1ahama case" will yield a large influence in shaping the destiny of the country.