Evening star., 1924-07-31
EAST Is BATTLE-GROUND.
Butler Tackles G.. o. P. Problem al
Davis Takes Hold.
BY ROBERT r. SMALL.

NEW YORK. July s1.-The Eastern
political battle-ground was being OBJ
served today by the leaders Of both
Democratic and Republican parties.
The return of John w. Davis from
his Maine vacation enabled him and
of West Virginia, to have their first
heart-to-heart talk since Mr.. Shaver's
appointment. Chairman William NJ
Butler of the Republicans. after a
once more East of the lAlleghenies,
with conferences in Boston, New
York and Washington on his pro-
gram.
The whole plan Of the Davis cam
paign is to be mapped out in a series
of conferences here and at the Davis
home in Locust Valley, Long Island
Mr.. Davis is not aversed to a long
speaking tour. He is willing to bear
any burden the Democratic leaders
vigorous, shoulders. But Mr.. Davis
personally believes more is to be
gained by radio broadcasting than
s;t,.t BY the attempt to visit too many
| made thus far is tentative. It is re-
called that the Harding campaign
plans were shifted in the midst of
the battle, and the Democrats are
going to leave their program flexible
enough to take care of any emer-
gency.
Must Fight for Montana.
Democratic managers say they
have never entertained any hopes or
| carrying the States where the La
Toilette threat is greatest. OF
| course, II La Toilette should fall
! short of his expected strength in
he saaa sasss e9s1 aad snt Of
vote, the Democrats feel they may
have chance as Wilson did during
the campaign OF 1919.
The Democrats contend that only
| carry is threatened by the La Fol-
lette ticket That State is Montana
where Senator Wheeler, the La Fol-
lette vice presidential candidate, halls
State will be Offset largely, now
ever, by the fact that Senator Walsh
Is up for reelection this year. He is
said to have personal following
laag Larger than that OF his junior col
has announced his intention OF giving
active SUPPORT to Mr.. Walsh.
From Republican general head
quarters In Chicago has come confir-
nation of the statement made In
to center it's Eastern fire on the
State of New York. 1t is felt that
| the As votes of this State in either
| the Davis or Coolidge column will 20
IG toWaru swinging the election,
even II La Toilette should carry some
of the Western States. Republican
plans in the State depend largely
upon the decision of Gov AL Smith
| as to whether or not he will run
| again. That decision forms one Of
| the principal subjects to be discussed
| by the Democratic leaders, including
Mr.. Davis. during the next few days.
Purpose OF Butler Trip.
Republican spokesmen denied today
that Chairman Butler had hurried
East because Of reports from Wash
| ington that President Coolidge did
not appear to be in as At physical
condition as his managers would like
to have him at the beginning of the
campaign. It was admitted that Sec
retary of War Weeks and other inti-
mates of the President had urged him
recently to leave Washington for q
time and to take at least 4 Today
or two-week rest from his ofacial
duties This the President has been
reluctant to do.
Mr.. Butler has come East because
the Republicans admit theirscampafg
is developing into two sided battle.