Evening star., 1924-01-27
SEE POLITICAL CAPITAL
IN OIL LEASE SCANDAL
CONTINUED from First Paxe)

comment by both democrats and
republicans is existence of
friendly attitude toward him on
the part of even many Of his po-
litical opponents. 1t is pointed out
that even those who cannot sup
port him are never heard to con-
denim or disparage him.
The effect Of this asserted spirit
of the public toward him is ex-
pected to abate much OF the ran
cor which often prevails in heated
campaigns
< i i i:
Democratic politicians do not
attempt to conceal their satisfac-
ton over the disclosures in the oil
scandal and insist that they are
bound to make invaluable political
capital for the campaign. They
claim that however kindly the
country may feel toward President
Coolidge personally, and sympa-
thize with him over the situation
which. has been wished" on him,
the republican party will be shoul-
dered with blame for the acts of
the previous administration.
The average democratic politi-
clan at.the Capitol feels that the
oil scandal "cinches" the election
for the democrats.
+ i x !:
So there are the differing views
on the subject which is absorbing
the attention Of the entire coun-
try. 1t would be unwise to jump
at conclusions this EARLY, however,
for there IS yet much ground to be
traversed in investigations. The
case seems to have remarkable
tendency to develop surprises. One
IS prepared, upon picking up the
paper to be ready for almost any
thing in the way Of astounding
revelations
4 X X X
The report persists around town
that at least one cabinet resigna-
tion may be the outcome Of the
investigation, but the report cam
not be pinned down. It is one Of
those cases where it zig in the
air."
x = =
President Coolidge's path toward
the presidential nomination is re-
garded as having been further
cleared by the announcement that
Gov. Pinchot will not be a formal
candidate for the republican nomi-
nation, although he will ask to be
chosen a delegate-at-large to the
convention from Pennsylvania.
The circumstances by which the
announcement was made possible
also will work to the benefit of
the President, since they spell
harmony among tho republicans in
Pennsylvania and preclude the
sending Of a delegation openly di-
vided.
The delegates will go without
instructions. as has been advo-
Gated by Senator's Pepper and Reed
and the regular" state organiza-
tion. They will undoubtedly in
clude some men who would follow
Gov. Pitchot and vote for him
should be subsequently decide to
allow his name. to be presented.
1t is thought they would hardly
vote for him on the first ballot,
unless he gave the word.
Gov. Pinchot finds himself in the
same boat with Senator Watson,
who has eliminated himself as a.
candidate. but has not tiled up
to President Coolidge. If affairs
looked propitious-in case Of some
disaster to tho Presidents for
tunes-he could permit his name
to be presented In open conven-
tion without stultifying himself.
Former Gov. Lowden will be in
the same position.
X y X 4
Democratic politicians who cling
to the belief that the republicans
will be in deep water over the Oil
scandals say that the fight in their
own party for the nomination is
likely to grow more intense, holding
that the nomination seems to be
becoming more attractive and valu-
able.
Opponents Of Mr.. McAdoo say
that this condition will tend to pro-
mote the aims of the deadlock
bloc" intent upon fixing upon a
compromise candidate other than
Mr.. McAdoo; and that the tendency
to stop. look and listen" before de-
Gliding upon the nominee will be ac-
centuated.