Evening star., 1926-11-16

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city in which will he held the Repub-
lican national convention.
Clevela nd where President Coolidge
and Vice President Dawes were NOM
mated in 1924. already has urged that
the Republicans return to that city.
Bids from a number Of other cities
are expected before the committee
meeting is held.
The determination of Senator But
Ter to retain the chairma nship of the
national committee doubtless will he
interpreted as indicating the proba bill
ity of the candidacy Of President
Coolidge to succeed himself. 1t is no
secret that many of the Republican
leaders expect the President II be-
come Il candidate for another term,
and that at the proper time his posi-
ton will he made clear. But the Pres
idept has so far made no announce
ment regarding his plans for 1928.
Year Will Show Trend.
The impression grows. however.
that the President is the logical ma n
to succeed himself A year will show
the trend. But it will not he surpris-
ing If history repeats itself and the
Republican party demands the nOmina :
tion Of President Coolidge in 1928. just
AS it did in 1924. when it was badly
I'm need of rescue. 1t was admitted
then that the President was stronger
than his party" The race he made
in that campaig ign was quoted as a
conclusive proof OF that fact.
Senator Butler is making no ex-
cuses for his defeat in the senatorial
election. 1t is undeniable, however,
that the wet and dry issue cut very
large figure in the outcome. Senator
Butler stood on a law enforcement
platform. while his opponent, Senator
elect Walsh, stood on a wet platform
and declared for a modification of the
NolStead act. 1t was clear weeks ago
that this issue was to he potent In
Massachusetts. particularly in the
towns. Many Of the textile workers
ordinarily Republicans, hut incensed
because they have been deprived of
their wine and beer and the social
clubs to which they have been for
years accustomed. took this Oppor.
tunity to register q protest.
The opinion Is expressed today by
leaders in the Republican party that
the wet and dry issue will enter into
the national campaign of 1928 unless
prior to that time the issue can he
disposed Of one way or another. There
seems no possibility of such disposi-
ton at this time.
Democratic Party Split.
While the Democrats have a hand.
full of presidential possibilities who are
wet or liberal. it is equally true that
the Democratic party is still split over
the wet and dry issue. 1t is an issue
that has divided both parties into ia r.
tions, although for the most part the
Republicans must be regarded AS pre-
dominately dry.
demonstrated that It is going to he a
difficult matter to sidestep the liquor
issue. 1t is likely to give the leaders
,f both the Republican and Democra tic
orga nizat"ns considerable worry he.
fore the 1929 campaign and during
that fracas. If the Democrats are to
get the full benefit of espOusing the
wet end Of the issue, should they de-
termine so to do, they will have to do
more than nominate a candidate for
President who Ia recognized as wet '
They must campaign for the wet
cause. One advantage which wet
Democratic candidate for President
would have Is that he would carry
along with him the electoral votes Of
the dry States Of the South. for the
southern Democrats are Democrats
before they are anything else.
Should Coy. Al Smith Of New York
wet, he chosen the Democratic
standard bearer. however. IL Is not un
likely that the issu would become re
ligious-with a div sion between Cath
olics and Protesta 1ts.