Evening star., 1928-02-14
Hoover and Willis.

Secretary Hoover's entry into the
Ohio presidential primary makes certain
spo.itical showdown in that State which
may have far-reaching consequences.
Ohio Republicans generally have been
willing 10 send delegation to the Re-
publican national convention favorable
10 the nomination Of Senator Frank B.
Willis. ''favorite son" Mr.. Hoover's
decision is challenge to Senator
Willis and upsets the apple cart so
carefully arranged by Republican lead
ers Of the State. Their wish has been
to send Ohio's delegation in har-
monious frame OF mind. a delegation
6tty-one strong which could be used et-
9ectively in the convention.
But now in the twinkling of an eye
the prospects Of harmony are torn as
under. In all probability neither Sen
ator Willis nor Mr. Hoover will be able
to win support Of a solid delegation.
though the friends Of both claim vic
tory. II the delegation is evenly
divided, or fairly evenly divided,
Senator Willis, instead Of being a
"tavorite son" with Ohio massec be-
hind him. becomes factor of COM
pa,atively little importance In the
national convention. II Senator Willis
carries the State handly and a con-
siderable majority Of the delegates,
however. he gains and the presidential
stock OF Mr.. Hoover depreciates ma
terially. On the other hand, if Mr.
Hoover polls large vote. possibly
majority. he becomes at once the pre-
sumptive nominee OF the Republican
party al Kansas City next June. His
personal popularity with the voters will
be acclaimed, and States which have
been looking anxiously for the band
wagon will hesitate no longer.
The test In Ohio. where Mr.. Willis
b strongly intrenched and has cam
paigned for years. is not perhaps fair
70 Mr. Hoover. But Mr. Hoover has
accepted the contest. knowing the con-
citions that exist there, and must abide
BY the result. He may lose the State,
but II he makes a good showing his
friends viii still insist that he should
be the party nominee. The late Gen.
Leonard Wood entered presidential
preferential primary in Ohio in 1920
against the late President Harding and
poIled large vote. A ffth Of the State
delegation favored Woods nomination.
Gen. Wood entered the 1920 convention
In Chicago with as large backing as
any other candidate. Senator Willis
and other fayor;te-son candidates are
hoping today tha. the fate which over
took Gen. Wood In 1920 will be the
fate O. NJ Hoover In 1928. and that
the convention viii In the end be forced
% pick a compromise candidate.
The demand coming from thousands
Of Ohio Republicans that Mr. Hoover
enter the State primary. however. n
indicative Of the support which the
Hoover candidacy is receiving in many
parts o! the country. Republicans In
California, Mr. Hoover's State. have so
Say 10. invited Mr. Willis 70 enter the
California presidential! primary, nor
have they issued such an invitation TO
any ether Republican candidate. What
would be the attitude 0, Senator Willis
!. sn invitation came from California
% enter the primary?
The presidential preferential primary.
now he'd III seya2een States, is In
tended 20 give the voters a chance 10
register their wishes In regard TO q
presidential nominee L the people Of
Ohio Ike LII Hoover, II is idle 10 say
thst because Senator Willis is native
son. M.. Hoover should be precludec
from seeking the Ohio delegation. or
thst ne people o. Ohio should be cut
o. from expressing preference for
III Hoover Or any one else. ]. might.
.! co1rse. be considered politically In
sxpsdient for ME. Hoover 70 challenge
o !sVor!te son Al strongly inIencned
o. 6enatpr Wills b.. a. least u Is
possible W admire his courage.
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