Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-09-22

AS q result Of the poll recently con-
Quoted by the outlook and Independent
among the Democratic editors of the
country, Newton D. Baker, Secretary OF
War In the Wilson cabinet, Is thrown
into the public eye as the choice, second
only to Franklin d. Roosevelt, for the
Democratic nomination for the presi-
dency. Many people are asking, What
does the poll mean?" and are finding
the answer to be that the Baker can
didacy IS assuming strength that can
not be ignored. In the reluctant dis
cllssion of the man himself, he is cred
tied with political and administrative
capacity and popular policies.
IF the Outlook poll means anything
at all, it means the bringing of the
name of Newton Baker before the coun-
try for serious consideration" says the
Roanoke world-News. "If the Roose-
welt wave fails to gain momentum, New
ton Bakers name will inevitably be the
most debated" This paper thinks his
strength, in view of his utter lack of
effort to secure strength, is a factor
that Democratic leaders in the various
States cannot afford entirely to ignore"
That many of the Democratic editors
polled believe that Newton d. Baker
is the intellectual leader Of their party
is stressed by the Davenport Democrat
and Leader Discussing the "abiest can
didate available TO the party" the
Charleston Is. CO. Evening Post says:
Newton Baker comes nearer to quail
flying for that distinction than any other
man who has been prominently con-
sidered. Mr.. Baker would make great
President. He would make great can
didate, too" AS the Chattanooga News
analyses his characteristics: "He is an
idealist, an uncompromising friend of
Wilson policies and an ardent League OF
Nations supporter. MFR. Bakers attitude
on domestic questions remains to be
more clearly defined. His friends
and his foes alike can say that he
thinks for himself, and that, we imag-
inc, accounts for his popularity with
the editors"
In the opinion Of the Cincinnati
Times Star, Roosevelt and Baker seem
to be the leading .contenders Tor their
party's nomination, with Roosevelt lar
in the lead, but Baker showing sud-
den development of strength that is one
of the most unusual things in recent
political history" Comparing the two
contenders, the TimeS-Star says:
Roosevelt bears q historic name, has
excellent intentions and good abilities
and has made pretty good record as
Governor of the Empire State. Baker
is, however, more brilliant man. He
brings into the field the background Of
the Scholar in politics, mind trained
in the law and, as his service first as
mayor of Cleveland and then as Secre-
tary of War proclairns, administrative
gifts
Although Mr.. Bakers extensive law
practice has been chiefly in connection
with some of the greatest railroads and
industrial corporations in the country,
he is firmly established In the public
mind as a pronounced liberal, and ms
nomination, If it should come about,
would be looked upon and generally
interpreted as q victory for the liberal
element in the Democratic party" as
'Serts the Roanoke Times. This, accord
ing to the New York Times, would be
lone OF the marvels OF our modern
politics" and this paper thinks 1t PROB
able that Opposition to Gov. Roosevelt
will center on Mr.. Baker, whether ne
likes 1t or not"
These facts show that appreciation
Of Newton D. Baker has grown seeaony
since the war;" states the Lynchburg
News, claiming that retirement 70
private life has not obscured him polit-
ically and time has added to, rather
than taken from, his reputation as
public official and private citizen.
The Philadelphia Evening Bulletin
thinks '.it will be interesting to note
the party reaction to editorial indorse-
ment OF the Baker candidacy, with
the suggestion: "That candidacy mas
needed q flip to get it going properly.
POSSIBLY this Endorsement viii accelerate
its pace henceforth." This paper states
further that "a formidable Baker move
nnent could count at the start on
Great deal OF support from persons and
n