Evening star., 1932-02-26
Wanted-A Leader.

would like to stage another 1912 split
in the Republican party. but he has
been unable TO find another Roose-
welt. For months the Pennsylvania
Governor has been making little trips
periodically from Harrisburg to Wash
ington to discuss the presidential po-
Itical situation with the Progressive Re
publican group in the Senate and House.
He is convinced and has sought to con-
vince those with whom he conferred
that the Progressives should make
drive to prevent the denomination OF
President Hoover. He has endeavored,
It is reported, to persuade Borah of
Idaho, johnson of California and others
in turn to take the lead, urging each
to become a presidential candidate in
primary States and carry the fight to
the Republican National Convention.
But his efforts have been in vain.
Possibly Gov. Pinchot might be willing
to lead a forlorn hope himself. But so
far none of the progressives-unless,
perhaps, it has been Senator Smith
Wildman Brookhart of Iowa-has urged
upon the Pennsylvania Governor that
he make the run; none has sought to
press upon the Pinchot brow the crown
Of progressive leadership. Senator Brook
hart has frequently declared he was
ready to support any progressive leader
who would make a race against the re-
nomination of President Hoover.
The political history of Mr.. Pinchot
reveals, however, that the Governor Of
Pennsylvania has plenty Of political
wisdom. He has entered into races for
Governor and Senator when there has
been some semblance of chance for
victory on his part, usually when there
has been a three-cornered race for the
Republican nomination and when the
Republican factions in the State have
been so divided that he had a real
chance to win. In other words, II Gov.
Pinchot is to offer himself as a candi-
date for the presidential nomination
against President Hoover, he wants the
support Of the entire Progressive group
in the Senate and of their constituents
out in the States. So far, unless re-
ports be incorrect. Gov Pinchot has
not received assurances of any such
support, nor has there been a rush to
urge him to enter the field
In the group of Progressive Republic
l. ~ iaa
perhaps, to permit of united action be-
hind one man. But there also are
shrewd politicians in that group Of
leaders who wish to see some advan-
tage to them before undertaking a cam
paign for the presidential nomination.
Some of them view the Republican Ma
tional Convention as the rock against
which all hopes must crash in the end.
Few States hold presidential primaries.
Delegates to the national convention
are picked largely by the party leaders
and they vote accordingly In conven-
ton. OF what advantage to their own
political careers would be defeat in
Chicago next June?
And so the prospect remains un-
changed. When the convention of the
Republicans meets to nominate a presi-
dental candidate there will be sniping
from some of the States of the North
west, Wisconsin and Nebraska, and
some score Of the delegates from Penn
sylvania, who may follow Pinchot. But
such sniping at the Hoover candidacy is
likely to get nowhere. to make no i'm
preston whatever on the overwhelming
majority by which the President will
obtain his denomination
There are members of the Progressive
group who speak with sorrow Of the un-
willingness Of their leaders to stand
forth against the denomination Of Mr..
Hoover, contending that the group
leaves itself in sorry position by max
Ing no concerted effort to oppose
him. Some Of the Progressives, how
ever, are to run again for election next
November, and they will run as loyal
Republicans, despite their opposition 10
the great majority of their party.
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