Evening star., 1939-12-28
West May Decide
Outcome in 1910,
Senators Think
Wheeler and McNory
Favor Party Conventions
In That Section
Ry ]. A. OLEARY.

BY J. A. OTEARY.
The West is likely to Become q
major battle-ground in the 1910
presidential race. judging by the
comments today of several Senators
from that part of the country.
Senator Wheeler of Montana. who
has been mentioned frequently in
recent weeks as a contender for the
Democratic nomination, predicted
the farm vote in the Middle and Far
West may very well be the decisive
factor" and for that reason. he said
the Democrats should hold their
convention in Chicago or even
farther west.
The Montana Senator said he
made this suggestion particularly
in view of the fact that the Repub-
licans are going to make their big
drive in the West, because they real
ize that unless they can recapture
the Western States they haven't a
chance"
simultaneously, Senator McNary
of Oregon, Republican floor leader,
was announcing he favors Chicago
for the Republican convention "be-
cause it is in the center of Republi-
can strength in normal times" He
added that it Is the major trading
market for the farm producers Of
the country"
Would Shorten Campaign.
Senator McNary also reiterated his
view the Republicans should hold
their convention about the middle
of July to pave the way for shorter
campaign.
Another Republican, Senator Cap
per of Kansas, returned from Topeka
with the statement that the Re-
publicans of that section ARE on
their toes and getting ready for a
good fight"
Senator Capper expressed no per-
sonal preference among the various
men who have been mentioned for
the Republican nomination, but said
that in his section both Senator
Vandenberg of Michigan and
Thomas E. Dewey of New York
have quite following" with some
talk also heard for Senator Taft of
Ohio, Senator McNary of Oregon
and Gov. Bricker of Ohio
Predicting Kansas will be in the
Republican column, the Senator
indicated he found the chief aim
there is to 60 into the campaign
with united party.
Soil Program Hailed.
The Senator reported he found
sentiment in his region against the
reciprocal trade agreement program
because they want the American
market for the American farmer"
On the other hand, he described the
soil conservation program as "the
strongest if not the best thing that
has been tried out there"
He advised the Republicans to
take stand against "extravagant
spending and for a balanced bud
get. I'VE can make some big cuts
in appropriations and still do what
is necessary for the farmers" the
Kansan added
When Senator Wheeler's atten-
ton was called to the statement
issued yesterday by Senator Clark,
Democrat. of Idaho indorsing him
as standard-bearer for the Demo-
Gratis next year. the Montanan said,
Naturally feel proud to think that
members of the Senate who have
served with me and who at times
have agreed and at times fought
with me over legislation have con-
fldence enough in me to suggest me
as a candidate"
Thinks Roosevelt Will Run.
Although his name also has been
put forward by other supporters,
Senator Wheeler has not announced
himself candidate. He said re-
Gently that after President Roose-
velts intentions are made known
will be time enough for him to dis
cuss his own plans.
In this connection, Senator Cap
per. when asked if he thought
President Roosevelt would run
again, replied:
my own view is it looks very
much like the President is going to
be candidate. 1t looks to me like
they are getting ready to draft
him"