Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1944-03-18
POLITICAL
II ARADE
BY 9. R.
Brown /,

.AIEAt al ORISr-Alafe 1.-The
stepping of Mr.. Willkie in
the Republican national conyen-
ton in Chicago next June-thus
preventing a repetition of the
debacle of 1940-is no longer a
problem for the responsible
leaders of the party.
The only problem connected
with the man who was the
party's candidate for President
only four years ago is whether
or not he will support the nomi-
nee of the Chicago convention.
Even that is not much of a
headache.
After the convention has
made its choice, the 1910 can
didate will be simply "One Man
Willkie," with one vote.
n POLITICAL survey OF IL
a states during the past two
and a half months has con-
WINGED this writer that few Re-
publicans would follow Willkie
out of the party that has so
siehally hehefed him. II he
should desert il in a huff.
a case of Willkie Sulks is the
most that is expected from him
when the Chicago convention
turns him down, as it surely
will.
Mr.. Willkie blew up with a
loud bang in the New Hamp-
shire primaries. This in state
where he claimed TO be very
strong. Z
He made a sorry showing,y
Notwithstanding he went per-
sonally into the state on the eve
of the primaries TO bolster his
failing cause.
Perhaps he had been tipped
off as to what was likely 10
happen-a surprising demon
Stration OF strength on the part
of Thomas T.. Dewey. nothwith-
standing the New York gov
ernor was not a candidate.
THE Wnlkie candidacy was
i discounted BY Republican
leaders as early as Jan 10. when
the Republican national COM
mittee met In Chicago.
A careful check revealed that
his convention s-sngth at no
time would exceed 200 dele
gates Subsequent events have
caused most poSitical wlseacres
to revise this estimate down
ward
Since the January meeting in
Chicago, as Wlllkie has failed
10 make Roadway. the two most
conspicuous of Republican pres
idential possibilities have stead
lily gained ground.
These are Gov John w.
Bricker Of Ohio and Gov. Dewey.
II the national convention were
held today one OF the other Of
these two would be nominated,
probably with Gov. Earl War
rem of California as the vice
presidential candidate.
DRICKER has gained most
- ground with the people
Republicans and independently
minded Democrats. Dewey has
gained with the politicians, III -
men and women who Will MAJ
up the national convention wf4efT
the roll is called on June %.
For example. this writer
learned in Durham, on March
Z, and so reported. that re-
sponsible Republican leader in
that state said that Gov. Dewey
would have double the number
Of North Carolina delegates he
had in 1910, which was g. Dewey
at that time had ALREADY been
informed he would have this
time of least 20, and probably
more.
That has now been confirmed
in statement by Sim A. Delapp,
Republican state chairman. The
state convention in Charlotte
today viii back il up.
In many respects a most Pc
culiar and unusual Republican
pre-conyention campaign, the
present one is characterized by
an exceptional harmony.
Aside from such pouting as
Mr.. Willkie may indulge himself
in when he finally learns he can
not have the stick of candy,
there will be ne hard feelings
within the party growing out of
the Chicago convention.
-t--4----------
knowledge lest
nv DR gARINA IT CONNnv