Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 94, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 April 1920 — WOOD LEADS IN INDIANA [ARTICLE]

WOOD LEADS IN INDIANA

HOOSIER STATE WILL PROBABLY SWINd INTO WOOD COLUMN MAY 4 Indianapolis, Ind.. April 17.—Although the Indiana presidential preference campaign is now nearing the end of its second- month of active existence and the voting day is less than three weeks distant, the Hoosier voters—that is the rank and file that takes no active part in the political game—have not yet been stirred up to the point of deciding finally the candidate for president they prefer. Out-side of that compartively small percentage which makes up its mind without procrastinating and sticks to its decisions, the field seems to be in such a state that any one of three candidates for president can still hope for a plurality at the polls May 4. Two Candidates Lead. Strong sentiment—-which amounts almost to zeal—can be found for only two of the candidates —General Wood and Senator Johnson. Even the foes of the General admit his strong personal following. No one denies it. In fact until very recently few political workers in the state capital had any other thought but that the General would get at least a plurality of the votes in Indiana. Those men were not the friends of General Wood. On the contrary they were his political enemies. It is by conversation with these men —when they know that the interviewer will keep their statements confidential—that one can best get a slant on the ever changing political chess board. These men are in close touch with the “workers” throughout the state and therefore their opinions amount .to more than mere political beliefs. Johnson as a Factor.

Since the Michigan primary Senator Johnson has been taken more seriously as a factor in the Indiana race. Anti-Wood meh are haling with joy the rising tide for Johnson will in all probability obtain the most votes, still they are equally firm in their declarations that he will not be nominated at Chicago. Class votes will go to Johnson they say. And they belfeve that this clasn vote added to those who are opposed to the League of Nations and compulsory military training will out-number the more conservative vote that will be split between Wood, Governor Lowden and Senator Harding. Lowden’s strength seems to be the most uncertain factor in the campaign. The Illinois governor made a good impression when he appeared in Indianapolis last week. It is generally admitted that the governor is sound, that he is an asset in his favor in the presidential race. No one is knocking the Illinois governor, yfet there is little popular enthusiasm for him. On the other hand he has gathered around him in Indiana a large force of experienced politicians. The Lowden for President organization is stronger and more thoroughly reinforced than is generally known. The Lowden campaign is being conducted without a great deal of noise, but the Hoosier managers feel certain that the speaking tour that is to be made in Indiana by Governor Lowden, linked with his

well-knit organization will turn the trick on May 4. Senator Harding, while very strong in many spots in Indiana, especially in the eastern section of the state, is not believed to be in the. running as, far asr a plurality is concerned. The Harding workers declare that their candidate will be a contender for the plurality, but this view is not shared by any of the reputable leadern in the other camps or by those who are not taking an active interest in the behalf of any of the presidential candidates running in Indiana. Of course, much will depend on the outcome of the primary in Ohio, April 27, where General Wood is making a strong bid for the delegates in Harding’s home state. V Harding is already making an effective personal speaking tour of the state. His meetings are being well attended. Within a few days speakers representing General Wood will begin to get into action. Governor Lowden and his corps. of speakers will soon stump Indiana and Johnson with his group of orators will soon invade Hoosierdom. All the candidates are putting much faith in the big guns that are to he fired in these speaking tours. Wood probably will not have, to gain much—his chief task will be to keep off possible inroads in his present folowing. But according to the wise ones at the capital Johnson and Lowden still have the task before them of crystalizing sentiment in their favor.