AMERICAN PRESIDENCY.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume II, Issue 18, 4 January 1912, Page 4

AMERICAN PRESIDENCY.

The contest for the American Presidency appears to be getting decidedly complicated. The unanimity which prevailed in connection with Mr. Roosevelt’s election’has by no moans been extended to his sncce'ssor. Mr. Taft has before him a strenuous time and the split in Republican ranks must materially weaken his chances of success. He clearly has not been successful in “getting the hold” on the Republican vote which bulwarked the power of Mr. Roosevelt. The Presidency of Mr. Taft has by no means been a failure—indeed, he has shown conspicuous ability in his high office — but it is impossible to overlook the divergence of opinion which exists in what should • be a comparatively solid party. Senator La Follette, who is offering his services as the representative of the insurgent Republicans is a doughty opponent. The chances are in the President’s favour, but Senator La Follette has it record of courage, determination and ability which make him a dangeicus rival. Recognition of the strength of these two men is doubtless what has prompted the suggestion that both should stand down and allow Senator Beveridge to stand as the sole nominee of the Republican Party. The present candidal' ‘s. however, are not men to accept advice of this kind and a Republican split looms up largely as a possibility. Meanwhile the Demociatic camp is not tree from the trials of indecision and rivalry. The prospects of the party should be unusuallv bright but they are_marred by the agitation of contending factions. Although Mr. W. J. Bryan has not openly announced his candidature opinion is gaining ground that he is quietly working for nomination to be forced upon him. He lia:; opposed the nomination of Governor Harmon, of Ohio, but has in * urn supported the candidature of Governor Woodrow Wilson, of N i"■ Jersey. Governor .Marshall of Indiana, Governor Eugene Foss of Massachusetts, and Mr Champ Clark. Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Democratic convention requires a two-thirds majority to •■m.niiiaie and in a multiplicity of camiidtiti's such a majority would be dij'icult of attainment. It is thought that Mt’- Bryan is fostering these candidates so that after a futile or two the convention will turn to him as a solution of the problem. This may er may not be the Demo-

crati'r leaders plan. Ins numerous defeats cannot help but tell against him. It must, nevertheless, be realised that Mr. Bryan is a mighty power in the Democratic camp and he (loses r es a chance with the brightening prospects of his party.