FOR PRESIDENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17348, 13 May 1924, Page 12

FOR PRESIDENT.

U.S. ASPIRANTS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Australian anil N.Z. Cable Association NEW YORK. May 12. The Washington correspondent of the “New York Times” says : “With the national conventions but a few weeks away the strength of the various aspirants for presidential nominations is becoming easier to estimate. “ President Coolidge unquestionably has become the outstanding figure in the Republican Party, and not only is his nomination assured on the first ballot in a vote of 1050 delegates, but it is believed he will be able to dictate who the vice-presidential candidate shall be.

“ The tactical policy of the Republican leaders will be to attempt to secure regularity, unanimity and tranquility throughout the party, especially by conciliating the so-called Radical elements from the north and western States, who are inclined to initiate an independent third party movement. “The outstanding figures in the Democratic Party are still Air M’Adoo and Governor Smith, of New York. Air M’AdooV campaign managers, assert that he already has the assured support of 600 delegates and will secure the requisite two-thirds majority among the 1098 delegates after the first few baUots, but unbiassed observers assert that probably a compromise candidate will secure nomination.”

The very uncertainty of the political situation makes all Republican hopes hang upon Mr Coolidge, but. writes a Washington correspondent, that does not mean that the turbulence of revelation and counter revelation will not

show its damaging effect upon Republican chances on election day: It is now announced that Senator Robert La Follette, of Wisconsin, who introduced the resolution which brought about the Senate inquiry into the. oil losses is ready to lead a third party if the Republican Convention nominates Air. Coolidge and adopts a “Con-

servative” platform.” A third party movement is alwayk certain to result in the unexpected. It will be recalled that Theodore Roosevelt, in 1912, hav ing bolted from the ranks of the Re publican party, and organised the Pro gressive party, polled more votes than the regular Republican nominee, Mi M illiam Howard' Taft, and brought about the election of a minority Presi dent, Air Woodrow Wilson.