PICKLED DEMOCRATS

With nothing to do until next spring, the professional politicians are passing their time in vigorous speculation. "A!" Smith's recent exploits in New York, together with the similar performances of Governor Edwards will seriously handicap the Democrats when they begin to choose a presidential candidate. The drastic enforcement of prohibition in Pennsylvania, by the Republican Governor Pinchot contrasts pointedly with the New York attitude of "hands off" sponsored by the Democrats. To nominate Smith or Edwards would be to link the Democrats with the wet interests, nationally, and the strongest factions agree that this would be fatal. Even Senator Underwood, probably the ablest of all Democratic possibilities, is meeting with strenuous opposition because of his unfortunate "wet" tendencies.

Logically, then the Democrats must nominate a well-known "dry". Bryan sheds his light around a naughty world with a brilliance, undimmed by years, which has already caused him to be mentioned as "most likely to win. . . . on the Democratic ticket". But everyone is not so pessimistic. A familiar rattling and clashing heralds the entrance of Henry Ford in the race; led by Ford and Bryan, the Democrats might make a truly remarkable crusade. With cratory and efficiency, good old-fashioned prejudice and plenty of capital, the halcyon days of party politics could be revived to suit even Senator Borah.

But an important factor has to be considered. Former President Wilson's letter to Governor Sweet is generally understood to indicate his return to active political life and his influence may be decisive. No one believes that he would approve the nomination of Ford, or even Bryan. His "hope" that a Progressive Democrat would be chosen to fill the vacant seat from Colorado may be a hit at the conservative Underwood. Possibly he means to support his son-in-law, whom he allowed to perish miserably at San Francisco when a turn of his thumb might have made him President McAdoo, after recommending another candidate to Governor Sweet, has also endorsed Mr. Wilson's choice, while Bryan backed up McAdoo's first selection.

These telegrams' may mean much, or nothing. In any event, it is extremely unlikely that Wilson will oppose McAdoo; the worst that the latter may expect will be friendly neutrality, and even then, he can be sure of Bryan's aid as long as he stays dry. Among the farmers anod working people. Bryan is strong, and the South is "solid" for McAdoo. A "dry" combination between these two, with McAdoo's name on the ballot, would be sure of staunch support.