Anticipation

The Republicans, feeling reasonably certain by this time of what is about to happen in their party with regard to leaders and policies, began to consider the details of their June convention. President Coolidge is accounted the nominee. He is expected to have a major part in dictating the platform, a "simple declarative" document, for a change.

But there is the matter of selecting temporary and permanent chairmen for the convention. After the Chairman of the National Committee, John T. Adams, has called the convention to order, a temporary Chairman will be elected. He will also make the keynote speech. Senator Lodge was both temporary and permanent Chairman in 1920. Who will it be in 1924?

The White House is said to favor Senator Borah--a western Progressive. But other names are suggested. The list includes:

Representative Longworth of Ohio Ex-Governor Lowden of Illinois Senator Pepper of Pennsylvania Governor Hyde of Missouri Governor Groesbeck of Michigan Ex-Senator Beveridge of Indiana Governor Dixon of Montana Senator Fess of Ohio

The list is probably not yet complete and some of its members are dubious. Mr. Lowden might be unwilling to accept the post. Mr. Pepper would be displeasing to a certain group who did not like his recent speech in Maine (see below).

For permanent Chairman, a less spectacular, but perhaps more responsible post, Senator Wadsworth of New York and Senator Pepper have been mentioned. It seems to be agreed that one or the other Chairman should be a Westerner.

Another post to be filled will be the Chairmanship of the National Committee, from which it is assumed John T. Adams is to retire. Mr. Coolidge is naturally expected to have a large say in this matter; for the man selected will run this year's campaign. William M. Butler, the President's pre-convention campaign manager, is a prominent possibility. Mr. Butler, however, is known to have designs on a seat in the Senate, the seat occupied by David Ignatius Walsh, pugnacious Democrat. NO man could battle David Walsh with one hand, and guide the fortunes of the Republican National Campaign with the other-hoping to do both successfully. C. Bascom Slemp has been suggested as an alternative. But the President may be loath to part with his able Secretary.

At any rate, there are three posts of political significance to be filled and, like the wise old owl, Republicans are asking: "Who?"