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Show WILSON RUMORS EXGITEGOHCERM Third Term Talk Continues at Capital; President Himself Reticent. By CHARLES H. GRASTY. (New York Times Service-) WASHINGTON, July 20. The question whether President Wilson will accept a nomination for a third term is now often raised at Washington. The situation, us it stands, seems to be about as follows: The president can have the nomination even without the asking. His nomination by Ids party is conceded. Many politicians poli-ticians .are anxious to have him run, arguing as politicians usually do. The circumstances are exceptional, they say. If the senate fails to ratify the treaty, it will make the league of nations the issue In l'J20, and for "Wilson to refuse to lead such a fight would be more culpable cul-pable than breaking the third term tradition. tra-dition. On the other hand, if the treaty Is ratified, Wilson, as president, and only lie, would and could put it into successful success-ful operation. While the Democratic politicians thus reason it out, the same class of Republicans Repub-licans tremble in their boots over the possibility pos-sibility of Wilson's running. They will tell you that he would be the easiest man to beat in view of the third term (Continued on Page 2, Column 4.) Mil RUMORS EXCITE CONGRESS (Continued from Page Oue.) handicap. They look pale in the gills when they are telling you. Among those of President Wilson's friends who have no axe to grind, the sentiment seems pretty solidly against his permitting himself to be drawn into a third term fight. He will have had two very strenuous terms. It is doubtful if his physical strength would be equal to a third. His candidacy would subject him to wide misunderstanding. He will be in a position to retire at the end of this term and take up work which he has had in mind for' a long time. Few men have such intellectual resources as he, and from the serenity of his study he will be able to bring to bear great influence all over the world. His admirers think that as a sage and "elder statesman" he will perhaps be more potent than the actual occupant of the White house. Mr. Wilson Is one man who will say "No" if he thinks "No." Most men can be persuaded, especially in the direction of holding onto great power. The president will be master of himself under all circumstances, cir-cumstances, and will hot be drawn into any ill-starred ventures to further the political fortunes of others. It can be pretty safely stated that he now has not the remotest notion of running for a third term, but his Republican opponents may be allowed to walk the floor a few months longer. The probability may also be stated that he will keep hands off in the choice of a Democratic nominee and the certainty that he will do nothing to aid Mr. McAdoo. His sense of propriety pro-priety would prevent his using any influence in-fluence in behalf of his son-in-law. The field seems to be open in both parties, and it is likely that neither of the men who will represent the two parties has yet emerged. |