TO RUN OR NOT TO RUN

It is reported that the political circles of California have been mildly agitated, at any rate "given something to think about" as a result of the announcement that a movement is on foot to urge Will Rogers to run against Hiram Johnson for the United States Senatorship. The matter has been brought to public notice as a result of a telegram sent to Rogers by the State Treasurer of California, in which the Treasurer is reported to have assured Rogers of enough support to gain him a seat at Washington. In announcing his action, the official is quoted as saying that Rogers has proved himself through his sense of humor to possess "an intellectual understanding of politics" which is worthy to be applied seriously to governmental matters. Obviously the proposal is of a more serious nature than merely to give Will Rogers an opportunity to express his choice or lack of it as to running for office, although it is probable that he will be more than equal to that situation.

If Will Rogers should choose to throw his hat in the ring as a candidate for a job more pretentious than being mayor of Beverly Hills, the chances are that comparatively few people would take him seriously, himself perhaps least of all. Such is the power of reputation. And yet it is probable that there is some fire behind the smoke, and that if the movement in California is at all strong Will Rogers might become a Senator. And if he is judged worthy by his own State, the possibility would be by no means unfortunate. For the point on which he might be subject to most criticism would probably prove to be his greatest asset. An effective sense of humor and a measure of satire, if coupled with any sort of real understanding, could do no harm to the Senate. As to the presence of such an understanding, Mr. Rogers' Californian colleagues are in a position to judge.

It remains to be seen whether the humorist will consent to take the proposition seriously. But at all events it is interesting that it should have been made. Whether or not his experiences as Mayor have given him local reputation as a politician or whether or not his travels and contacts with persons in high places are thought to be proof of his political acumen are matters that have not been discussed. He himself will probably answer the questions himself, and one is not sorry that the should have the opportunity.