Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-09-29

To the surprise of everybody Mr.. Elihu
Root, who had not been substituted as u
delegate to the convention, was called to
the platform by the chairman and made
q statement as to the eligibility OF Mr.. 4
Roosevelt to hold office. He said in part
that Mr. Roosevelt had always voted in
oyster Bay and had merely removed per-
gonal property to Washington. He had
always paid taxes in oyster Bay and had
merely refused to pay taxes on property
he was using in Washington and by his
affidavit he merely said that he was not
q resident of New York. He read a letter
from MIR. Roosevelt saying that he paid
his tax in oyster Bay and that he should
not be asked to pay IL in New York also.
The statement said that he had no doml-
cile in New York city and that he was
residing in Washington, but 1t did not
say that he did not reside in oyster Bay.
1t was settled fact in law that u man
could have two residences and that was
especially true in the case of II Washing
ton Office holder and the courts had SO
declared.
Mr.. Roots statement was made in the
delivery style of "A legal opinion and while
nc was talking about half of the delegates
left the convention hall. He spoke at
great length, quoting many legal opinions
/ 20 support his contention.
When Mr.. Root read a letter from Mr.
Roosevelt to his lawyer asking for some
so much money that he was beyond his
income, Re said MI. Roosevelt had cx-
pended that money to raise the rough
riders There was great burst of APP
pluusc and then Mr. Root closed Ivy say
ing that the documentary proof not only
showed that he never had lost his resi-
dcncc but rather had paid money that he
did not have to pay to retain his resi-
donce and keep him from losing the right
of franchise.
The closing remarks of Mr.. Root were
received with great applause and were as
follows And to the governor of the
state | am asked to say and | deem IT a
privilege to say that in the matter his ac-
ton has been nothing but man
Y and straightforward, frank and
open and courageous, as his ac-
ton always has been since he
has been governor Of this state. Gen
tlemen. Mir Roosevelt would not have
your suffrage or of tho people of the state
If there was a doubt Of his eligibility Ia
be governor. but he would not be deprived
of his citizenship without his Will. lie
would not lose his birthright without
fault. lie would not retire from the con-
test for this honor because of charges
which are not true. lie would not give up
his state and | take It, gentlemen, that
the people Of the State OF New York will
not willingly surrender the priceless pos
session of his citizenship the broad nobil-
ity of his citizenship the splendid energy
of his character and his noble heroism in
civic and military life that carried him
lnhinchngly against the storms Of pub.
lie opinion and the storms of death. whici
are a heritage for our people and oui
children and our childrens children
which We cannot afford to surrender. rh,
possession is To valuable for us to qucs
ton his title to it,"
LAUTERBACH SPEAKS.
Edward Lauterbach next took the plat
form and said that on Thursday last h,
: had become aware that the democrats
were waiting to make public after tn,
nomination, an alleged reason why Theo
dore Roosevelt could not hold office. lI
considered it his business to make tn
matter public for the sake Of the part,
, before the convention met. He had hear,
r Mr. Roots explanation of the matter wit
: pleasure for it was cogent ana convincing
: Personally he had been for Gov. Blacl
: because he believed him to be grel
> governor and entitled to the rcnCmirat o.
lie believed Mr. Roots statement prove'
} that Mr.. Roosevelt was a citizen and h
| should not again Controvcrt it, but ut tn
: same time" he said; II nope he will ~
. be nominated I'm for Gov. Black VIII
5 should be nominated. 1t is not fair 4
= strip from the brow of the governor o
$ this State the laurel crown he has won q
place 1t upon the head of a man who ha
e won laurels in another field"