Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1899-09-12
TO SUCCEED HOBART.
Secretary Root May BE the Nomiuee
for Vice President.


Washington, Sept 12.-There are
whisperings In political circles that
Elihu Root, secretary of war. is likely
| to be the administration candidate for
the republican nomination for vice
president President Mckinley has
favored the denomination of his run
ming mate, but Mr.. Hobart's health will
probably prevent him from again ac-
cepting Office.
The relations of these two men have
been SO intimate as to cause comment,
for in many previous administrations
there was much friction and coldness
between the president and vice presi-
dent. President Mckinley and Mr.. HO-
bart visit almost daily when in Wash
Iington and the opinion Of the vice pres
ident has often been sought by his chief
when considering delicate and momen-
tous questions of state.
AS the presiding officer of the senate
Mr.. Hobart has proved himself an able,
discreet and dignified official, and the
republicans have had no occasion to
regret his selection. President McKin-
LEY is reported to have insisted that Mr..
Hobart ought to be re-nominated, but
uation is reaching point where there
must be change.
Vice President Hobart is suffering
from an ailment OF the heart that is
constant menace to his, life. Cheering
reports were sent out from his bedside
when he was confined to his home in
this city, but the physicians have ad-
mitted that he was in an exceedingly
critical condition much Of the time. Mr.
Hobart has rallied somewhat, but he is
very sick man. His physicians are in
sisting that he must avoid excitement
and all possible exertion. They are said
to offer him little hope of permanent
recovery. Mrs. Hobart Is also said to
be opposed to her husband going
through the strain of another campaign
and second term in Office. 1t is a deli
cate situation for the president. and he,
OF course, has cheeringly assumed that
his colleague would be restored to
health and be able to continue in the
public service. Reports from Long
Branch do not sustain these optimistic
hopes. and the politicians, quick to an
ticipate emergencies. are looking for
another candidate for vice president.
With western man at the head of
York to fill the second place. Its cleo,
toral vote is SO large that 1T has often
been the determining factor in presiden-
tial campaigns. 1t is also a doubtful
state, and it is polite to have 1t repre-
sented on the ticket in order to increase
the chances of carrying 1t. The politi-
clans are alive to the advantage of
having military hero on the ticket,
and they have cast longing eyes toward
Col. Theodore Roosevelt, but he has his
gaze on first place in 1904 and diplomat
lically evades the bait of 1900 by declar-
ing it is his duty to serve out his term
as governor.
Under these circumstances the politi-
clans have turned to Secretary Root as
an available man. AS lawyer and a
citizen he offers exceptionally strong
qualifications, and he is expected to in
crease his availability by vigorous
administration of the war department.
While this may not throw about him
the halo to be won by gallant record
in the field, it is thought he has oppor-
tunlties to win glory that will prove
very effective.