Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-06-19

PHILADELPHIA, Pa, June 1S.-It
has been a day of conferences on the
vice-presidential situation. Beginning
with a gathering in the o of Gov
ernor Roosevelt, attended by Senator
Hanna, Senator Lodge and Mr.. Odell,
of New York, it was continued in the
rooms of Senator Hanna later when
nearly all the leaders in the city were
from time to time in conference with
the chairman of the national commit
tee. There were Senators Allison,
Scott, Elkins, Carter, Lodge, Burrows,
Shoup, also Mr.. Bliss, beside many
representatives of the New York lead
ers, both Governor Roosevelt and Sen
ator Plat being represented. When
the last mar had disappeared, Senator
Hanna looked weary but satisfied.
He was ready. to that Gov
ernor Roosevelt would not be nomin-
ated, that the men VINO are going to
make the nomination would accept the
declaration of Roosevelt, made during
the day, and supplemental of more en-
phatic declarations. made some time
ago, as final, and would not force the
nomination upon him.
Among the last men to see Senator
Hanna were Chairman Odell, of the
New York committee and l.. e. Quigg,
who discussed the situation at great
length. 1t was with these men that
Senator Hanna labored. He told them
that six weeks ago Roosevelt was
wanted as a vice-presidential candi-
date. He and other warm friends of
the administration believed he would
be a very satisfactory candidate. The
bare suggestion brought out a protest
from Roosevelt, a declaration in en-
phatic terms that he would not accept
the place. After this declaration had
been reiterated several times it was
taken up by Senator Platt who public
ly announced that Governor Roosevelt
was not to be considered as a vice
presidential candidate.
Then Other Candidates
appeared and in a digniled manner
their interests were put forward by
their friends throughout the country.
The only man appearing in New
York was Lieut.. Governor Woodruff.
The suggestion of ex-Secretary Bliss
brought forth a declination from him
coupled later by a statement from Mr..
Hanna himself that Bliss could not be
considered for personal son He
| then pointed out that after the dele
gates began arriving the name OF
Roosevelt was SUDDENLY sprung with an
effort to stampede the convention
and force a nomination upon a mar
who did not want it, apparently be-
cause some other candidate was desir-
ed for Governor.
AS the Ohio Senator rehearsed the
conditions he warmed up and pointed
out that under the existing conditions
the nomination of Roosevelt was not
fair to the men who had come out for
the place and who should have an
equal show before the convention.
This plain talk from Senator Hanna
cleared up what had been in doubt all
day. 1t was evident that Hanna vas
not going TO lie down. 1t was a dis
tinct show Of fight and a signal to the
friends of the administration that OPP
position to forcing Roosevelt upon the
ticket against his will,
WouId Not Meet Favor.
This tip did not circulate until quite
late in the evening. but the effect was
soon apparent. There were many real
friends of Roosevelt who accepted his
declaration as absolutely voicing his
wish. 1t changed the current of talk
and men who were confident "A hours
ago that Roosevelt's nomination was
a foregone conclusion began asking,
We'll, who will it be-"
The answer was generally John D..
Long. OF Massachusetts, Secretary Of
the Navy. AT once delegates began
to reason that Long must be perfectly
satisfactory TO the administration Of
which he is q part, or he would not
be a candidate for the place. This
idea received encouragement in quar-
ters which made the Massachusetts,
man a prime favorite.
Of course. there was talk Of other
men. The friends Of Doliiver renewed
their efforts for the young Iowa ora-
tor. There was some talk about Fair
banks. but the prevailing feeling was
that only men who were willing TO
accept the place should be considered.
1t was urged that an unwilling candi-
date was not advisable and therefore
the men most talked of were Long and
Dolllyer. but with the general impress