Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1900-06-20
THEODORE ROOSEVELT.

York. He alone can unlock it, and
It seems certain at this writing that
Mckinley and Roosevelt will be the
slogan with which the Republicans
will appeal to the country in the APP
preaching campaign.
The formidable proportions assumed
by the Roosevelt boOm-if so it may
be termed--was the subject of earnest
consideration by the prominent Re-
publican leaders who attended the din
ner at the residence of Clement A.
Griscom just outside of Philadelphia.
That dinner may become historic.
Only friends of the administration
were present-only leaders of the ad-
ministration forces.
Platform and Roosevelt Discussed.
The platform was discussed and so
was Governor Roosevelt. From one
who attended the dinner it is learned
that there Is a question among the
friends of the president, who believe
they have the entire convention situa-
tion well in hand, whether they will
Join Governor Roosevelt in an attempt
to stem the stampede which has start
ed towards the New York Rough Rider
executive. There is an apparent mis-
understanding between Roosevelt and
the leaders of the convention. A
strong disposition was manifested in
some quarters to suspect that he has
been flirting with fate all along and
that he has not been honest Injun" in
his statements that he does not desire
the nomination. This belief. it was
contended, did Governor Roosevelt in
Justice, and it was said that when he
and those who were inclined to OPP
pose him got together. the seeming
differences soon would be dissolved.
Long Range Politics.
1t is quite certain that lOng-range
politics is being played in the game
now proceeding in this staid Quaker
city. 1t is Indicated that Governor
Roosevelt has aspirations to be the
party's candidate for president in 1904.
Those who are pressing his candidacy
for the vice presidency now have told
him that, In the event Of his making a
great campaign on the stump this year,
the credit for victory, il victory again
should come to the Republicans, large
~ would be his and thus he would be
IN strong position to appeal to the par
fy for the presidential nomination.
Even IL Mr.. Bliss finally should con-
sent to become candidate-and a
strong intimation is given that, in GER
tain circumstances, he could be in
duced to stand-it is questionable
whether to nominate him over the
heads of the leaders of the New York
Republicans would be desirable pol
icy.
VIII Not BE stampeded.
Representative Delivers friends in
Sist that he will not be stampeded
from the race. They declare he will
remain until the finish. Despite these
statements, however, the feeling at
this time is that Governor Roosevelt,
unless political signs should fail to an
unusual degree, will be the running
mate Of President Mckinley.
The chief difficulty encountered by
those who would nominate some other
man than Roosevelt is to find salts
factory candidate upon whom all can
agree and who will appeal to the dele
gates as a candidate who will add ma
terial strength to the ticket and be Of
presidential calibre In the unfortunate
contingency that he should he called
to the chair of the chief executive.
Clear Statement from Roosevelt
A delegation from South Dakota,
which called upon Governor Roosevelt
about noon got perhaps the clearest
statement from him that has yet been
put In quotation marks. He said In
response to query from the head OF
the delegation, Emil Branch:
Gentlemen, am placed In a great
and serious quandary. I am not I'M
mindful of the honor which you all
want to confer upon me. do not
scorn II or sroff at " but ! believe