The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1901-09-28
Roosevelt Declares He Ia not o Can.
didate for 1904,


didate for 1904.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16.-'I was a
candidate for the nomination for the
presidency in 1904. l have been elm.
mated and am not now in any sense a
candidate. -
In this manner President Roosevelt
defined the sudden change in his posi-
ton and prospects. He spoke rs man
disappointed because circumstances
have forced him out of contest he
would have keenly enjoyed.
His decision was announced by the
president to close friend whom he had
invited to a conference. He believes
that he has been eliminated, so far as
future candidacy may go, and his ad.
ministration will be shaped accordingly.
President Roosevelt looks to the future
with some apprehension. No one more
than he appreciates the fact that a
change, even though slight, In the ma
tional policy at this time is unfortunate.
He knows that 1t will be a task of great
difficulty to give the country such an
administration that the wave of pros.
perity will not break at Its crest.
Business depression will mean that
responsibility must rest before him.
He will have no time to play politics,
had he the disposition, and he has de.
cided to accept fate and devote himself
entirely to the duties of his great Office.
1t Is the desire Of President Roosevelt
that Lyman j. Gage shall retain the
treasury portfolio. This he believes
will minimize the danger that results
from the change In the administration.
While President Roosevelt eliminates
himself from the preliminary campaign
Of 1904, others there are who take a
different view. They see that the logic
Of events may compel the nomination to
70 to him, and, no matter what his po-
sition, New York, so far as such thing
is possible, Is now pledged to him.
Governor B. B. Odell has promised
that he will not permit the use of his
name In connection with the nomination
for the presidency. He has promised tc
support Mr., Roosevelt In his official
policy and his personal ambitions.
New York Is to occupy the position II
regard to President Roosevelt that Ohio
did to his lamented predecessor, Pleas
ant relations have been established
There has been reconciliation between
the president and Senator Hanna. Thil
was brought about by Governor Odell
He has had three long and importan
conferences with President Roosevelt
the first Saturday, the second Sunday
the last today on the train between
Buffalo and New York. They under
stand each other thoroughly.
Greater Importance attaches to thu
creation Of cabinet by Presiden
Roosevelt than ever before has ATTACHED
to that duty. IL is the privilege o
President Roosevelt, and by no othe,
president has that privilege been en-
joyed, to name his own successor In tn,
event Of his death, disability or remova
before March a, 1905. Under the pre-
sent law Of succession, the secretary o.
state stands next In order Of eligibilit!
for the presidency
II can now be definitely announced
that the cabinet will disintegrate
Secretary Hays resignation will be nc
cepted and he will be out Of the presi
dents official family inside Of fort
night. The announcement can also b,
made In a definite manner that Elihr
Root will be advanced from his presen
position at the head Of the department
Of war to be secretary Of state. Mr.
Gage will remain whore he Is, and 1t Il
now probable that Attorney-Genera
will not leave the cabinet. The other,
will 90, unless present plans mr.
change.
Again President Roosevelt has indi
Gated his intention Of following NJ
closely rs possible the policy established
and maintained by President Mckinley
He was forcible and characteristic II
this announcement, which was made OF
the train this evening.
The president spent the day M much
In the background VA possible. He NAV
u few personal friends, but denied him
self TO all others, He seemed TO feel
his position w one Of keen embarrass
ment, He believed himself TO be or
trial before the public and fears that h.
will be prejudioed, II WAS discussing
this phase Of the situation that he made
the declaration concerning 1904,
1T Is useless TO deny said Presi
dent Roosevelt, THAT | was q candi
date. My ambition WAS TO be president,
but did not want the Office 20 come h
ms In this way, wanted contest aud