The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-09-17

Washington. Sept. t.
81 was a candidate for the nOmina-
tion for the Presidency In 1904. I
have been eliminated and 1 am not
| now I'm any sense a candidnte.'
In this manner President Roosevelt de-
| fined the sudden change in his position and
prospects. He spoke as man disappointed
because circumstances have forced him out
| of contest he would have keenly enjoyed.
His decision was announced by the Presi-
dent to close friend whom he had invited
| to conference. He believes that he has
| been eliminated. SO far as future candidacy
| may go. and his administration will be
| shared accordingly. President Roosevelt
looks to the future with some apprehension.
No one more than he appreciates the fact
| that change, even though slight, in the
| national policy at this time is unfortunate.
He knows that it will be a task Of great
diffcuity to give the country such an ad-
min.stration that the wave of prosperity
will not break at its crest.
No Time to Play Politics.
Business depression will mean that re-
sponsibility must rest before him. He will
have no time to play politics, had he the
disposition. and he has decided to accept
fate and devote himself entirely to the du-
ties Of his great office.
1t is the desire of President Roosevelt
that Lyman J. Gage shall retain the treas
ury portfolio. This he believes will minin-
ize the danger that results from the change
in the administration. Mr.. Gage and the
President will meet tomorrow for a con-
ference. and it is probable that an under
standing will be arrived at that will satisfy
both. In fact. it may be said that Mr..
Gage is all but certain to remain in his
present position.
While President Roosevelt eliminates HIM
self from the preliminary campaign of 1904,
others there are who take different view.
They see that the logic Of events may COM
pei the nomination to go to him, and. no
matter what his position. New York, 50 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 con-
nection with the nomination for the presi-
dency He has promised to support Mr..
Roosevelt in his official policy and his per-
sonal ambitions.
Odell and Roosevelt Confer.
New York State is to occupy the position
in regard to President Roosevelt that Ohio
did to his lamented predecessor. Pleasant
relations have been established. There has
been a reconciliation between the President
and Senator Hanna. This was brought
about by Governor Odell. He has had three
long and important conferences with Pres
ident Roosevelt. the first Saturday, the sec
ond Sunday. the last to-day. on the train
between Buffalo and New York. They un-
derstand each other thoroughly.
No promises were asked or given. Con-
cessions were made. There will be no repe-
tition of the Conkling-Garfield episode of
twenty years ago. Perhaps the political at
mosphere in New York was clarified by the
disappearance of George r. Bidwell from
the office of Collector of the Port. The un-
derstanding now is that Mr.. Bidwell will
find it convenient to resign. or his name
will be withdrawn.
Greater importance attaches to the crea-
ton of a Cabinet by President Roosevelt
than ever before has attached to that duty.
1t is the privilege of President Roosevelt.
and nv no other President has that privilege
been enjoyed, to name his own successor
in the event OF his death. disability or re-
moval before March T. 1906. Under the pres
ent law of succession. the Secretary OF
State stands next in order of eligibility for
the presidency.
Why Hay and Gage Were Absent.
And back of that lies the explanation OF
the absence of Secretary of State Hay and
Secretary of the Treasury Gage on the fu-
neral train to-day. Had there been an ac-
cident to that train. resulting fatally to
President Roosevelt. Secretary Hay would