The age-herald., 1901-10-02
Pyessaent RooseveH Sunsuoned Bookey
 7. Washlngzon Iuto C0ufeyence

because he had most earnest desire to see better state of things throughout the South than that which now prevails.
 
 Colonel Roosevelt was so much tm- pressed by what Mir. Washington told him that he arranged for visit to Ala bama next November. He was going to Tuskegee to see the famous institute, and he intended to look into the social and political situation in the South for him. self. Of course. the death of President Mckinley changed all these plans But Mir. Roosevelt did not forget the subject. and asked Mir. Washington to come to this city for a conference. Hence the visit of the leader of the negro race in America to the executive mansion this evening.
 It is known that for year or so Pres- ident Mckinley had been making inquiries as to the situation of the party in the south and had virtually determined to make efforts to reform it. He was at least prepared to do what he could. But he was handicapped by certain political con- alterations. Practical politics had enabled his friends to secure many of the delega- tions from southern states at the St. Louis convention of 1898. In this way some obligations had been incurred, and these could not be ruthlessly disregarded. Within the limitations which inevitably surrounded him, Mir. Mckinley did the best he could, and there is no doubt that, had he lived, considerable improvement might have been expected in some parts of the south.
 President Roosevelt is not bound by any obligations. He Is absolutely free handed. Already he has the sympathy and confidence of the southern people to marked degree. and his friends repre- sent him as being very much in earnest in his wish to institute a new policy. If he adheres to his ideals and follows his instincts he will completely ignore all the oid-time party leaders. the men who have been fixing up delegations and peddling out of offices for many years He will try to win the allegiance of new class of men, Republicans, if they can be found of proper quality. and if not then Demo- crats, gold Democrats preferred. but men
 
 If the President does enter upon this policy everyone in Washington will watch with great eagerpess to see how far he carries 1t and with what success. His admirers predict that he will push 1t through, and in time effect a political revolution In the south. Others not so sanguine. wonder if the near approach of the political campaign of 1904, with threats of adverse delegations to the na- tional convention chosen by the discarded leaders will not bring about 8 change of policy. if not of heart.
 The President has one appointment to make which in a measure brings up the whole Southern question. The death of D. A. Webster, collector of internal reve- nue for South Carolina, little more than a week ago, will force the Roosevelt ad- nlinistration to show its hand in the vexed political situation in that State. Webster had long been known as the Re- publican boss in that State. He was a type of the very sort of leadership. through trading and manipulation. which has made the Republican party of the South a stench in the nostris of most decent men, WeDSter s IOlloWlnB, Sienuer in numbers but many in audacity, will demand that they be permitted to name the successor of their late leader. Above all, they ask that Senator McLaurin, who is trying to build up a commercial Democracy, or what used to be called a Mckinley Democratic party, in the State, shall not control the appointment Sem ator Hanna's influence is said to be active in favor of tho organization Republicans. President Roosevelt's sympathies lean to- ward the new regime
 If the President really intends to enter seriously and earnestly upon campaign for broadening and revitalizing the Re- publican party of the South he could not make better start in that direction than by improving thls opportunity to give aid and encouragem ent to the McLaurin movement in South Carolina.
 Senator made the same declaration dur