The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-03-25
BOOM FOR FAIRBANKS.
Indiana Republicans Pushing
Him For Presidency

Indianapolis March 25--If the EFFORTS
which Indiana Republicans intend to in
woke in the coming four years shall bear
expected fruition United States Senator
Fairbanks win be the Republican presi-
Dental candidate in the campaign Of
1904 The plans which are expected to
eliminate in his nomination are already
being discussed by his Indiana constitu-
ents, and it is possible that their fur
ther development win be on a scale little
less, if it does not equal, those invoked
in behalf of President lfcKinleys NOM
l~ation in 1896 Indeed, no part OF the
country is to be neglected by the SEN
ator's friends but the effort is to be di-
rected north and south and east and
west. and every state will be invaded by
his friends and influences exerted TO
bring him prominently before his party
as a candidate.
1t is not regarded as necessary to give
any particular attention to the home
state. For ten years past he has been
intimately connected with the party or
ganization, in fact has directed il in all
its most important movements, and, in
the light OF the continued victories since
1892, and the admission everywhere that
these party triumphs have been due in
large measure to his foresight, there IS
no question but his party will respond
generously to his support, and that the
Indiana delegation in the next national
Republican convention Will be unit
for him and enthusiastic in pushing their
claims.
Those who are backing him for the
nomination do not intend to put forth
any extravagant claims in respect to
talents or to pretend that their fav6rtte
is gifted with that special brilliarcy that
might make him stronger in some di-
rections than his party. On the con-
trary, they intend to present him as he
is OF as he appears to those who are
most intimately associated with him, an
American w no loves his cOuntry'S 1nSt1-
tutiOns, who is conservative in his
thoughts and actions, and who would
give the country a conservative BUSH
ness administration in which no interest
would be neglected and none would sur-
fer.
Those who are supporting him do not
contend that these qualities are rare,
but. in the light of the past four years
and in that which they believe will be
shed upon the country in the four to
come, they are convinced that it is these
qualities which will make a strong can
didate before the people, and, hence a
strong candidate before the convention
of the party which understands and ap-
preciates the conservatism that appeals
to the voters irrespective of party affli-
alton In other words. the plan Of cam
pafgn in behalf of Mr.. Fairbanks is
based upon the assumption that the peo-
pie want conservatism rather than par
shining talents in the presiden-
tial Office; that they are more inter-
eSted IN having a safe man than a bril-
liant man; that a safe man will be
stronger as a candidate, and therefore
whatever c0nvinceS the party leaders of
ones fitness will find a response from
the people, If that fitness is founded
upon a record Of consistency and con-
servatism- 1t is said that some of the
senator's colleagues have already been
interested in his candidacy and that as
suranceS have come from many Repub-
Leans in the lower house Of congress that
they viii do all they can to forward his
nomination.
-
the senator's friends that President Nc
kinley will favor his nomination. and
will do what he can in a quiet way to
bring 1t about Just what evidence this
is based on cannot be definitely learned,
but it Is pointed out that Mr.. Fairbanks
has been the spokesman of the admin
istration in the senate on more than one
occasion; that his utterances in that
body on the Porto Rican tariff were so
regarded, and that his positions on other
questions have been assumed to indicate |
the administratio policy, and have /
been accepted by his fellow senators as
such.
1t is also pointed out that he was the
bearer Of the Republican platform to the |
national convention at Philadelphia, ard |
thar he was chosen as the Indiana mem /
Der Of the platform committee as the |
K representative of President Mckinley. 1t |
Is not expected that the president viii |
bring administration influence to bear to I
the senator's nomination. but it /
is being told on the quiet that, when the /
proper time comes. Mr. Mckinley will Il
indicate TO his friends that the senator 1
would be a safe man for the party 10 /
because his nomination would 1
at once challenge the confidence OF the /
business element of the country.
Inspired by the belief that his nominal /
ton is not only possible but highly pro-
bable, his friends Will make pilgrimages
into other states within the next two
years, and will bring the subject of his |
candidacy before the meetings of party /
leaders in nearly all the states in tie
Union. 1t is expected that the county
conventions throughout this state VII
adopt resolutions indorsing him for tire
chief magistracy, and that the next leg
If Republican, viii re-elect him
to the senate He will thus be equipped
with the Endorsement OF his own state,