The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1903-12-14
Is It the Opening Gun?

is 1t the OpSulLS 0HAi
Small wonder there is agitation in
the inner circles Of the Roosevelt ad-
ministration. What can this attack
of The Cincinnati Commercial Trib-
une uLon our beloved president mean,
anyway? Why should it deyolye upon
Tho organ OF that distinguished citizen
Of the Buckeye State, Boss George b.
Cox. to become spokesi an for repub-
llcan opposition 10 the nomination OF
theodore Roosevelt, and just at a
time when Mr.. Hanna is deyotng all
his spare hours 10 protesting his love
and pledging himself TO harmony.
Far be it from US to suggest that
there is sinister meaning TO this Gin
Cinnati attack OF course, it does
seem a little peculiar that the leading
republican newspaper OF Senator Han
mas own state should voice the claim
that the interests OF the party demand
that some other than President Roose-
vet be the republican standard bearer
IN 1904. Senator Hanna cannot be
held responsible for the utterances OF
al the editors in Ohio; and then, too,
TIE Commercial Tribune is published
in Senator Foraber's town, not in
Cleveland But
Wei, ii is a little curious that Mr..
Esheiby. the editor Of The CONNER
cial Tribune. happened to be in New
York the other day when Senator
hanna was there. And it may be
worthy OF passing note that Mr.. Eshel-
by's paper is the personal organ OF
Mr. George 3. Cox. the boss para
mount OF southern Ohio, the man who
Gid more than any other one man 10
accomplish Senator Hanna's first cleo
tion and who since has been most par
t.cularly close 10 the old man.
Mr. Hanna says Theodore loves him
and tie president is blisslully conf
dent that he is foremost in the affec-
ton eli Uncle Mark. Well and good
Surely that spells harmony. Why
then should Mr. Cox and Mr.. Eshelby
disturb the entente between the bold
trust twins by suggestions OF party
Cisconleut in New York, Rhode Island
Massachusetts. Indiana. Kentucky, the
south and the west? Why should
They reveal The fact-for il is a fact
that there is steadily growing re-
publican anxiety as 10 the result of
tne presidential election? Why should
they recall the painful recollection of
the joy felt in New Yorl, when Roose-
veit was showed out OF the governor
snip INTO what Was designed TO be a
wee presidency hole? Why should a
republican organ point 10 President
Eo0sey cts admitted weakness in his
home state a state whose position
VIII in all likelihood determine the re-
suit O. the contest OF 1894?
President Roosevelt and Senator
Lodge and Murray Crane and the
others Of The inner administration cir
Gle are asking these questions with
anxiety and vel they may. Attempt
to disguise i as tneg do, there is fear
p their souls. Sgch OF them as have
real political scAse realize that the
ulLerances OF The Commercial Trib-
uae represent The views OF q very
great many republican leaders aud
practical politicians other than Sen2-
Tor Hanna and George Cox The dill
etlautes ia politics may have SUI
preWe contempt for the practical poH-
t3e.ans between elections but even
they rasize that Il q political contest
fl is wen 10 have the politicians with
yo1s.
viewed i'll acy ieat, this republican
attack upon President Roosevelt is OF
great impOitanee. Is may not prevent
his nomination; certainly up to this
time everrsh.1g Las Indicated that
things would come his way But with
this sort OF feeling rampant IN his
party. what would the nomination be
worth? Opposed by The entire con
scrvative business sentiment of the
country, having the labor union lead
ers-despite ms catering 10 them as
no other man IN hlgh office has done
-antagonistic to him, and with the
majority OF the practical politicians
iulcwarm. il nothing worse. there is
little in the present outlook to bring
10Y 20 the heart OF the man in the
white house
1t may be that one y ay or the other
this attack on the part of the leading
republican organ in Ohio may mean
the beginning Of his end.