New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-14
WHO FOR SECOND PLACE?
QUESTION OF THE HOUR.
Leaders ON a Hunt for
Nan Who Can Fill the Bill.
IgRoN TIE rR1nrxr RrrEAr.l

IsRON THE TRIBUNE BUREAUI
Washington. Dec 13-Can the Vics-Presf-
dency be made stepping stone to the Presi-
dency? This is one Of the questions which mem
bers Of the National Committee have been dis-
eussing quietly but earnestly. during their stat
in Washington, and it is one that is likely to
ceive close consideration between now and June
II next from the leaders Of the party.
Some OF the most available timber. as indl-
Gated in these dispatches Of the last two days.
members Of the National Committee believe can
be found in the Senate. as. notably. Senators
Beveridge and Fairbanks. To ask either to give
up seat in the Senate to accept the Vice
Presidency. much he might strengthen the
I ticket. or to ask Speaker Cannon 70 forfeit the
goal which it has been his lifelong ambition to
attain TO accept a nomination for the second
place, is regarded as demanding OF them too
great a sacrifice, unless the man who added the
force of his personal and geographical avafla-
bflity to the ticket of 1904 could have some as
surance Of his favorable consideration for first
place in 1905. All three OF the men named are
already mentioned as likely Presidential timber
for 1905. Could they. ask the party leaders, Be
assured that they would strengthen their pros
poets by accepting the second place on the
Roosevelt ticket2
The party leaders point out that 1t has be-
come almost tradition of the Republican party
l
that if a similar tradition could be established
whereby every man who contributed his strength
TO the ticket in second place could look to
the party for acknowledgement when the time
came for selecting new Presidential candt-
date, the result would be advantageous. In con-
nectiOn with this it is recalled that in the early
days of the Republic this custom OF promotion
from Vice e-Presidency 10 Presidency prevailed.
John Adams. Thomas Jefferson. and. later. Mar
I
dency a stepping stone to the White House
The advantages other than strictly political.
of such an arrangement are held 10 be obvious
| The experience Of four or eight years press-
\ dent Of the Senate would prove Of the utmost
I value to any President while the wider ex-
perience of the Vice-Presidency would inevitably
/ obviate some of the mistakes which have char
/ acterized the early days of some aduinistra-
/ tions. Besides Senators Fairbanks and Bever-
/ idge, and Speaker Cannon, Governor Taft is ex-
pected TO enter prominently into next years
/ calculations.
| Comparatively few of the national committee
men cared to discuss the question of who would
/ be the best candidate for Vice-President. but
/ some willing to talk National Committee
/ man New. Of Indiana, said:
Either Senator Fairbanks or Senator Beveridgs
would make first class Vice Presidential eandi-
/ dOubtedly help the party carry Indiana I am not
I a
would consent 10 enter the race under pressure
National Committeeman Hart. of Iowa. said;
Unless Iowa has candidate for tha vice-Presi-
deucy, I in favor of Senator Fairbanks. OF In
tor DoIiiver and do not know whether he would
enter the race but there Is general i'm impression
qualified to III the position and II the Chief Ex-
| Senator Fairbanks could take up the reins OF gov
| ernment. and they would be in safe and able
hands
| Postmaster General Payne. national commit
teeman from Wisconsin, said:
| of the candidate for the Vice-Presidency on the
Republican ticket Sent.nent in favor Of any man
/ of necessity come from the Middle West. as the
person Of President roosevelt Several excsIlens
j men have been mentioned in connection with the
/ Governor-elec Herrick and Governor Taft any
date and would give strength to the ticket
Senator Scott of West Virginia. said:
have not given the question Of the vIcs-Presi-
Dental candidate any thought and have no par
timber. and any who is a good Republican will
| suit
National Committeeman Powell Clayton. OF
/ Arkansas. said:
In my Judgment the Vice-Presidential candidzss
will come from one OF the Middle Western States
[ There is a large number OF available men. but
is Senator Fairbanks. of Indiana do not know
whether he would be willing TO give up his seat
/ make a most admirable candidate and his nomtna-
ton would help the Republican party carry Indiana
Richard C. Kerens. national committeeman
| from Missouri said:
/ In nearly every State in the Union there are
/ several in the Republican party who big
I enough for the Presidency My State has
several such men, and am sure Illinois has
/ dozen would be embarrassing for to men-
didate man should be selected who is OF Presa-
Dental Calibre-
Colonel MyrOn T. Herrick. national commit
teeInan from Ohio and Governor-elect OF that
State, said:
We should select strong from doubtful
State for the Presidential nomtraton On the
Republican national ticket. There are many avail
able in the party. many in fact that Tiers
will be the slightest difficulty in securing a
man who possesses the ability and has the ex-
peTienCe necessary to discf arge the duties. Sen
ator Fairbanks, OF Indiana. would be attractive
easy matter for the Republicans TO carry Indiana.
Mr. BrownIow. Of Tennessee. said:
We should nominate a big man for second
place on the national ticket. OF course we hops
that the President will not become incapaci-
tated but must provide against any such
contingency, and select who could as
sumo the Office and discharge the duties Il such
have given this question little consideration yet.
connection most frequently is Senator Fair
banks. OF Indiana.