Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-30
The Vice Presidency.
The Indianapolis Journal has the follow
ing to saw on a current topic of interest:

The indianapolis Journal has the follow
ing to say on a current topic of interest:
Considering that Indiana is pivotal
state in national elections. 1t is not sur
prising that Senator Fairbanks should be
favorably mentioned for Vice President
Under the circumstances, it would be
strange If he were not He is man or
recognized ability and high character Is
personally very popular in Indiana, and
would add strength to the republican TICKET
in this state. no matter who might be at
the head of it. He Is a typical representa-
tive of the conservative business element
of the republican party. and he would pre-
side over the Senate with grace and dignity
But while it is natural that Senator Fair
banks should be favorably mentioned for
the vice presidency the question of his ac-
ceptance of the nomination Is largely a
matter for him to decide. 1t is not ques-
ton for the republicans of any one state to
decide. He is not a man to be Sidetracked
in anybodys interest. He is too large a
factor in national politics to be dealt with
in that way. There Is only one power that
can force him, as good republican and
party man, to accept the nomination for
Vice President next year, and that is the
national republican convention. 1t would
probably be possible for the convention to
put the matter in such way that Senator
Fairbanks would not feel at liberty to de-
cline the nomination But 1t will be more
than six months till the convention meets.
and 1t is foolish to try and forecast it's ac-
ton at the present time. The two main
factors in the decision of the question are
Senator Fairbanks himself and the next
national convention. 1t is time enough to
cross a bridge when one gets to 1t, not to
speak of compelling somebody else to
cross It."
What is true OF Mr.. Fairbanks is true
also of several other distinguished gentle
men whose names are mentioned when the
republican vice presidential nomination Is
under discussion. All Of them are In office
to their liking. Mr.. Beveridge is entirely
satisfied with his senatorship, and does
credit to 1t. Gov. Durbin is making reputa-
ton every day in the office he now holds.
Mr.. Cannon, as any one may easily believe
finds in the powerful place Of Speaker of
the House enough to satisfy his ambition.
Governor-elect Herrick Is entering upon
duties to which he has long aspired. and to
which he has at last been called by a record
breaking majority. Mr.. Spooner is GER
tainly placed where his brilliant teIenrs are
displayed to every advantage. And Mr..
Hanna. although. in a political sense. find
ing himself late in life, stands where he
does his party and the country much good.
But will anybody say that lie the next re-
publican national convention pronounces in
favor of any one of these men for the vice
presidency he will decline to make the
race by expressing a preference for the
office he already holds? Would he not by
such an act forfeit the influence he now
yields? Is not every one Of them at his
party's service In this matter? For answer,
consult the countrys political record. In
the past twenty years John A. Logan,
Thomas A. Hendricks. Allen G. Thurman,
Whitelaw Reid and Theodore Roosevelt, all
strong men, have stood for the vice presi-
dency. Gen. Logan and Mr.. Roosevelt were
In Office to their liking at the time, but
neither could hesitate about responding to
his party's call. Mr.. Hendricks, Mr.. Thur
man and Mr. Reid were in private life
when they were nominated, and Mr.. Hen
bricks deeply<regretted the call in his case,
but all three responded favorabIy.
The discussion now In progress serves the
good end OF calling national attention to
the strong points OF men who are presented,
but the question of whether or not they
would accept a nomination is properly no
part OF It, The party in national conven-
ton will decide that matter, and its decis-
Ion will be binding. The vice presidency
may not be the most attractive office under
the government. but nobody Is going to de-
cline nomination to 1t.