St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1904-08-13
WASHINGTON LETTER
INTERESTING GOSSIP FROM THE
NATIONAL CAPITOL.

INTERESTING GOSSIP FROM THE
NATIONAL CAPITOL.
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
The Old and New Methods of Nomin-
ating Them-Cortelyou Always q
Republican-Alaskan Judici-
ary to Be Investigated.
Washington-At no city in America
- the interest in the great political
conventions SO great as it is here.
This is natural, as one or the other OF
the nominees of these conventions
must become the official head of Wash
ington, and his home and family BE-
come the social center.
Practically all o. the large cities
from the Missouri river east to the At
lantic have at some time entertained
one or more Of these national gather
ings, with the exception of the nation
al capitol, and yet this is the political
center of the country. 1t is almost an
indefinable sentiment that keeps the
conventions away from Washington,
and probably always will do so.
Presidents have been nominated In
Washington, however, but it was be-
fore the days of conventions. Previ-
GUS to 1880 national conventions were
unknown, and candidates were named
by congressional caucuses. This meth
cd of naming candidates lost favor
after the race made by Jackson.
Adams and Clay in 1924. none OF
whom were named by the caucuses.
Philadelphia entertained the first
national convention in 1880, when del
egates selected by the anti-Masonic
party met in that city to adopt plat
form and name candidates. Since that
time every candidate for president has
been named by one of these national
gatherings.
Chicago is prominently the con-
vention city. Since 1860 more con-
ventions have been held there than in
any other city in the country, and as
many presidents nominated there as
In all other cities put together.
OF the many first citizens" Of the
country nominated by these national
political conventions, three were as.
sassinated-Lincoln, Garfield and Nc
Kinley. William Henry Harrison died
81 days after beginning his term OF
office.
Five vice presidents have died while
holding Office Elbridge Gerry. 1914;
William R. King, 1853; Henry Wilson,
1885; Thomas A. Hendricks, 1885, and
Carrot A. Hobart. 1899.
OF all the men who filled the high
position Of president Of the United
States. Theodore Roosevelt is the
youngest, being only 43 years Of age
when he assumed the responsible du.
ties Of the chief executive. The oldest
president was William Henry Har.
rison who was 68 years old when he
took hold of the reigns Of government.
Always a Republican.
Much of the opposition that mani
tested itself against Cortelyou as
chairman Of the national republican
committee was in all probability trace
able to the general belief that he was
at one time a democrat. This belief
is widespread throughout the country,
and has been believed even by the
leaders Of the party. It is said here
that an authoritative denial from a
high official in the government was
telegraphed to Chicago during the
convention SO as to set at rest those
OF the national committee who were
uneasy over the prospect of demo-
crat presiding over the republican
campaign.
A friend Of Mr. Cortelyou, and o.
man who has known the family for
many years, gives me the following
rs his political record:
Secretary George B. Cortelyou's
father and grandfather were republi-
cans Of the stanchest kind. His grand.
father, Peter Crolius Cortelyou, ST.,
was the intimate friend and associate
of Horace Greeley, Thurlow Weed and
other great leaders Of the party's early
history. Both his brothers are repub-
licans, and the members of his family
have been known as republicans since
the foundation OF the party. All the
teachings Of his early years were in
that political faith, and when he took