The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-26
ROOSEVELT AND SCOTT
CONFER OVER POLITICS
President and the West Virginia
Senator Discuss the Vacant
Craftsmanship.


WASHINGTON, Feb. Ex-senator Scott,
Of West Virginia, had a long conference
with the President to-day discussing very
fully with him matters relating to national
politics. Quite naturally, among other
topics considered was the craftsmanship OF
the Republican national committee. 1t can
be said on the best authority that the po-
sition of national chairman has not been
offered to anybody and therefore has not
been declined by anybody. Several men
since the death of Senator Hanna have
been mentioned in connection with the
craftsmanship. but thus far the subject has
not proceeded beyond the realm of sug-
gestion.
Among the names of men proposed for
the craftsmanship are former Governor
Crane, of Massachusetts; Postmaster Cen
eral Payne, of Wisconsin. now acting chair
man of the committee; Senator Penrose, of
Pennsylvania; Senator Scott, of West Vir-
ginia; General Charles Dick, of Ohio, who
next week probably will be elected to sue
coed Senator Hanna in the Senate. Mr..
Crane is a personal friend of President
Roosevelt, and one OF his closest political
advisers. The President desires, in the
event of his nomination for the presidency,
that Mr.. Crane should be identified in an
important capacity with the conduct of the
presidential campaign, but 1t is known that
Mr.. Crane hesitates TO undertake the re-
sponsibility and care of directing the cam
paign as chairman on account Of his health.
He has informed the President of his feel
ing In this regard.
Members OF the national committee have
suggested that Postmaster General Payne
be selected as national chairman. The sug-
gestion was cordially received by the Presi-
dent, as he entertains the highest regard
for Mr.. Paynes political sagacity and
ability. He has been identified with
the work of the national committee for
years and was vice chairman and one of
the most valued assistants of Mr.. Hanna in
both of the Mckinley campaigns. 1t is
said, however, to be quite improbable that
Mr.. Payne will resign the postmaster gen.
eralShip to undertake the work OF direct
ing the national campaign because his
health will not permit him TO undertake
safely the arduous labors of national chair
man. BY those in most intimate touch
with the situation, it is. regarded as an
absolute certainty that Mr.. Payne would
not consider seriously any proposition look
ing to his acceptance of the chafrmanship
of the committee.
Friends of General Dick have advocated
warmly the desirability of his selection as
national chairman. He was in close Off
cial touch with the management OF the last
two national campaigns, was one of the
most trusted lieutenants of Senator Hanna,
and besides having a wide acquaintance
a
notable campaign organizer
1t can be said that no determination of
the Republican national craftsmanship will
be reached, perhaps, for three months. Sug-
geStonS are being considered, but no decl-
sion, even of a tentative nature, has been
or will be made until the near approach OF
the Chicago convention.
A conference was held to-day between
Henry G. Payne, vice chairman of the Re
publican national committee, Elmer Dover
and w. +. Stone, sergeant-at-armS, of the
P9Vnp announced that
had formally rendered the position of sec
rotary to Mr.. Dover, and that Mr. Dover
had accepted. This appointment will hold
only until the committee reorganiZes.