New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-22
PLEDGED TO ROOSEVELT
FLORIDA LEADS OFF.
President Not Trying to Haze
Delegates Instructed for Him.
TEEoM TKE TRIBUNE pUREAr.I


Washington, JAN 21.-Florida has selected
delegates TO the Republican National Conven-
tloh and in each district resolutions of instruc-
tion for President Roosevelt were adopted To-
day kilograms came to the White House from
every district and from great number of the
individual delegates. more than majority of
all chosen sending positive pledges of their sup
port. There is doubt that these spontaneous
assurances gratified the President, especially as
they had been neither solicited nor expected and
because the Florida delegates. being first in the
field, acted on their own impulses without wait
ing to follow the example of other States
The friends of the President know that he Is
not lifting his finger toward securing the adop-
tion of instructions for him in any part of the
country. although he cannot be otherwise than
pleased by the expressions of approval OF his
administration contained in such declarations.
He has not asked any of his supporters in
various parts OF the country to work for in
structed delegations. but is perfectly willing to
let the National Convention act according TO
its best Judgment without any semblance of in
reference from him. His position. is clearly
understood by all who have mentioned the sub
jeCt 10 him, is that of a frankly avowed man
ly. straightforward candidate for the nomination.
but 4 candidate who viii not one iota Of his
executive influence who will not make a single
promise of contingent patronage nor adopt any
similar method of soliciting support. He hopes
to receive in the convention the vote of every
representative Republican Who approves OF his
career and thinks ne IS hest qualified for an
other four years in the White House. 1t is the
contrast with the Presidents open and above
board methods that initiates some of his friends
when they become aware that an attempt is
being made in any quarter surreptitousIy to
build up machine against him. and which i'm
pels them to insist upon regulation. aboye-board
methods in every quarter 1t IS for this rea-
son that they believe in instructed delegations
from communities and States which un-
changeably for Roosevelt. rather than in the
selection of floating delegates who may be
open 10 suspicion not indorsing the record of
the present administration. and therefore liable
TO cause discord in the party council at Chi
cago I'm June.
Senator Quay. who started for Florida to-day
on his annual trip for recuperation. before leav-
ing Washington set at rest the question
TO what may be expected OF PennsyI-
vania on the subject of Instructions. 'If neces-
sary.' he said. Il shall go upon the floor of the
State Convention at Harrisburg and move that
the delegates at large ne instructed 10 vote for
Roosevelt Moreover. majority OF the Con-
gress districts will instruct for Roosevelt, IL
understand the situation The Senator regards
1t probable that Pennsylvania's sIxty-eight
votes will be pledged TO Roosevelt Lefore June
Representative Burkett, OF Nebraska has been
advised that his State win hold it's convention
on May 1S-not May g. as the press dispatches
have had it-anG he declares that only will
the delegates-at-large be instructed for Roose-
velt but that each Congress district will also
instruct it's delegate Nebraska is an absolutely
sure State for the President" said Mr.. Burkett
"and the late date for the convention was really
fixed by the Presidents friends