New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-05-12
THE VICE-PRESIDENCY.
NOT A PLACE TO DECLINE.
Efforts to EUade the Lightning
Make Veteran Politicians Smile.
TFRoM TIE TRIBUNE nUREAr.I

Washington, May 1l.-Leading Republicans
still in Washington are inclined to smile at the
efforts of certain men who have been suggested
as possible candidates for ice-PresiGent to
evade the lightning. and at their assertions
that they will under no circumstances accept
the verdict Of the national convention If Sc
lected for the second place on the ticket. Even
more ludicTous. in the opinion of the veterans,
are the assertions of friends OF possible candi-
dates that their favorites are destined for
larger things in 1905 and must not be side
tracked at this time
Speaker Cannon. around whose shining brow
the Vice e-Presidential lightning is playing in
Vulnerable pranks these days. has assumed
commanding attitude possible, has de-
clared that he will not honor the Senate rostrum
with his presence. and has even gone far
to suggest that the veteran chairman Of the
Foreign Relations Committee. Senator Cullom,
offers shining mark to vagrant lightning
looking for place to strike.
Senator Fairbanks has maintained imper
turbable reserve but he has, nevertheless laid
his wires carefully TO divert the threatening
electrical fluid. No denies that Senator
Fairbanks is n man of Presidential size and
that young from an important State, and with
great popularity, the future may hold for him
more brilliant favors than that Of presid-
ing the body of which he is an infiu-
entail member
But. after all. say the veterans history will
repeat itself and the national convention will
take no heed of any mans future interests or
aspirations. but will select for second place on
It's ticket the who in its judgment will best
serve the interests Of the Republican party.
Moreover 1t is confidently predicted that the
man who thus receives the votes and the
plaudts of the convention will accept. whether
he be the favorite son of Illinois or Of Indiana.
the favored son of Iowa, the present
Secretary of the Treasury. who is now indus
triously engaged in trying to divert current he
believes is aimed in his direction to the chair
man Of the House Committee on Foreign AZ
fairs. Mr.. Hit.
II is recalled that Governor Roosevelt did not
go TO Philadelphia with any wild desire to be
selected for second place: that he even issued n
statement protesting against his selection on
June Is 1900. just three days before he was
nominated, but that he accepted. nevertheless,
with becoming humility, once his party had ex-
pressed its wish.
not known what it is to have a Vice-Presiden-
tial nomination aimed at especially comfort
able seat i'm the Senate in State capitol, but
they also realize how futile il is 20 attempt to
escape the hand of destiny, and they cannot
suppress a smile at the efforts Of some Of the
prominent men who are now enjoying the eN-
perence for the first time
one significant feature is remarked. however,
in the desire of men high in the party councils
10 plume themselves for 1905. II indicates
successful issue of this years campaign, but
their belief that Theodore Roosevelt will be sue
ceeded in the White House by nominee Of the
Republican party.