New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-20
REPUBLICAN HARMONY.
SOME SECOND THOUGHTS
an Improbable Change IN Viezrs OF
Prominent Party Mem.
TFRoM THE TRIBUNE BUREAU.

Washington. Jan. 19.-The last few days have
witnessed an appreciable change in the views
Of some prominent Republicans, who have been
alleged. perhaps enormously, 70 regard the
didacy of Theodore Roosevelt with Iukewarrl-
ness. The promptness with which certain capt
talists have espoused the suggestion, never more
than tentatively put forth. that a Democratic
President. and q Democratic House would be
capable OF little harm. so long as the Senate
remained Republican. and the avidity OF the
Democrats for power and patronage have con-
tributed materially TO the second thought, the
results Of which are becoming apparent
Certain it is. at any rate. that some Repubn-
cans who. only short time ago. merely smiled
when it suggested that the success in the
convention of any candidate other than Mr..
Roosevelt might jeopardize the success OF the
party. to-day meet that suggestion with an
emphatic protest that Republican victory
must be the first consideration. admitting with
the same breath that the strongest candidate
in the party will be the President.
There are 10 is asserted. many policies to
which the Republican party is committed poli-
cies which require strong. positive and even
aggressive administration. and which would
suffer intellectually from even one term Of the
negative conditions which would Inevitably at
tend Democratic victory. that the very sug-
sestiOn brings shudder 10 loyal Republicans
in both houses Of Congress.
The Panama Canal which is now made pos
sible only by the prompt action of the President
at q critical moment, would say thoughtful Re-
rUblicans. be even worse than abandoned if left
to Democratic inca2acity and indecision. The
wise policy which has brought order out OF
chaos in the Philippines and reflected glory on
the Republican party would. according 10
others. be worse than stuIt:aed were the new
possessions left 70 The mercy OF Democratic
President and a divided Congress-.
The dignity of the United States as a world
power, the proud position which, under Re
publican direction. this country has assumed in
the affairs Of nations. would. according 70 still
others. be endangered. IL not trrevOcabIy lost.
These are few OF the considerations which
are being discussed to-day IN the secrecy OF
cloak room and committee room. and the
thought OF which is operating to draw iato
closer harmony the leaders Of the party. while
the daily exhibition of Democratic lack of unity.
want Of fixed purpose and general inability -
grasp the broader principles Of government are
doing their full share to conhrm. in the mind CT
each Republican Senator and Representa- tive.
the Importance of q united effort Ger Republican
success
To still others. some Of whom must appeal to
their States for reelection during the next aG-
ministration a lesser. but still a serious. con-
sideration is the entire loss Of patronage which
would follow the Inauguration of a Democratic
President-a loss which might prove detrimental
TO their own success as we'll as a hardship To
some OF their most loyal supporters
These are subjects which men 90 not discuss
for publication. which reach the press only
through those confidential relations sustained
between individual politicians and correspond
ents but the evidence of their earnest con-
sideratiCn by the leaders OF the party is becorn-
ing obvious in Republican circles in the Cap
itOl.