New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-05-03
TALK OF GUARDIANSHIP.
NO ONE YET SELECTED.
Vice-Presidency and Platform Dis
cussed by Republican Leaders.
TFRoM THE TRIBUNE BuREAu.l

washington. May 2.-The President and Re-
publican leaders in Congress have decided that
it would be injudicous to attempt 10 select a
chairTner for the Republican National Commit
tee at chis time. and that important Office win
rot be definitely filled until the week of the
Chicago convention. Two important conferences
have been held here within the last twenty
four hours. Last evening Senators Aldrich,
Platt of Connecticut; Spooner, Allison, Lodge
and Hale Speaker Cannon, Representative Hem
enway and Secretary Cortelyou assembled at
the White House and discussed the political
situation. A request for this conference was
made by the President more than week ago.
il impossible for the leaders to get together
sooner. as Senator Aldrich was called out OF the
city Immediately on the adjournment of Con-
gress. He returned yesterday. and, Senator
Hale desired TO leave the city to-day last night
was chosen for the meeting.
To-day Senators Aldrich Allison, Platt. OF
Connecticut; Spooner and Lodge gathered in the
Finance Committee room and continued last
nights discussion The platform, the Vice
Presidential candidacy. the Craftsmanship of the
National Committee and details of the conven-
ton al received share Of attention. but the
only definite conclusion reached that it
would be unwise to choose a chairman at this
time. Certain information which Senator AL
dricn brought back from New-York caused the
Jersey. 10 rise a few points. although some of
those present did altogether favor that sug
gestion. The President informed his advisers
that Ex-Governor ". Murray Crane would be
unable 10 serve as chairman, and his name was
eliminated Senator Penrose found an earnest
champion in another Senator and the Western
men warmly recommended J. W. Blythe. but
drew very hearty response from the Presi-
dent. Ex-Secretary Cornelius y. Bliss was sug
n. snna+ icSSc
health was such that he would be unable 10
serve. Still another suggested the availability
Of Senator Dryden.
II was then remarked that, as affairs we're
taking shape, it appeared that the party would
this year have the support of some extremely
able men. Of powerful influence in their respec-
tive sections, so that the campaign Of l9Oi
would be less of a one affair than those
dominated by the powerful personality of Mr..
Hanna. This drew out the remark that who
ever might be national chairman, Ex-Governor
Crane would be the dominating force in New
England Senator Allison remarked that GER
tsinly Mr.. Blythe would be the man TO hold
responsible for the conduct Of affairs in the
Middle West. and it added that Senator
Penrose. I'm addition TO supervising the situation
in Pennsylvania, could easily lend hand in the
direction of the campaign il adjoining States.
II said that Governor Odell would prove an
exceptionally able Lieutenant in New-York, and
would have the hearty cooperation of Cornelius
" Bliss. while Elihu Root will be the legal ad-
wiser Of the committee as well the closest
personal representative Of the President This
led 10 the suggestion that It might be wiser to
defer the selection Of q chairman for the pres
ent, as later on il could be more easily deter
mined who would prove the most popular and
capable leader and executive harmonizer. and
a decision along these lines finally reached.
When the e-Presidency came up for dis
cussion. Speaker Cannon stoutly protested that
he would have none OF il. He declared that he
could serve the party better in the House than
IN the Senate. and Senator Allison and others
supported his contentious Some Of the Eastern
men, however, assured Mr.. Cannon that, when
popular enthusiasm was once aroused, nothing
could sidetrack a Nice-Presidential nomination
headed his way. and il suggested that
Mr.. Cannon induce his State convention TO in
dorSe Senator Fairbanks for the Vice -Presl-
dency. The Speaker seemed to take the sug-
gestion in earnest, and is going home 70 try
10 bring about this end. Senator Fairbanks
was discussed, and all agreed that he would
make an admirable Vice Presidential candidate,
although some Of his friends protested that he
ought 10 remain IN the Senate. No decision
reached this subject.
Senator Lodge, who has been working on the
Republican platform read to his colleagues
this morning the brief outlines OF certain planks.
but they We're not accepted as final
The President. II may be said, is
10 exerting any influence for against any
candidate FOR the Nice-Presidency in advance
Of the choice Of the convention, although some
of the party leaders hold that everything should
be cut and dried beforehand, and that the con-
vention should be ratification meeting
To-day's conference was probably the last
important meeting the Republican leaders will
have for some time. Speaker Cannon Will leave
Washington Wednesday for Illinois: Sen
atcr Aldrich viii start the same day for Hot
Springs Va; Senator Platt OF Connecticut Is
10 depart the same morning for his home; Sen
ators Penrose and Hale started for the West
Indies this morning: Senators Allison and
Spooner Will soon West and in another week
there viii he few Senators or Representatives
In Washington.