The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-10-21
ODDS IN BETTING
 ARE STILL 4 ID i Conceded Democrats Are Nak-
 . ing Gains Every Hay PARKER IS HARD WORKER 
No One in New York Seems Able to Explain Why the Betting Odds On Roosevelt Are So
 Large.
BY PATTERSON sTEALEY.

New York, October 20.-(Speeial)- With President Roosevelt at the Wash ington end of the wire, political confer ence was held this afternoon, participated in by Vice Presidential Candidate Fair banks, who is now here, and National Chairman Cortelyou
 From a republican standpoint at least two of them declare the situation dis tinctly favorable. The President himself probably so regards It. As one of his friends put 1t at republican headquarters today, the President has never had any doubt that "his policies are canddy in- dorsed by a majority of the voters of the country, and that he would be re-elect- ed. Having driven the money element in line through promises and inside figures of the department of commerce and labor. the republican party does not see where 1t can lose.
 If there is anything in a comparative degree of confidence the republicans will win hands down. But so many instances have occurred where confidence has gone astray that the republican odds of to ruling in the lobbies of the hotels tonight are greatly exaggerated.
 Parker Is Confident Man.
 The most confident man in the demo- cratic party is it's leader, Judge Alton B. Parker. Ever since his nomination he has worked hard and earnestly for the suc- cess of the party. He has conferred with thousands of democrats lu the doubtful states, has given his personal attention to many of the little details of the cam paign, and has word of cheer for every democrat who calls to talk over the situ- ation with him.
 He not only believes that he has the best of the argument, sgal he also be- lieyes the American people will So decide and cast their ballots for him two weeks from Tuesday. He is inspiring confidence right along and if it were in his power to personally meet every voter in the coun- try, Roosevelt would get nothing outside of Pennsylvania, where no elections are held anyway. Here in New York city the democrats have had all the better of their campaign. Their meetings have been enthusiastic and over-erowded, while the republicans have had difficult ty in getting fair sized audiences The advertised big republican rally for Fair banks last night was manufactured
  burg marching club.
 In comparison with the democratic ral- ly at Carnegie hall tonight 1t was tame affair. It will not be a circumstance ta the Cleveland Carlisle rally which will be held tomorrow night. Democrats here believe that the Cleveland meeting tomor- row taken in connection with the tour | of MT. Bryan. will have an excellent ef- feet upon the party and that there will be a distinct democratic gain from now on.
 Tageart Says Indiana Is Safe. National Chairman Taggart, who as- sisted in Indianapolis tonight sends word back to New York that the situation in | Indiana is satisfactory and that It's cleo | toral vote will be cast for Parker. There | is one fact about the campaign which Is source of great democratic encourage | ment. The party seems absolutely | united There is no factlonal trouble oi | consequence in a single doubtful state Why the betting odds on Roosevelt | should be SC overwhelming no one seeks l to explain.
 Look out" said Leader Murphy oi | Tammany tonight. "There Is going tt be surprise in this election. There art | going to be some badly fooled people,