The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-11-06
ROOSEVELT'S LETTER WAS
 LIKE 4 BOMB IN CAMP
Republicans Place Every Doubtful State In the Republican Column. Many State Campaigns
 Have Been Warm.

tional and dramatic exchange of charges and replies between the candidates, one of the most remarkable presidential cam paigns of recent times was practically brought to close tonight It is not ex- pected that much more of importance will take place before the election. though few belated meetings will be held and some statements and claims may be is- sued
 The whirlwind finish predicted two months ago has been realized. The un- usual features of a candidate attacking his opponent in office, and forcing him | into making a direct reply followed by a rejoinder from the candidate, is a novelty and furnished the main topic of conver- sation where politics was discussed today. The appearance of Judge Parker on the public platform marked epoch in the political campaign of 1904, for up to that time it had been apathetic and uninter- esting. From his first speech to the last he has been growing more and more grievous, and more and more direct in his assertions. to the elation of the dem ocrats, who have clamored for more life and ginger in the canvass
 I Canvass Ldcked interest,"
 The republican canvass lacked interest until cabinet officers, senators and men close to the President began making re- plies to Judge Parker's charges. but their part in 1t was insignificant compared to the bomb exploded by MT. Roosevelt in his statement printed this morning.
 Silence has marked the management of the republican campaign. But one pro- | nouneement or claim has been made by any official of the republican national | committed. and in that nearly every de- | batable state was placed in the repub- | lican column. This promptly an- swered by the democratic managers with a claim of the same debatable states, and a sure majority in the electoral college.
 The wide difference in the claims has 1 furnished sufficient doubt to give follow | CTS of both candidates confident hopes of success and keep the interest of partisans keen until the result is known. The campaign has been marked by the usual so-ealled waves"
 Trend of Sentiment. | It would be pointed out that there had | been a 'trend of sentiment to one or | the other parties, and consequent elation | or depression at the headquarters of the managers. These waves were attributed | to reports received from doubtful states | to confidence expressed by those who should know what was going on in pol- tics, and to the many rumors that pre- wall during a canvass In which four years control of the government is the prize. The hopes, the fears. the conh- dence and the despair of politicians have been reflected in the ebb and flow of these intangible tides of the political sea.
 Interwoven closely wit the presidential canvass has been the campaign in New | York state For many years the pivotal
 state, the arbiter of presidential elec-
 tions the empire state, this year has
 been regarded as absolutely essential to | the success of one party and has been
 believed to be necessary to thu other be-
 cause of the impression that a public
 sentiment which will carry New York
 will carry the country On this account the eyes of the country have been turned
 toward New York
 State Fights Are Warm. Its conventions and nominees. the strife | among It's leaders, and the active work 1 of all it's politicians have attracted att tention far more than would by its or
 dinary importance or the merits of the
 state Issues. In some localities the state | fight oVegshadows that of the national contest and the latter Is described as an auxiliary instead of principal in the campaign.
 The same is true in some of the other states and an interesting feature of the J canvass is the oft-eXpressed belief that 1 whatever may be the result on the nation- | al ticket next Tuesday that in many , states there will be a change in the state l governments. State issues have been put | forward most prominently in New York. l New Jersey West Virginia and Wisconsin 1 which were classed as doubtful of the Y Presidency.
 The issues upon which the campaign | has been fought have changed. The per- 1 sonality of the President and his public | acts. the policy of the republican party | on the several questions before the peo- pie, formed the basis of democratic att | tack and republican defense. The money | issue of 1896 and 1900 did not appear tho l tariff has figured to some extent but the | all-absorbing question and the one which ! made whirlwind finish possible. was the attitude' of the democratic candidate re- | gardng the trusts and corporations. and | his continued assaults upon the form o1 | the republican national committee.
 Made Trusts the Issue. | Judge Parker made this issue the issue
 of his party and forced the letter of I defense from his opponent. Issues
 raised in platforms in speeches of noti-
 6cation and replies; in letters of accept | ance and in literature of the national
 committees were swept away in a day. and upon .he brink of the election the
 narties confront each other with tho ass | -~----~-->->7>-->--~>>>->>-
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