New-York tribune., 1904-08-30
MR.. ROOT AND THE GoTERgoRsHIP.

The quiet adherence of Mr.. Elihu Root to the
policy Of saying nothing more about himself in
| relation to the GOVernorshp than that he can
not be a candidate has by no means changed the
/ opinion which has been commonly expressed
! that he would find 1t impossible to decline d
unanimous nomination. Indeed. within oay
| or two, friends of Mr.. Root whe at least IN
respect to political matters in general, are
known to enjoy his confidence. have permitted
themselves TO convey the impression that he
could not refuse the obvious duty which
such action on the part Of the Republican state
/ Convention would impose upon him Ihat IS
welcome intimation, and we shall be surprised
If it does not lead many Republicans TO declare
that 1t is time to take it for granted that the
convention. respectfully overruling his personal
wishes, viii take the decision out OF his hahdS
and nominate him by acclamatlon.
Two things are certain. One Of them is that
Mr. Root is honestly desirous OF avoiding
nomination for Governor of NewYork. 1t is
G fine tribute TO his character that whereas a
declaration Of unwillingness TO run for public
Office is often set down, rightly or wrongly, as
q part Of the game, nobody has ever suggested
the faintest doubt Of Mr.. Roots sincerity Nor
is it strange that he should be averse TO re-
entering pubic life after a brief period Of relief
from its burdens. He may possibly feel that
an election 10 the Governorship, which he has
every reason 10 assume that his nomination
would insure would presumably not bring with
It opportunities TO enhance the distinguished
reputation which he gained at home and abroad
by his administration of the War Department
and as one Of the Presidents most trusted ad-
visers in all the affairs of government. But we
do not believe that he is really influenced by an
argument which we should confidently expect
his career at Albany to refute. We suppose the
fact TO be that Mr.. Root is anxious to continue
IN Toa pP tha DrOfpSSiO0 I which he
has recently returned, from which he derives his
keenest enjoyment and in which he IS sure TO
increase his fame and fortune, and that he
thinks he IS entitled to do so after serving his
party and the country for fYe Of the best years
Of his life.
Another thing which is certain is that the
Republican party in this State is as desirous
that Mr.. Root should be its candidate for Govern
or this year as he is to avoid the nomination.
Moreover. the Republicans Of all the other
States fully share that feeling. Under these cir
cUnstances, We cannot but feel that Mr.. Roots
strong disincIination to make the sacrifice IS not
conclusive We have no doubt that there are
other members of the party who would be rea-
sonably sure Of election, as OF course there are
many who are amply qualified to fill the office.
But the proof IS overwhelming that the party.
without regard to location or past affiliations,
has made up its mind that II wants Mr.. Root.
Some or It's leaders nave seemed to rear, from
time to time, that It might become necessary
TO defer 10 Mr.. Roots wishes, but they have not
concealed their hope Of overcoming his objec-
tions. The convention would rejoice TO ratify
the universal choice. If 1t should do so, its
action would remove the last possibility Of
doubt about New-York, and add immensely TO
Republican confidence throughout the country.
When the right course in politics has been
Enthusiastically pointed cut, as in this instance,
alike by the hopes Of your own side and the
apprehensions OF your adversary, what excuse
can there ever be for taking the wrong course?
An unhesitating, unanimous, imperative nomi-
nation would leave Mr.. Root without means or,
we believe, desire to escape the obligation. He
has gone away TO stay until after the conven-
ton In our opinion there viii be 10 need Of
consulting his preferences during his absence.
He has always been in the habit Of doing his
duty. 1t should be assumed as q matter OF
course that he will do Ii hereafter