The Washington times., 1904-05-02
PENROSE May Be
CAMP IGN LEADER
Impression President Has
Reached That Conclusion.
LEADERS MEET AND CONFER
Aldrich, Lodge, Murphy, Crane, Bliss,
and Babcock Make Way for
Pennsylvania Senator.

Though no decision has been reached
by the President as to the chairman
ship of the Republican National Com
mittee-and even when It is made there
is little likelihood of a public announce
ment of the name until the National
Convention in Chicago-yet it is re-
garded as practically certain that Sena-
tor Penrose of Pennsylvania viii be
asked to serve in that capacity.
While there is no positive need for
the selection of a chairman prior to the
convention, yet it = known that the
President desires this important detail
of the campaign settled IN pursuance
with this plan, an important conference
was held at the White House last night,
al which were present Secretary Ccrtel-
you, Senators Aldrich, Spooner. Hale,
Plat of Connecticut, Lodge, and ALI
son; Speaker Cannon, and Chairman
HemenWay Of the Appropria lions Com
mittee of the House At this confer
ence the Craftsmanship was discussed
at length, as were various phases OF
the platform and campaign plans.
Talk Continued This Morning.
The conference was extended this
morning by the calling on the President
Of such party leaders as Senator Platt
of New York who was clOseted with
the Executive a long time. giving the
benefit of his sage and mature politi-
cal judgment: Senator Scott. chairman
Of the committee of arrangements of the
national committee, who also took up
with the President the details of tick
cts. assistant secretaries. and the tern
porary chairman; Senator Spooner. and
Representative Babcock.
The Craftsmanship matter has caused
rODziHpra HE the RpnTThIlN4n
leaders. and much speculation as 10 the
man to be selected Those who have
been named with even chances OF Sc
lections are Senator Aldrich of Rhode
Island. who returned TO the city last
night for the purpose of attending the
conference; Senator Lodge Of Massachu-
sets. Governor Franklin Murphy Of
New Jersey Ex-Governor Murray Crane
of Massachusetts. ex-Secretary Come
Illus y. Bliss of New York. and Repre-
sentative Babcock
Other Fish to Fry.
IT is said that the President at one
time wished 10 name Senator Aldrich.
but the latter at once let it be under
stood that he would have no time 10
spare for national matters during this
campaign The Democrats have the
governorship of Rhode Island now. and
Senator Aldrich will have TO make a
can, so as TO secure his own reelection.
The personal friendship existing be-
tween the President and Senator Lodge
caused many TO think that he would be
selected, though it has been known that
he did not wish the position.
There were times when both Mr.. Bliss
and Governor Murphy We're regarded as
sure of selection. but at no time has the
certainty prevailed that now attaches to
the name of Senator Penrose, always
prominently mentioned in connection
with the Craftsmanship. 1t is regarded
as a wise choice by the Presidents
friends who count upon great results
from the astute Pennsylvania politician.
Senator Scott has called a meeting OF
his committee on arrangements for
Thursday, May 3 At this meeting.
which will be held here most of the
preliminary details viii be provided for.
II is still regarded as certain that
former Secretary of War Root viii
serve as temporary chairman.
Representative Adam Bede was again
at the White House this morning to urge
the privilege OF the seconding speech for
Mr. Cotton, of Duluth.