Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-04-07
COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
GOSSIP AS TO MEN SUGGESTED AS
DESIRABLE.
Senators Gallinger and Penrose and
Murray Crane of Massachusetts,
Are Talked Of.

Although the discussion of the qualifica-
tions of various men to be chairman of
the national republican committee, and in
that capacity manager of the next national
campaign, has progressed there is far from
being consensus of opinion as to who shall
occupy that important position.
Long before Senator Hanna suffered his
last illness mis- precarious state Of health
had made It practically certain that he
would decline to serve longer as national
chairman. 1t was known that President
Roosevelt desired to have Senator Hanna
in that position, but further than that 1t is
said that the President has never expressed
a preference in the matter.
Upon Senator Hanna's death his friends
who were also the friends of General Dick
talked of the new Ohio senator as the
proper successor of Mr.. Hanna. 1t was
argued that as chairman of the national
committee General Dick would to large
extent solidify the party and that his
knowledge of political matters would amply
qualify him for the place.
Hanna's Mantle Does Not Fit.
But in this case the mantle of the late
chairman was not regarded as altogether
fitting his proposed successor. There was
very decided difference of opinion as to the
relative merits of General Dick and others
whose names had been prominently men-
toned in that connection. Among these
others were Senator Penrose, who is backed
very strongly by the entire Pennsylvania
delegation Senator Gallinger, who has
strong backing in New England and whose
service in former campaigns has made him
conspicuous figure, and Murray Crane of
Massachusetts, whose popularity in his own
state, together with the strong friendship
of Senator Lodge and his record as a
stanch and liberal republican made him
fa1 Lad of wide Illa
The friends of Senator Penrose have
claimed that his tutelage under Senator
Quay, together with his experience in a
state in which politics is always flied with
problems to test the ability of a leader. tend
to mark him as especially fitted to manage
a national campaign. Senator Penrose tS
young man, and understands the work
ings of political machine thoroughly. His
friends declare that IL he should be given
the position of national chairman, he would
exert every effort to make a record for his
party.
Galhnger's Prominence.
Senator Gallnger became prominent, in
national sense, largely through his speeches
on the tariff, of which 1t is said more than
a million have been circulated. He is re-
garded as thoroughly posted on the tariff
and thoroughly qualified to conduct the
affairs of his party.
He is also a man of great energy, whose
entire strength would be thrown into the
issue. He has served seven terms as state
chairman of the New Hampshire republl-
can committee, and he is at this time in his
state arranging for the state convention
which will choose delegates to the national
republican convention In New Hampshire
he is regarded as shrewd political man.
ager, and although his state is in the heart
of the republican stronghold Of New Eng
land and naturally strongly allied to the
protective tariff, there have been many
contests there in which the democratic
party has been very strong, and republican
victories have been won only after vigorous
campaigns
Senator Galingers two tariff speeches
were put, out under the titles of Prosper
-ity the Issue and american Tariffs From
Plymouth to Mckinley and Dingley.''
There is not SO much talk of former Gov.
Murray Crane of Massachusetts being
made national chairman as there was sew
eral months ago. Mr.. Crane enjoys great
popularity in his state, and his friends are
still looking forward to his selection for
the national craftsmanship.
Senate Leaders Do Not Care for Burden.
Other names have been mentioned in this
connection, but no one has been prominent
ly brought forward. Among such leaders
of the Senate as Senator Aldrich, Senator
Lodge, Senator Foraker Senator Spooner
and many others 1T is not believed that
there would be any inclination to take up
the burdens of national campaign.
OF course the selection of a national
chairman will be decided entirely by the
presidential nomination. All of the candi-
from whom the choice is likely to be made
are known as strong Roosevelt men. 1t
will merely depend upon the attitude of
Mr.. Roosevelt toward them, and SO far as
is generally known he has not yet expressed
preference.