Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1905-12-23
THE SPEAKERSHIP
Roosevelt NotAware of Wads-
worth's Candidature.
HIGGINS NOT PLEDGED TO ANY ONE
President Only Desires Good of
whole People OF the state and, In
Fact, Suggested other Men
For Position

WASHINGTON, Dec 21.--For sew
eral weeks President Roosevelt has
been discussing with prominent New
York Republicans the political situa-
ton in that state. Within the past few
days his views have been sought as TO
the speakership Of the New York as
sembly.
The president has made It plain to
all those with whom he has talked that
his desire is that That shall be done
which will best promote not only the
Interests of the Republican party of
New York, but the whole people of the
state. A day or two ago the candi-
daey of Assemblyman James w. Wads-
worth Jr for the speakership was an
nounced and an Impression was con
veyed that Mr. Wadsworth was the
presidents candidate. This impression
doubtless was due partly TO the knowi-
edge that SIR. Wadsworth last Satur-
day was a guest Of the president at
luncheon.
On the authority Of men who discuss
ed the New York situation with Presi-
dent Roosevelt 1t can be said with
knowledge Of the absolute accuracy Of
the statements that the president was
as much surprised as anybody could
have been when he saw III the newspa-
pers the announcement of Mr. Wads-
worths candidacy TO Mr.. Wads-
worth, when he was here last Satur-
day, the president outlined his attitude
in the matter Of the speaiership Of the
New York assembly 1t was in con
formity with lis attitude on the New
York county committee presidency
that is, that any wholesome. highmind-
ed man not identified with any faction
would satisfy the present demand.
In the presidents talk with Mr..
Wadsworth the names mentioned in
connection with the speakcrshlp We're
those of Hooker, Wainwright and
Moreland Mr. Wadsworth declared
he was in favor Of Mr.. Hooker. The
president told him that he hoped he
would keep himself free TO vote for any
untrammeled man amy man who
would be not merely passively but az
excessively honest and who would not
be the creature of any boss or any
ring, of somewhat of the Herbert Par
sons stamp"
The president knows that Mr., Wads-
worth had no intention of being can
didate himself at the time Of his visit
at the White House. His candidacy
did not come about from any sugges-
ton made by the president.
Assemblyman Wadsworth has open
ed headquarters in New York. Several
assemblymen elect called on him. and
he will be holding conferences all the
week Mr.. Wadsworth said
81 expect to he elected speaker, but
cannot at this time say how many
votes are pledged to me. because / do
not know The suggestion of my can
didacy by Governor Higgins was mere
ly a suggestion and came to me as
complete surprise / am not aware
that President Roosevelt had anything
to do with it, / was at the White
House and had luncheon with the presi-
dent last Saturday and he did not men
ton the matter to me
Il want Il distinctly understood that
I am not a fractional candidate, and if
I am elected speaker | shall treat all
factions and all sections Of the state
alike
Governor Higgins is said to be anus
ed at the idea which Senator Malby
and Assemblyman Merritt presume to
convey, that they had any affirmative
or negative pledge regarding the speak
ership from the governor The gov
ernor was very emphatic in his state
ment that they had 40 such pledge and
that he was perfectly free to act on
this question until the time of the an
nouncement Of Assemhlyman Wads-
worth's candidacy for the speakership.