Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1906-07-23
Speaker Cannon Confident
Of Republican Strength.
Does Not Believe Party Has
Weakened In Past Two Years.


Chicago, July PIN an interview
here Speaker Joseph G. Cannon, en-
route to Oyster Bay to confer with
President Roosevelt about the congress
sional campaign. had this to say about
the United States senatorial struggle
in Illinois:
IF my vote were to decide the sena-
torial contest In this state it would be
cast for Shelby NJ. Cullom. Senator
Cullom is an honor to the nation, to
the state and to the Republican party.
His long experience in Washington. his
Intimate acquaintance with national
AFFAIRS his judicial temperament and
his honesty and capacity as a leglsla-
tor all pre-eminently qualify him for
another term in the United States Sem
ate
What do you think Of the senate
rial candidacy of Richard Yates?" was
asked.
yates" was the reply. "Well. now.
what's the use, what's the use. It's too
hot to talk about Yates"
Upon his arrival I'm Chicago Speaker
Cannon telephoned for Senator Cullom
to meet him at the Union League Club.
and the two veterans talked over the
senatorial situation for an hour. 1t Is
known that Speaker Cannon is willing
to take the stump for Senator Cullom.
but there is no likelihood that his SER
vices will be needed, as CullOm mana
gers are not figuring on making any
platform defence against the attacks
Of Former Governor Yates. who. 1t is
pointed out, has no message and no
cause which probably will appeal to
electors Of Chicago familiar with the
T. records Of both men.
Speaker Cannon virtually admitted
the soft Impeachment that he would
be q candidate for the Republican
F.; presidential nomination in 1908. He did
not use the language of affirmation but
only the most stupid of observers could
fail to see that the sage Of Danville was
looking forward with assurance and
satisfaction to the day when the Re-
publicans of the 18th senatorial district
would launch his boom for nomination
for the highest office in the gift Of the
people
!. Am a candidate for the presiden-
tial nomination? ?" unused the veteran as
he busted off his soft hat.
well. now, 1t IL long time before
the Republican party will nominate a
candidate and we will know more after
we have crossed a stream this side OF
the Republican national convention. A
new House Of Representatives Is to be
elected next fall. and after the returns
are in and we know where we stand
there still will be time to pick a candi-
date for President"
"Of coure, you have heard that the
Republicans Of your district expect to
launch your presidential boom next
mcnth?" was suggested.
well, we are going to have a con-
vention down there In August" re-
piled Uncle joe" parrying the point
Of the question, sand shall be among
those present. 1t has been years since
I nave attended a congressional con-
vention in my district, but l shall at
tend this one. It will be held at Dan
Vile, my home, and I have promised
myself and friends that l will be
among those present"
Speaker Cannon expected to take an
81 afternoon train for Oyster Bay, N. Y,
to meet President Roosevelt, Chairman
Sherman of the Republican national
congressional committee and Secretary
Loudenslager and Treasurer Mckinley
of the committee to discuss the con-
gressional campaign.
Il would have left for Oyster Bay"
said Speaker Cannon. but q wreck
on the Chicago and Eastern Illinois
Railroad detained me. Now I will re-
main In the East five or six days |
shall return Immediately to Danvills
and remain there until further orders"
''Will you take the stump for the
Republican congressional candidates in
close districts?" was asked
IF the congressional committee
thinks I can do any good and is sure
that 1t wants me l most certainly WILL"
was the prompt reply.
Il am feeling well and strong and am
ready to do all I can to help the party"
I'm your Judgment. is there anything
to indicate a slump in the Republican
majority in the House," Speaker Can
non was asked.
1t seems to me that the Republican
party Is as strong now as it was two
years ago." was the reply.
THE last Congress has passed meas
ures Of immediate interest and bene-
mt to the people and I think has sat
1sfied the reasonable demands of the
people. 1t has been a peoples Con-
gress. and I have every reason to be- |
1ieve that the results at the polls In |
November will ratify the policies and |
legislation for which the Republican |
party Is responsible"