The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1906-12-20
WHO WILL BE THE NOMINEE 2
Discussion of Probabilities in the
Republican Presidential Race.

D1scuss1On OF FFDbADEnNAeN IN the
Republican Presidential Race.
From the Boston Transcript
With the time for choosing delegates to
the next Republican national convention.
little more than year away. and with
the larger probability that the man whom
it Eonors will be the next President OF
the United States. astOnishingly little
can be heard or seen that points with
any seeming accuracy toward the prob
able choice. Il is time the country was
making up its mind This extraOrGi-
nary situation is due. as one Of the lead
ers Of Republican opinion in Iowa re-
Gently remarked 10 the Discrimination
Of the public to abandon the idea that
some way may yet be found for getting
another term Of Roosevelt
President Roosevelt has three substan-
tiaI reasons for the position that he has
taken, from which he does not purpose
to be shaken. He Is leading IN certain
popular reforms which he wants to have
the country realize that ne is espOusing
because he believes in them, and not 90
gain support in any future Presidential
election. He wants no questioning Of his
sincerity in these affairs. He wants his
tory 10 view his motives as disinterested,
whether they were mistaken or not Sec
ondly, he believes strongly in the two
term limitation which has come down
from the fathers. He thinks that the ex-
ample Of the United States IN the South
American countries and in Europe, where
ever Republican institutions are regard
ed as stil on trial would be weakened
by his accepting a nomination for a third
term with the lmDutation whichsit would
carry that popular government khevitably
tended toward One-man power in spite Of
ali professions TO the contrary
A third reason for the Presidents posi-
ton comes In the vexatious responsibility
for party success which rests upon a
chief executive. Mr. Roosevelt has now
carried three elections, the Congressional
Of 1902. when his administration as the sue
cessOr or Mr.. Mckinley went before the
people for approval; the Presidential cleo
ton Of 1904. focusing about his candidacy:
and the Congressional contest Of 1906,
when the issue Of sustaining Roosevelt
was put forward TO save the House of
Representatives.
A President who has maintained with
success so many contests not only before
the people, but in legislative halls. for
important and far-reaching measures Of
national policy, may well rejoice when
the time comes that he can refer his
cause TO history for its impartial verdict,
without further effort or argument on
his part
The President makes no secret Of his
desire TO see William II Taft made the
Republican standard bearer in 1895. But
Mr.. Taft is astonishingiy reluctant to do
anything for himself. or to take any
steps which would contribute even In
directly toward his nomination, probably
the most couspicuOusly so of any man
seriously considered for the Presidency
from the foundation of the government
II is an open secret in Washington that
the President is almost out Of patience
with him on this score. Taft insists on
believing that he could not Be nominated
or, II nominated, that he could not be
elected. He, moreover, has but a single
thought ia life, and that is to accomplish
something substantial for the Philippine
people
But this does not give the full measure
Of Mr. Taft's reluctance. He pursues a
course IN public life which makes It very
difficult even for friends 10 push him
There was a large chunk OF truth in the
GridirOn Club rejOindeT on Saturday week
to the question why Taft had decided
against the negroes in the Brownsville
affair, that He knew Fairbanks had al
ready bagged the COl0red delegates - This
little Brownsville episode. apart from ev-
erything else. would make il difficult TO
get colOred delegates for Mr. Taft A
score Of acts as Secretary Of War seem
10 have been performed not only in dis
regard Of all Presidential possibilities, but
IN defiance Of all recognized rules of
plain. ordinary policy
Against such a candidate stands
Charles W Fairbanks. who is making a
vigorous and thOroughgoing canvass for
the nomination along old-fashioned or
ganization lines Most Of the Senators
want Fairbanks: most Of the .'standpat-
ters.' IN the broadcast extent Of the term.
want Fairbanks. most Of the old Hanna
organization people want Fairbanks. most
Of the conservative people who are cry
ing for relief from the series Of shocks
and strains which ROOseveltism has given
them, would be glad TO take Fairbanks
He would. moreover. make a creditable
nominee. and safe and dignihed Presi-
dent. He impresses people favorabIy
wherever he speaks But viii he be nom
inated2 The next year ought 10 afford
a demonstration Of the value Of organi-
cation in a Presidential race as against
Reorganization, indifference. reluctance.
On "a popular vote most Republican ms
would doubtless prefer Taft 10 Fairbanks
as their party nominee, but this device
differs greatly from a national eonven-
ton. Can the Roosevelt influence make
up the difference?