New-York tribune., 1907-09-18
URGED BURTON TO RUN.
THE PRESIDENTS ADVICE.
Why CleUeland Representative En-
tered Mayoralty Race.

Cleveland, Sept. 17-Representative Theodore
E. Burton issued a statement tonight discuss
ing the so-called national phases of the coming
municipal election in Cleveland, in which he is
the Republican nominee for Mayor, and making
public for the first time the letter of President
Roosevelt, who urged him to accept the Repub-
1can nomination in opposition to Mayor Tom l..
Johnson The statement is follows:
An erroneous impression has gone forth that
the mayoralty campaign here is to an excep-
tlonal extent complicated with national poll
tics. Such is not the case. The all-suf1cient
for my candidacy is the local situation
Unless l grossly deceived existing condi-
tions under the present city administration de-
mdnd immediate and radical reform. The aim
of the campaign in which ]. am engaged is to
redeem the city of Cleveland from the admins
tration of ring.
The specous claim has been made that the
main desire of the present administration is to
give the people of Cleveland cheap streetcar
fare. Under cover of this slogan there has been
built up in the city of Cleveland tremendous
political machine. Every department and
agency of the city government has been utilized
10 perpetuate it's power. Favors have been
granted and bargains made wherever political
support could be obtained. Influences are being
eXerted through the Police and Buildings depart
ments. among contractors who have dealings
with the city, and by army of city employees
with an arbitrarness and a resort TO question:
able methods never before surpassed in any
American municipality.
1t is not the object of those who stand with
for another. but to give better administration
10 the city of Cleveland-one not subversive Of
the fundamental ideas of popular control. and
in which all interests, including street railway
corporations, shall be treated without favor or
prejudice.
1 should have been extremely reluctant to have
turned aside from national politics without the
approval of President Roosevelt and Secretaries
Taft and Garfield. For this reason I have COM
municated with each of them. Their friendly
advice has to my solicitation, and
there has been attempt at interference The
following is the letter received from President
Roosevelt:
Oyster Bay. August 30 1907
My Dear Mr.. Burton: You put hard question
in your letter to Mr. Loeb. There are
certain qualities of leadership you possess which
could not be supplied by any one else In the
House. and you have mastery Of certain sub
iects such other in the House can
therefore, would mean that in certain lines OF
leadership there would be loss that cannot
be made up.
II would therefore be tempted TO protest
against your leaving. IL il were not for my pro-
found conviction that IL Is exceedingly desira bic
that YOU should win out Mayor of Cleveland
In view Of the fact that our democratic system
undergOes its most severe strain in the govern
ment of our cities feel that 1t is of the utmost
importance to have man of your experience,
power and character; OF your long training,
theoretical and practical in public life, take such
a position that OF the mayoralty or Cleveland
Accordingly. if you ask my advice. should
saw make the fight With all good wishes be-
Heye FalthfuIlE Yours.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT"
Both Secretaries Taft and Garfield have
strongly advised me to enter the contest Tor
the mavoralty the former by letter and tele-
gram: the latter in personal conversation.