Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-29
The Presidents Backing.

4hC 1SSAoCAI = odCAlAk.
One of the interesting features Of the
prospect OF Mr.. Aesops incident finding
parallel in modern politics is the supposed
attitude of President Roosevelt toward
these combatants. After all. now, which
one, If any. is he backing? Some Of the
politicians know of their own knowledge
that about year ago he told Speaker
Cannon that he thought he (the Speaker
would be the next President. He may only
have been ''joshing Uncle Joe,' as one man
put it.
1t is also known that at one time the
President had a hankering for Secretary
raised that perhaps the recollection of Mr.
Roots employment by the corporations
might be teo fresh to make him the candi-
date of party pledged to carry out the
Roosevelt policies of reform.
1t is also known that the President has at
times in the past expressed the query
whether Secretary Taft would measure up
to presidential timber and whether, in
fact he could not best serve his country on
the Supreme bench Other politicians have
entertained the opinion that the President
has very soft spot in his heart for that
wary, astute and conservative gentleman
who now holds the treasury portfolio and
thinks him well fitted to carry out the
Roosevelt policies.
Well, anyhow. here are all these conflict
ing political interests, some of which are
almost sure to kill off each other. Outside
of Roosevelt himself there is no man in the
political field who gives promise of being
able to go to the next national republican
convention with any considerable number
of states at his back. More important
still, each OF the most prominent and prom
Using of these candidates will have to make
the fight of his life to hold his own state
and insure harmonious delegation.
When the Convention Meets.
That brings the proposition back to con-
cir ara nf hot mill
when the convention meets. 1t Is conceded
that President Roosevelt is sincere in his
declaration that he does not want the nomi-
nation this time. No one looks for a re-
consideration of that assertion nor a change
of front on his part.
But when the great political cooking main
comes off at Chicago or ST. Louis or wher-
ever else the convention is held and the bat
Ting game cocks have gated each other
to death. what will the delegates find for
alternative? Every delegate who comes to
the convention Will be aware of the senti-
ment throughout his own state favorable to
one man, man who had held aloof from
the fight.
Let's imagine ii is the wee sma' hours of
some sitting July night: the convention has
been deadlocked for twenty-four hours
the feuds. enmities. bitterness and acrimony
engendered by the conflicting ambitions
have wrought the delegates to despera ton:
the opposing candidates have fought till
exhausted: way off in corner of the hall
some fellow gets up and shouts, "Oh,
pshaw: let's make ii Roosevelt"
Well. you can let your own imagination
paint the rest of the picture. This Is what
the politicians mean when they recall that
incident related by Mr.. Aesop. and apply It
to the present situation, particularly as
shown in the opening Of the series of polit-
ical cooking mains with Senator Foraker
and Secretary Taft in the pit