The Washington herald., 1907-04-08

When the inspired statements from the
White House first began TO appear, they
we're coupled with yelled suggestions as
TO their origin. intended to give the coun-
try the impression that the startling ale
cations of the President were uttered tn
the privacy of his Cabinet 10 confidential
friends and We're not intended to be dis
tributed the length and breath of the
Union with the stamp of official sanction
on them.
There Is now, however. no use or neces-
sity to conceal the fact that the President
himself was not only willing but anxious
TO have every one in the country know
that he is convinced that a cabal had
been formed within the Republican party
10 defeat his policies and to defeat also
any man favored by him for the next Re
publican nomination for the Presidency.
H is probably not going beyond the
mark TO say that the President does not
care a continental who knows that he
was responsible for the charges of con-
spiracy His fighting blood is up and he
apparently intends to conduct his cam
paign in typical Roosevelt fashion.
Believes in Fighting.
II powerful political friends of his, men
who have stuck by him through thick
and thin. are disposed to question his
Judgment in carrying out his present pol
Icy of publicity, it will doubtless occasion
nothing more than passing regret on Mr..
Rooseyelts part that they cannot see
things as he sees them.
He believes in fighting fire with FIRE,
and while some of his friends contend
that there is more smoke than flame in
the present instance, the President is
disposed 10 see great cOniiagration
that threatens TO destroy all that he has
accomplished and the foundation laid by
him for what he hopes 10 accomplish.
There are men who have talked with
him this past week who are convinced
of the sincerity of his declarations that
a combination of adverse interests has
been formed within the dominant party
FOR the purpose of thWarting his Will,
and whatever doubts they may have of
the wisdom of his attitude in telling ali
or part that he has heard, they are in
CiHed TO the opinion that ii is useless
10 endeavOr 10 dissuade him from his
present course.
Made at Right Moment.
At the same time. however men are
not lacking Who point out that the in
spired statement that plot 20 circum-
vent Mr.. Ro0sevelt's political intentions
was made at the moment when the coun-
try was being treated 10 a discussion Of
Mr. Harriman's accusation that the Presi-
dent had requested him to raise a quarter
of "a million dollars for the Republican
campaign fund in 1884. and the Presi-
dents denunciatory letter to Congress
man Sherman. in which Mr.. Hartman
was characterized as q liar.
Politicians see IN the conspiracy story
a powerful political weapon with two
sharp edges. With one edge the Harri-
man controversy is moved down. while
with the other the way is cleared for
1ar-Teaching accomplishments in the
light for the Presidency.
Opponents on Defensive.
Il is contended that by asserting that
lac has discovered the existence among
prominent members OF the Republican
>arty of a rich mans conspiracy to put
an end TO ROoseveItism. the President
has placed opponents. or would-be oppo-
nents, within Republican ranks upon the
defensive
Any prominent Republican who indi-
Gates a desire that his party return 10
more conservative principles. or shows
a preference for any candidate for the
Republican nomination who does not
bear Mr. RoOsevelts hallmark OF is not
in accord with his views. viii make him
self liable to the charge that he is con-
cerned in the conspiracy and has at his
disposal a portion of the alleged fund
of S5000.000 which. according TO a story
said to have been told al "a private din
la If =
the Presidents intimates and warmest
supporters. had been raised TO Telegate
Mr.. Roosevelt and the things which he
advocates to political Oblivion.
Politicians here in Washington are al
ready beginning TO speculate as to what
the lineup will be at the next Repubi-
can National Convention if Senator For
aker should win out in Ohio.
Mr. Foraker now controls the RepubIl-
can organization in that State. and there
is 40 strong evidence that he has been
materially weakened i'm that control His
recent announcement was taken TO mean
that he would do all within his power 70
prevent the Republicans of Ohio from
indoTsing MIR. TAFT for the Presidential
nomination
would Eliminate Taft.
If Mr. Foraker should continue his hold.
therefore, MI Taft, it is maintained by
politicians, would be eliminated from the
running. and some OF them are already
trying 70 figure out what viii happen in
that event
Mr.. Taft Is generally reputed TO be Mr..
Roosevelt's choice for the nomination M
1905 He has been thoroughly loyal TO thu
President and this loyalty has won f1r
him the admiration even of some Of those
opposed 10 Mr.. Roosevelts policy.
They believe that Mr. Tafts stanch
support Of the President has been due, I'm
several Instances, TO a high sense of duty.
Their views In this particular, however,
have no connection with the cOnsidera-
zion they are giving TO the question al
what the political situation would be as
far as the Presidency is concerned If the
Ohio Republicans should decline to in
dorse Mr.. Taft With Taft out of the
way. they ask who would be the Presi
dents choice for his successor in the high
Office which he now holds?
VIII Fight Conservative.
In attempting 10 answer this question
they have been keeping in mind the
knowledge that the President does not
want as his successor any one who would
not be willing to undertake to carry out
the legislative programme which ar
Roosevelt has planned. and the additional
knowledge that the President viii tight
tooth and nail TO prevent the convention
from choosing a conservative.
The President they say. has alienated