Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-04
FAIRBANKS NEAR GOAL
Senator Rayner Discusses
Presidential Possibilities.
THINKS ROOSEVELT is OUT
Taft Man of Power and Foraker Tower
of Intellectual Strength.
HE PERSONALLY WANTS DANIEL
South Would Love to Do Honor to
Him, It is Asserted-Wo
Arouse Enthusiasm.
THINKS ROOSEVELT is OUT
HE PERSONALLY WANTS DANIEL

BALTIMORE, April 4-Senator Isidor
Rayner, In response to a request for his
views on the national political situation
and the presidential candidates, said yes
terday:
Il have been asked to state my views in
connection with the present national polit-
ical situation of the two great parties, and
particularly in reference to the prominent
candidates for the next presidential nomi-
nation. OF course, the following observa-
tons are simply my own, resulting from
the study and analysis / have been able to
apply to the subject II now presents it.
self, and / giving them not a parti-
san. but as an observer of current political
events.
Il will take the republican situation first.
In my opinion President Roosevelt will
not be candidate for reelection. There
are indications upon the surface that his
mind is running in the direction of another
term, but underneath it all is his en-
phatic declaration that he has no such
intention, and he is not taking any step
that indicates that he has changed his
mind.
Foraker and Taft.
Now, assuming that he is not in the
field. the republican party has an array
OF fllustrious men whose names will be
presented for the succession The diff
Guilty will be not in finding a candidate but
in selecting one among a number who are
equally well qualified and deserving In
speaking of their respective merits of
course. | do 1t with the understanding and
reservation that all of them represent po-
htical policies and principles to which l
am utterly opposed.
Taft is a man of tremendous power and
popularity. He represents about as fine a
type of American citizenship as it is posi-
bic to find Foraker is a tower of intel
lectual strength, of Irresistible purpose and
of lofty courage. and when he starts to
conquer sweeps like a whirlwind on its
path. Knox is as charming and attractive
in his companiOnship and as modest and
humble in his demeanor as he Is massive
and complete in his mental makeup and
proportions Root is great a lawyer as
there is in America. Among other notable
deeds. his settlement of the Japanese con-
roVersy in the immigration bill-where 1t
did not belong, but where it held its place
under the decisions of the Supreme Court
while 1t was perfectly legitimate was as
fine stroke of legerdemain as was ever
written upon the pages of diplomatic ltera-
ture.
Il mention last the man whom perhaps l
ought to have mentioned first. With Roose-
welt not in the arena, Fairbanks at this
hour is nearer the goal than any one l
have named.
Railroads the Leading Issue.
1T is we'll to remark that among other
issues that will be involved in the next
presidential campaign-the railroad Issue
unless it is settled before that time. will he
leading one. 1t is all very well to charge
the present financial misfortune up against
the people. This is bad bookkeeping
Charge them where they belong Enter
them up against the men who with their
iordiy possessions and uncounted fortunes
nave used the corporations that they domi-
nate as their own property as a iuggler
uses the secrets and paraphernalia of his
trade, deluding the audience and conceal
ing ms mysterious process from inve stiga-
ton. 1t Is bad enough for them to depre-
date upon the public-they put the right tn
do this upon the familiar ground that they
are under no obligations to them-but it is
1nlqultous to rob their beneficiaries who
nave invested in their enterprises upon the
1alth OF their honor and integrity
II Is my judgment that If the conyen-
tlon were held tomorrow. Mr.. Bryan would
be nominated for the presidency Nv accIa-
nation. If he receives the nouination T
shall support him, not only with LOYALTY
but with zeal and sincerity and | have NOT
the sIlghtest fear whatever that if elected
ne would do any act that is detrimental to
the interests of the country. bur ON tho
contrary, | believe that he would give ms
as good an administration as we have ever
had. o'e'
In what | am about to say. therefore 7
am not Influenced by any hostility To Mr.
Bryan, because, besides confiding In MS in
teSrlty and patriotism, he Is nv perso,aI
friend and if the democratic party selects
him again as its leader / shall cheerfullv
accept It's choice. 1t is my opinion that
MI Bryan is not overanxious for the nom
NATION, and from what | know | doubt
exceedingly whether he would accept it UNI
less II came from a united party, and he
felt II was call and summons to duty and
then l believe that with his high idea of
pubhc duty he would take it, even if he
ielt that he would again go down To defeat
Il believe that if he would come to Inc
conclusion that the time has arrived for
the democratic party to nominate a candi-
GATE from the south after a lapse of more
than half century, during all of which
time there has been democrat from that
section In the presidential chair with the
exception OF Andrew Johnson we could
easily find the man for the place
Senator Daniel as Southern Ideal.
1t is an absurdity to state that there Is
no one thus located who measures I'D TO
the requirements of the hour l do not
want TO suggest any selection or make
any invidious distinctions, but | would 90
back to the Mother of Presidents and take
from her the who illustrates the best
traditions of her palmest DAYS and is the
type and soul of southern chivalry and
honor. Senator John W. Daniel Is the man
whom the south would love to honor His
record in war was heroic and his record in
peace is without blur or blemish Some few
weeks ago one of the most prominent DEM
ocratic leaders in the country held a con-
ference in Washington with a number of
his fellow democrats in public life in con-
nection with the subject of the next presi-
Dental nomination. When the name of
Major Daniel was mentioned there was not
discordant voice. i do not think | am
unduly prejudiced in his favor, although
he is the best friend that / have. There
are other southern men who would cana
ply MI the place. / suggest his name be-
cause the people of the south idolize him.
and because his presence would awaken a
wave or enthusiasm wherever he would
greet democratic constituencies"
Miss Bessie Porter died suddenly NJ tho