The Washington herald., 1907-09-22

London. Sept I-When American tour
lists get together i'm hotel smoking rooms,
trains. and cafes in England and on the
continent their talk usually is Of their
experiences IN travelling They compare
notes, where they have been, what they
have done and how they have been done
That has been the rule ever since Ameri-
cans began to invade Europe from June
90 October
This year 1t has been entirely different
They don't swap stories; they don't in
dulge in heart-to-heart condolences about
the national characteristics of English
men, or their naughty adventures in
Paris. One subject has absorbed their at
tention, and that is the political situation
IN America. II would not be a matter Of
much significance if one heard an aTgu-
mcHt now and then upon this absorbing
topic, but it is the same thing wherever
Americans CongreEate, and this has been
pretty much everywhere in European
capitals for the past few weeks Even
women az Bloominsburg clearinghouse
tables discus it when not talking dresses.
The Savoy Hotel smoking-rOOm. any
evening is like the glorided New Eng
land corner grocery on the eve Of Pres
idential election Moreover it IS not
casual academic argument one hears. but
high-pitched, excited voices. full of heat
and often Of passion The newcomer
usually smiles at first az the excitement
Of the disputers. but within a few min
utes he is as hot as the others. II is not
safe TO speak too disparagingly of any
candidate in these mixed discussions.
Comedian Gets Into Trouble.
Thus William Crane. after a surfeit of
the same sort of things all over the con-
tinent. strolled up to an excited man in
the Savoy last night just as somebody
remarked:
What about Bryan?'
Crane. being a comedian, tried 90 make
things pleasant by remarlzing: Bryan?
Why he's the joke OF American politics.
'WEeeBr' yelled the Bryanite spring
ing 90 mis- feet. eyes cleaning and face
flushed. The man who SAYS that has
got % take the floor with me-" And be
peeled off his coat ready for business.
Crane managed TO explain that he was
orIy joking. but Bryans champion did
not half believe him.
Many and MANY q time IN similar dis
cussious friendships have been strained
or broken. and not iufrequcntly iuterven-
ton has been necessary 20 avert violence.
The chief point of discussion in all these
arguments. Of course is whether Roosc-
Welt viii be the Republican candidate. 1t
would be hopeless 20 attempt 90 analyze
OF draw conclusions from the divergent
views expressed. There IS, however, one
curious feature which might Doe noted.
Most of the men opposed 20 Roosevelt
seem To believe that be VIII be nominated,
viii accept, and viii be elected. They
credit him with being the most astute
politician who was ever an occupant OF
The White House. They argue thar he is
creating "a situation which must compel
the Republican party 20 make him lis
candidate. They declare. usually with
some expression Of regret. IfFt his hold
on the masses of the country is 50 great
that it will De impossible % defeat him.
Find Fault with President.
Many men who express this view were
former supporters of the President. They
give various reasons for their change Of
attitude but ln general terms they
criticize his record for the past year, and
especially emphasize the great damage 70
American reputation and American trade
abroad which no American in Europe
this year can fail TO SEE and feel Moth
ing else Of significance can be deduced
from this extraordinary feature Of the
American season In Europe. beyond the
fact that if the attitude of travellers Is
any indication Of public feeling at home.
the hottest campaign IN the cOuntTy's
history is already under way.
Your correspondent witnessing the de-
partuTe of an American special train for
Southampton this morning. caught this
scrap as the train pulled out.
I tell YOU it's Roosevelt
IF he accepts he wiz convict himself
Of I'll faith"
Il tell yoU"-and then the disputants
passed out of hearing. 70 continue their
argument all the way to New York