The Washington herald., 1907-10-16
WEDNESDAY. OCTOBER 1s. 1907.
A RoOsevelt.Hearsr Combtnation2

\ curious development of the Hearst
Parsons fusion in New York City is re-
ported by the New York Times. which
says that the Hearst leaders are making
the statement that the fusion was IN
dorsed by President Roosevelt and that
Gov. Hughes has given his consent 10 IL
by silence, when word from him might
have prevented II. As bearing on the
truth Of this statement, it is affirmed
that the fusion was practically agreed on
month ago, that is to say, before the
President left Oyster Bay and it is as
sumed that both Mr.. Roosevelt and Gov.
Hughes were fully aware Of what was
going on.
That Hearst politicians should be trad
Ing on the name Of the President is a
most remarkable outcome of the astute
deal arranged by his protege, Mr.. Par
sons. It Is remarkable enough 10 give
fresh point TO the inquiry whether Mr..
Roosevelt has in fact had any part in the
deal with Hearst There is a good deal
OF gossip floating about the press indi-
eating that this is one OF the points upon
which enlightenment viii be sought as
soon as the President emerges from the
seciusion Of the Louisiana canebrakes.
Mr.. Parsons could tell what everybody
wants to know, but only piques curiosity
by refusing.
Mr. Roosevelt, as everybody knows. is
practical man. He has persistently held
10 the idea that in the accomplishment
OF political ends it is necessary to work
with more or less unpleasant yoke-fel-
lows. but as long as they are travelling
in the same general direction. there is
10 reason for rejecting their assistance
THE actual advance must be made IN
the field OF practical politics" he has
said, among the men who are some
times rough and coarse, who sometimes
have lower ideals than they should. but
who are capable, masterful. and efficient. 8"
Scores Of similar sentiments might be
culled from his writings and speeches
His first political successes were achieved
by cooperation with men HIS silk-stock-
ing associates thought beneath his notice
But he found a way 10 enlist those men
on the side of reform. Mr.. Roosevelt has
consistently accepted support for some of
his projects from people who were. as to
other matters, his political enemies. There
is nothing inherently improbable there
fore. in his Endorsement of a coalition OF
New York Republicans with the Hearst
forces in order to defeat a common en-
emy In the interest of good government
We can see that Mr.. Roosevelt might
personally profit by such an alliance II
IS significant that the Hearst newspapers
have given an unqualified approval of
the Presidents project 10 send the battle
ship feet to the Orient. 1t is perhaDs
equally significant that these newspapers
are very much less critical of the ad-
ministration than other metropolitan
journals. Possibly these facts may be
mere condolences, susceptible of quite
other explanations than the one which
specifically suggests itself Nevertheless.
It seems certain that the Hearst-Parsons
fusion, unless repudiated by the Presi-
dent, will have the effect Of extlnguish-
ing two eminent critics Of each other.
And If Mr.. Roosevelt does repudlate il.
of what avail was it to have made it IN
the first place? We have no idea he will
do anything OF the sort 1t looks as if
it would prove mutually advantageous to
the real principals.