The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1907-08-25
EoRAKER,s NERvY Eight.

/ EOhANGh = NEW FiGnis
The Foraker-Taft feud in Ohio, with
one of the contestants backed by the
president and the other supported by
the men of the Republican party who
do not like Roosevelt, promises to be
as exciting as the BIaine-C onkling
| fight in which Garfield became in
volved
i Not only does the present battle par
allel its predecessor in prominence; it
| represents much the same elements of
! difference. Conkling and Blaine were
temperamentally irreconcilable; they
were both too conspicuous in party
councils TO subordinate their personal
| feelings for the party's benefit; both
aspired to command, and Conkling
particularly was of the autocratic ma
ture which brooks no opposition
In the Ohio fight Taft represents
Roosevelt's dislike of Foraker much
more than the Taft candidacy. 1t is
doubtful whether Foraker would op-
pose the Endorsement of Taft by his
state for the presidency if it were not
for the Roosevelt influence which is
behind the secretary. Back of all the
struggle for advantage in the national
convention of next year is the Ohio
senator's determination to defeat
Roosevelt's plans for naming his own
successor; and to this end he is max
ing much more bitter fight and with
much more effect than had been ex-
pected.
In pursuit Of his well-defined policy
of replying to Taft every time the Sec
rotary speaks, Senator Foraker has
given out an interview Analysing the
Columbus speech from his point of
view. He concludes his criticism thus:
That Secretary Taft is losing ground
in Ohio, although if nominated all Re-
publicans will support him.
That his controversy with the pres
ident is over the question whether a
public servant shall do his own think
ing.
That if Secretary Taft is correct in
saying that there are evils in the tariff
they ought to be removed at once,
without waiting eighteen months.
That the secretary is wrong in say
ing that another great body of Re-
publicans desired the tariff revised
either now or eighteen months hence
That the rate bill instead Of strength
ening the Elkins bill weakens it.
That through an amendment insert
ed by Senator Lodge, a friend of the
administration, the harm was done, as
his amendment required proof that an
| offense was knowingly" done.
That if the Standard Oil rebate Of
lenses had been committed after this
amendment the word knowingly"
would have cost the United States $29.-
100000 in fines in Judge Lands court.
That the unfortunate circum-
stances" which Judge Taft speaks of
in describing the elimination of i'm
prisOnment from the Elkins law was
made at the suggestion of the inter-
state commerce commission itself.
Whatever the result in Ohio. it must
be apparent to both sides that their
differences must injure Taft's candi-
dacy before the convention. Even with
the president behind him, he cannot
hope for the nomination if the Ohio
delegation is not overwhelmingly for
him; and even then, if it is plain that
FOraker's opposition will weaken the
ticket after nomination. it may defeat
Taft in advance of the convention.
In its ultimate possibilities, there is
more than the Ohio wrangIe in the
mix-up. 1t is not inconceivable that
even if Taft is named as the candidate.
the breach between the administration
forces of the party and their op-
pOnents led by Foraker may bring de-
feat to the candidate. as Conkling's
detection helped defeat Blaine in his
memorable campaign.
As the one Republican senator who
has been courageous enough to speak
out his convictions and defy presiden-
tial influences, Mr.. Foraker is attract
ing national attention and winning an
prevail for independence. He NAV be
beaten finally by the very powerful
forces Of the president and his score
tarys but- whatever happens the Taft
contingent will know it has had
fight.
The7Hrst sign of approaching fall is