The Washington herald., 1907-05-12

Within the next forty-eigbt boyrv the
lTaft-Foraker fight may be raonanad IN
along the line
An inspired statement yesterday from
Secretary Taft that be was NOT = nartv
to any plan for the Endorsement Of Sana-
tor Foraker for another term ana 4ba
movement by the Taft forces IN ohio II
prevent Foraker's Endorsement bv the
State committee. have created a ve-,,
tense situation which promises speedy de-
|velopments.
Close friends OF Senator Foraker baIse,.s
some declaration will be made soon ~
show that Mr.. Charles P. Taft has nor
abandoned the proposed harmony pro-
gramme
The Senator's reply TO the statement of.
Mr. Cox was carefully vrorded. He has
not committed himself so far that he can
not with entire propriety. renew his cam
paign. Il is claimed in his babslf thar
the understanding between the two fac
tons was explieit-that ne should be sun
ported for the Senate. If Secretary Tsft
was supported for the Presidency.
Time for Compromise PASSING
some tart messages have been passing
between Washington and Ohio. The Tan
forces have been informed that the opno--
tunity for a harmonious settlement ie
passing II they do not improve il. thav
are promised a fight in which no ol,arter
Will be shown
Admitting that Taft is now the choice
OF the party masses in Ohio for the Pres
ldency, u is asserted positively that con-
tinued opposition TO Foraker. such as
seems TO be the White House programme
VIII inevitably mean a divided delegation
10 the national convention thar viii SORT
ousiy 1eopardize Tsft's candidacy if IL
does not wholly destroy his chances.
Taft Has Views of His own.
Secretary TAFT and his brother. Henry
". Taft Of New York. had q talk YES
terday before the Cabinet meeting The
Secretary adheTes 10 his position thar ne
viii not run after the Presidential pomi-
nation ana must not be placed ln thar at
ttude- He has been advised 10 aocap.
the proposal 10 amalgamate the Tart and
Foraker forces, but the Secretary Of War
VIII have none Of it, He takes the ground
that he cannot enter into any political
deal 10 further his rather reluctant can
didacy. To do so. he holds. would be
undignihed and contrary to all his no
tions CT what a Presidential candidate
should be. There is nothing of the
'holier than thou manner about Nh
Taft in insisting upon this course His
friends know that he IS conscientious in
maintaining his point, and respect him
for it.
Mf. Taft's refusal to make an alliance
with the Foraker adherents applies lust
as strongly 70 the suggestions that he
fight Mr.. Foraker's S effort 10 get the in
dorsement for the Seuatorship. He viii
not give his sanction 10 such a movement,
holding that the Presidential nomination
and the Senatorial nomination are entire
" distinct and separate, and that his
candidacy for the FIRST place has no con-
neetion with the senatorship
Has President Changed 'FRONT.'
There are evidences that this policy Of
Mr.. Taft is not popular with some Of
his most loyal adherents. They think he
should accept the olive branch held out
by the Forakerites. Their contention is
that harmony is essential to the good OF
the cause, and that harmony may be
necessary TO keep Ohio in the Republican
column on election day In November.
1903. II was even said yesterday that
President Roosevelt shared this view
This can hardly be true. however. for
torty-eight hours ago he was with Mr.
Taft in his refusal to either join forces
with or oppose Senator Foraker. The
President would like 10 see AIr. Foraker
defeated for the Senate. but he is more
interested in having Mr- Taft made Presi-
dent.