The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1907-04-16
WANT TAET
sFOSPEAK

FRIENDS FAVOR VIGOROUS FIGHT
AGAINST: \ oaAKER
{. u BELIEVE He MUST (!
ss$ GAIN oh 0, 4ass n:
WASHINGTON April 10, Upon The
return Of Secretary Of War Taft TO
Washington an important conference
will be held by administration lead.
ers 10 determine what steps shall be
taken to further the campaign Of the
distinguished 0aioan for the Presidea.
tlal nomination. Since his absence
from the United States there has been
a good deal happening in political
way. and recent developments In Ohio
make 1t incumbent upon Secretary
TAFT to condac, boldly aggressive
fight In his own behalf.
Whether he will consent to do this
remains to be seen. The Indications
are that Secretary Taft Will be strong
ly urged not to so to the Philippines,
as was planned. Instead, he will be
advised to visit Ohio and deliver there
a series Of speeches as an offse: to
the campaign already begun by the
regular party organization In that
State, headed by Senators Foraker and
Dick.
There are differences Of opinion
among administration leaders as to
the ability OF Mr.. Taft and his sup.
porters to rout Foraker and Dick In
the prospective battle in Ohio, and by
some the fear Is expressed that II
Taft does not win in his own State
his chances Of capturing the Presi-
DENTAL nomination will be reduced to
the minimum.
May Be Tactical Error.
Certain potential leaders In the I'D.
ministration camp express the belief
that the President made tactical err.
ror when he let II be known so early
In the race that Mr.. Taft was his
favorite among the candidates who are
looked upon as probabilities in 1908.
They argue that with the uncertainty
as to the outcome In Ohio, reactioRary
candidates like Fairbanks may be able
to progress with their candidates. TO
the ultimate disadvantage Of Taft or
any other man having the Endorsement
Of the President AMI his supporters.
Secretary Taft has let Il be known
time and again that he will not in.
dHige IN any aRseemly scramble for
the Presidential nomination. Despite
the activity Of his brother. Charles p.
Taft, aud other supporters, Secretary
Taft has given no one authority to say
that he Is Il candidate. All that ne
has said Of record on the subject was
10 the effect that If the nomination
came TO him he would gladly accept u.
When he gets buck TO the capital,
among his friends, he Will be advised
10 80 10 Ohio, mix II up with Foraker,
and let Il be known In formal way
that he will be a contender for first
h0n0rs ia the Republican national con-
vention next year.
0iekering in the South.
Some interesting gossip as to con.
tlitloHs In the South having 4 bearing
on national politics, has been handed
about TT Washington during the past
few days. II is to Inc effect that lieu.
tentnts of Vice President Fairbanks
are in negotiation with anti.adminis.
tration Republicans. known as the
''Outs." The "outs" are those who
have been very unfortunate In their
visits TO the pie counter during the
Roosevelt regime, and they are Wild
for a radical change In the Federal
administration.
They are opposed TO President
Roosevelt or any one who Is ideRtf.
fed with him. and appear 10 be Of
the opinion that Fairbanks is the oaiy
one Of the so.called reactiOnaries who
has 4 chance at the next big party
gathering, Judging from reports re.
cefved from the South the agents Of
the Vice President are well supplied
with funds, and the word has been
passed that Hartman and men assO.
ciated with him will spend a lot of
money 10 secure the nomination for
the iiOosfer.
1t can be stated upon authority that
the administration has q firm grasp
ON the party organization in the South.
ern States.
ASSESSMENT OF PROPERTY.