The Washington herald., 1907-09-30

good even if Mr.. Tat were out OF the
running. Whatever may be said 10 the
contrary for tho benefit of the public.
Mr.. Hugher is not liked in the White
House circle. His refusal 10 be a party
to the programme Of the Roosevelt ad-
mlnistration to turn out all Federal
officeholders in New York State who were
not in sympathy with the policies Of Gov
Hughes brought TO an end the overtures
that were being made through inspired
channels to bring about a working ar
rangement between Washington and
Albany.
Hughes Acts for Self.
A feeling Of what the President would
probably call "unfriendship" was en-
gendered from that time. and the demon
strated intention of Gov Hughes to think
and act for himself without regard 10
consequences has not served to bridge the
chasm. The irritating thing about Gov,
Hughes from the washington standpoint
is that he has given no opening for any
criticism Of his official course.
question being asked by those who
believe they know the Presidents pur-
pose is this: What will be Mr.. ROose-
velts course If Mr.. Taft is eliminated
from the race for the Presidential ncmi-
nation. or the strength OF some other
Presidential possibility attains such pro-
portions prior TO the convention Of 1908.
that Mr.. Taft will surely be defeated. or
stand in danger Of defeat in the cOnven-
ton? In the discussion Of this question.
attention has been concentrated on a
ramifcation Of it and that is, why has
the President permitted the third-term
talk 70 be encouraged?
President Is silent.
In the early days % the new revived
third-term movement. the President was
ready to explain that he was stiI as
set as be was on the night Of his election
in his determination not to accept an
other nomination His position was that
another similar declaration would not
change the situation, and that he was
entitled 20 have the first announcement
respected. To again say he would not be
a candidate might mean, according TO the
way the Presidents view was understood
here. that he had passed through a pc
riod Of uncertainty. and found it neces-
sary TO issue another announcement to
strengthen himself in his own purpose.
This view was accepted as proper and
honorable by many who understood ii in
the manner just stated.
Recently however. according 10 what
is said here. the President has shown no
disposition 10 assure Republican politi-
clans that they must not take him into
consideration IN connection with the
Presidential nomination.
see Plan in silence.
This attitude Of silence on his part has
created much uncertainty in the minds
of those who are anxious to ascertain
what Mr.. Roosevelts status will be be
fore the national convention. That he
has a purpose apart from any desire 10
get the nomination himself is the impress
sion Of some Of the seekers for light
Friends OF Mr.. Taft who do not doubt
for an instant the Presidents loyalty 20
the Secretary Of War are wondering
what il means. The most general impress
sion among those whose judgment in pO-
ntiCal matters is usually worthy OF at
tention. is that the President is not dis
CCuTaging the third-term movement be
cause he wishes to insure a strong
Roosevelt sentiment in the convention
and thus place himself in a position 10
control the votes behind that sentiment.
with the object of transferring them 10
Mr. Taft If necessity should arise
in the meantime the watchword Of the
Roosevelt political organization is. Look
out for that man Hughes; he Is danger
ously strong.