New-York tribune., 1907-04-30
POLITICS IN OHIO.
The Taft-Foraker Contest from a
CIe0eLand Point of ViezC.

From O Special Correspondent Of Tho Tribunal
Cleveland April 29.-Saturdays dispatch to
The Tribune from Columbus presented the Ohio
situation from the point OF view of politicians
who are deeply impressed with the strength OF
the Foraker-Dick organization and can see no
outcome Of Secretary Tafrs candidacy but a
divided delegation. Here in Cleveland hopes OF
an harmonious outcome and final united support
OF Mr.. Taft are cherished
The return 10 Ohio OF Senator Dick, who
reached Akron on Monday has settled two irn-
portant points. One IS that no is not luzewarm
In his support OF Senator Foraker, and the other
is that the Foraker organization is against
early primaries.
II Will do my humble best TO advance the IN
terests OF Senator Foraker declared Senator
Dick. who. with Senator Foraker. is in control
of the party nachipery In the state.
On top OF this the state chairman was quoted
as interpreting Senator Foraker's challenge to
submission to u state Republican primary Of the
candidates. OF himself and Secretary TAFT at''an
opportune moment meaning tho calling OF
primary IN 1908. not before.
This declaration. coming from the man who Is
at the head and r. control OF the committee
sought, shattered, the hopes OF the SeCretary-s
adherents that an early vote could be had.
For the Taft men. encouraged by the reports
IN the public preSs-which indicate. at least on
tho surface, that the War SecretaTy's candidacy
is favored by majority OF the Republican
votorS-had visions OF Il speedy victory. The
voters too, such OF them have been stirred
by the agitation. were under the impression that
an early test TO bo had. To the suggestion
that his declaration. made seemingly in Sem
ator Forakers behalf. revealed Inconsistency on
the part OF his colleague, Senator Dick smilingly
pointed 10 the Cincinnati Senator's words "at
an oppOrtuno time" and let IL be understood
that the impression that an early vote was de-
sired had been spread tnrough the counter chaI-
lenge OF Secretary Tafts brother. Charles Ps
Taft.
q contest TO tho political elimination not only
from the Presidential race but from the Sem
atorship and from control OF tho state machin-
cry between the Senator and the Secretary, has
embarrassed the Taft men 10 some extent. That
its terms were considered III advised by tho
President himself. who Is generally believed IN
Ohio 20 be Tafts sponsor, was made plain TO
tho advocates OF the Secretary'S Endorsement In
the week Mr.. Roosevelt, In a roundabout way
it is declared. let II DO known that ne
Dental indorsement only. The question OF the
Senatorship not 70 enter. the President de-
sired II understood IN ohlo. Senator DICK. too
was declared 20 have received the impression
from Secretary Taft. In talk before the latter's
departure for Cuba. the isthmus and Porto
party was TO be permitted IN his behalf.
These declarations open the way 10 har-
monious settlement OF the difficulties political OF
Ohio politicians. several or the Interested point
out They see in the Presidents alleged prOnun-
ciamento particularly chance to bring about
! u compromise based on the return to the Senate
OF Senator Foraker and the presentation to SEQ
retary Taft of tho states delegation in the
| tional convention.
This is tho desire OF many. even Of Senator
Forakers friends. who no chance for his
nomination In the national convention and are
not opposed 20 Secretary Taft but who do insist
| that the state shall not be turned over 90 Con-
gressman Burton and the so-called new deal
ers"
Meanwhile. fourteen OF the twenty-one Ohio
Congressman have declared for Taft's tndOrse
mont for the Presidential nomination, party
leaders in many counties have permitted them
| selves TO be quoted as for the War Secretary.
and the newspapers, which, after all Is sald are
making more ado over the situation than Is 1us-
titled by ths Femoteness OF the definite clash are
keeping UD an incessant agitation for the Secre-
tary's choice
Their attitude and that of many of the Taft
men Is in striking contrast 70 that of Senator
Foraker and his partsans, we'll as that of the
ofceholders OF the state particularly the holders
| OF federal jobs. Silence has marked Senator
Foraker's course since his Canton speech, in
| which he defended himself from the charge of
| being n reactiOnary and opponent OF tho Presi-
| dent, and scorned censure except by his con-
| sttuents. His followers have said no word.
/ either, but the loyal have received instruc-
| tions by mail 10 what is TO be the Senator's
course The offlcehoders are sitting tight"
awaiting the clarifying OF the political atmOs-
phere