The Washington herald., 1907-12-12

In all quarters last night the all-absorb-
ing topic was the statement given out
from the White House by President
Roosevelt that he meant every word he
said last election night. and viii stand
by his declaration not to serve third
term.
Among Senators. Representatives. and
politicians the announcement came as a
surprise. for those who expected such a
statement anticipated it would be de-
layed.
Others were firmly convinced that the
President was man who should be
taken at his word. and that he should
not be expected to make such an an
nouncement after his election night
promise.
From those close 10 the White House
it was learned that the President is much
grieved that it should become necessary
for him 10 make the statement a second
time TO make himself believed. and there
is no question but that the Clayton reso-
luton in the House. declaring against 4
third term. had something to do with it.
Among those who discussed the matter
there were many prominent Republicans
Csome of them avowed candidates for the
Presidency and Democrats
Vice President Fairbanks declined TO
talk about 1t at all.
Foraker Begs TO BE Excused.
One newspaper correspondent brought
the statement TO the attention of Sena-
tor Foraker. saying. Senator. wish to
congratulate YOU
"On what?" inquired the Ohio Senator.
con the Presidents formal announce
ment that he viii not accept another
nomination"
Il don't see why I should be congratu-
lated" replied Senator Foraker. I never
thought the President would receive the
nomination. anyhow"
Senator Foraker was then asked for
an expression Of opinion he replied:
Il do not care 10 be quoted upon the
announcement at all You viii kindly
excuse me"
Senator Knox. whose boom was launch
ed few nights ago. is one OF the many
who thought a second announcement from
the President superfiuous.
Il am not at all surprised" said the
Senator. Il believed him the first time
The Presidents word is always good with
me-"
Speaker Cannon, Of the House OF Rep
resentauves, had this TO say:
THE President speaks for himself II
would be useless for me TO attempt 70
speak for him, or interpret his words FOR
him"
1T means" said Senator TiHman. that
he has seen the handwriting on the wall.
and that he viii not attempt TO stem the
tide Of Democracy that VIII sweep the
country"
No Matter, Says Bourne.
Senator Bourne, of Oregon. said:
'The Presidents resurrection Of his
1904 declaration does not affect the polit-
ical situation. No intelligent person can
honestly question his sincerity Roose-
welt. the individual. undoubtedly wishes
at the end Of this term 10 be relieved Of
the burdens OF public duty; but Roose-
velt the public servant and ideal Ameri-
can citizen, must obey the command Of
the people. If issued and I, for one, be-
lieve the people will command him to
serve his country for another four years"
Taggart Believed Him.
Tom Taggart, the Democratic national
chairman, is another who thinks the pub
lie made a mistake in compelling Mr.
Roosevelt to speak twice before he could
make himself believed.
1T shows that he is the kind Of a man
I thought he was" said Mr. Taggart.
I think most persons took him at his
word the first time, and he is simply
showing what great many persons know
that he is an honest man and a man
Of his word
Secretary of the Treasury Cortelyou
declined TO discuss the official statement
at all
Tom Johnson, who is here as a com
mitteeman to the meeting Of the national
! organization Of the Democrats, was told
Of the statement as he was talking to a
group of committeeman in the Arlington
| Hotel He did not care to discuss the
statement at length, but only said: They
may nominate him any how"
Mr.. Johnson was quoted earlier in the
evening as saying that he anticipated the
candidates in the next Presidential race
would be Bryan and Roosevelt
"a Surrender Says James.
Ollie James Dem.. Ky.) said that it was
a surrender
1T means" said Mr. James. that the
President has foreseen that the only re-
form ever attempted by the Republican
party has become a disaster, and that
| the party is headed back 10 its old cor
poration moorings. 1t means that he
has run the white flag up with that of
gold. and what is more. it means that
Bryan will be the next President Of the
United States
j. Adam Bede (Rep-. Mimi is inclined
to the belief that it will help Mr.. Taft's
candidacy.
1T means" said Mr.. Bede. that there
will now be absolutely no chance Of any
ones using the name of the President as
a cloak to get delegates that may be
swung to some one else. All in all.
think it will mean. as 1 have said
strength for Mr.. Taft"
Senator Hopkins, of Illinois, one of
the prime movers in the Cannon boom is
of the opinion that the announcement of
the President will aid the chances of the
Speaker to get the Republican nomina-
ton.
1T will help the Cannon BOOM" said
Senator Hopkins. and there is no ques-
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