Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-03-19
UN|NG '[NUP FOR 1AF1
One Object OF Presidents Sum
moninso Of Deneen Said to Be
Political Moye
PRAISE FOR TAFT's RECORD
ROOSEVELT Yrses Presidential Hopes of
War neutrality-suspicious. Of Speaker
Cannon and Vice President Fair
banks Disturbed At Turn Of Affairs
and Restir Themselves.

Washington, March 1s.-since Gov
ernor Deneen's conference yesterday
with President Roosevelt, Secretary
Taft. and Henry Taft, the latter's
brother and campaign manager, Wash
ington has been seething with presi-
Dental politics.
Friends of Speaker Cannon and
Vice President Fairbanks, some, per-
haps. inspired, are denouncing the
president for what they term his I'M
heard OF interference and predict il
will lead to combination OF these
men. which will insure the defeat OF
Taft, whatever else happens. The
president is well aware of this posi-
bility, but insists he has done nothing
which warrants an explanation, and In
tention to further as far as he prop
erly can the political destinies OF his
secretary OF war.
Only yesterday he reiterated his be-
lief in the soundness of Secretary
Taft's candidacy. He is for Taft not
only because OF the secretary's record
not only because of his belief that he
will carry out the policies he has ini-
tiated, but because he believes he is
the man to beat Bryan.
Whatever may be said Of The presi-
dents talk with Governor Deneen yes
terday, this much is absolutely GER
tain. When he introduced the secre-
tary to the governor he spoke OF the
formers clean and earnest support OF
policies he. had put into practice and
which the governor stated had re-
ceived the approval Of the people OF
Illinois and the middle west This
was straight Endorsement of the
secretary which undoubtedly sank
into the mind Of the governor, as per-
haps the president intended 1t to do.
It Is. known positively the president
did not ask the governor to aid Mr..
Taft's candidacy, so that the latter
was not placed IN the awkward posi-
ton OF having to state his Willingness
scr unwil1ingness to back the secretary.
the president understands Mr.. De-
mems situation as well as the governor
himself. He knows he will be a cam
didate to succeed himself as governor
of Illinois. He knows, moreover, il
Speaker Cannon were hostile he could
preclpitate q fight that would make
Illinois q political cockpit. So APP
preci&ung this situation. he naturally
was extremely chary about urging him
to commit himself one way or another.
Indeed, the meeting between the gov
ernor and Secretary Taft was entirely
accidental, according to authoritative
Information. 1t may be said for it,
however, that at least It was fortuitous.
Yesterday morning the president arr
ranged for a conference with Secre-
tary Taft and his brother during the
evening. Later in the day, and before
Governor Deneen reached the white
fouse, the secretary telephoned, asking
the president to arrange an earlier
hour
Accordingly the president fixed $3.50,
believing, SO It is said, that as the
governor was to be received at 2:30,
an hour would be sufficient for discus
sion OF corporation and railroad ques-g
tons and the general situation in the
Mississippi valley. But Governor De-
neen and Attorney General Stead had
not finished their presentation of views
when Secretary Taft and Henry Taft
were announced. They were admitted
Immediately, and an introduction oc-
CURED. The Illinois visitors departed
after q short exchange OF civilities, in
which the president referred to Secre-
tary Taft and the governor replied
with cordial reference to the popu-
larity Of Mr.. Taft in the middle west.
The latter and his brother remained
and talked politics with the chief ex-
executive.
There Is no question the president
was entirely satisfied with his talk
with Governor Deneen and Mr.. Stead.
The official version OF the Interview is
that! It related to the extension OF gov
eminent control of corporations in
Guiding railroads, thru national liz
cense law, which the president favors.
It will be followed by conferences with
officials Of other states and 1t is al
together likely the officials will have
the same opportunity to meet Secre-
tary Taft. The plan seems to be to get
In closer touch with influential leaders
and build up a personal following for
the secretary which will control the
republican convention at the outset.
The president believes he can swing
New York for Taft. Reports have
reached him that Kansas is divided be-
tween La Toilette and Fairbanks. The
influence, however, will be
potent among Kansans. Senator Bur-
kett Of Nebraska knows the presidents
views. having conferred with him some
time ago. There are other states I'M
which Taft machine is to be con-
structed, and the framework is now be-
ing erected. Energetically as Fair
banks has been working In the south
the administration seems well satisfied
with the grip it has on machines in
most OF the southern states.
But by virtue Of the fact that Gov
srnor Deneen is the first chief execu-
live to be called to Washington and
placed in touch with Secretary Taft.
illinois becomes the center of the po-
iticaI whirlpool. 1t has been no Sc
,ret in close political circles that the
president does not favor Speaker Cam
1on's candidacy. The speaker is re-
sarded by the administration as re-
dictionary and one not calculated to
AIRY out the forward policies of the
president. He is an out and out stand
oatter. and the president believes the
growth of sentiment for revision of the
ariff is such that no candidate can be
Elected who does not pledge himself to !
INSIST upon it.
He has worked with the sneaker to |