The Washington herald., 1907-07-30
CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE.


been for a convention composed Of eight
or nine hundred representative Republi-
cans. and such action by the committee
would be entitled to correspondmgly less
credit and respect.
ION a number of occasions heretofore
have stated that so far as l am indi-
viduaHy concerned as a citizen of Ohio
and member of the Republican party
I do not think this question should be de-
termined except only in accordance with
the expressed wish of the Republican
voters of Ohio, and that in view of the
controversies that have arisen. the Re
publican voters Of Ohio should be given
an opportunity TO be heard before any
action IS taken by any committee or any
body not chosen by the people TO repre-
sent them in regard to that matter.
VIII Not Promote Harmony.
In view Of what Gov Harris has seen
fit to say. I trust It is not out Of place
for me 10 call attention 10 my former eN-
pressions Of this view, and 10 repeat that
I do not think the State central committee
has any authority to pass on any subject,
and I do not think It would promote party
harmony for il to undertake TO anticipate
the Republican voters Of the State by
speaking in advance of action taken by
them.
I do not think anybody, as Gov. Harris
well says. would regard such action as
binding ! am sure ! would not, and do
not think il could in any way promote
party good In our state or advance the
cause OF Republicanism either in Ohio or
elsewhere.
In addition TO these considerations, I
think II is premature and bad policy 10
undertake in this way 20 inject the Presi-
Dental question and national politics into
Ohio politics at time when we are con-
cerned with our municipal elections with
respect to which it should be the desire
of every Republican TO subordinate every
thing that might stand in the way Of
united. harmonious. and successful Re
publican effort.
Would Interfere with Elections.
When we are through with the cleo
tons of this year, we cen take up in an
orderly way and without injury to any
interest as the next business TO be trans
acted, the settlement Of our Presidential
preferences.
Il shall at that time, as I have hereto
fore announced, request the State central
committee 10 order. in accordance with
the spirit and declaration Of the platform
adopted by the convention that assembled
at Dayton last year. that delegates for
the next convention shall be selected in
all the counties, at primaries 70 be duly
held under the law as it now stands, or
such law as may be then in force
in this way we free ourselves entirely
from the oft-repeated charges that have
been made with too much ground for
them, that the action Of our State con-
ventions in recent years has not been
governed by the voters, who are sup
posed TO be represented by the delegates,
but by a committee, bosses. and small
cotories with selfish interests IN view.
We have had admOnition and warnings
that the people are justly displeased with
| such practices. We should not stub
borply disregard these warnings.
Candidacy of Taft.
Y learn, also, from the newspapers
and otherwise, that it is claimed as a
reason for the proposed action that Secre-
tary Taft is the only candidate Ohio has
for the Presidency. and that on such &C
count, from sentiments Of State pride,
we should unite in his support, and that
the proposed action at this time so that
the whole country may be advised what
Ohio intends to do next year
81 see II stated almost every day In the
newspapers as a reason for the claim that
Ohio has only one candidate for the
Presidency that I have not at any time
announced my candidacy for that Office
1t is true that I have never made any
such announcement.
"A candidate for the Presidency must
assume. first, the great and serious re-
sponsibil!ties of leading his party IN the
national campaign, and if successful. as
we hope and expect to be, he must then
assume the grave and serious responsible
ties Of administering the Executive office.
In Keeping with Dignity.
These responsibilities are so grave and
so serious that any man might well feel
highly complimented and greatly honored
to have his fellow-citizens name him in
such connection, but at the same time
they are so grave and so serious that any
ordinary man might we'll hesitate to pro-
claim himself qualified for such response
bilities and prefer TO at least wait until
invited by his party associates to UNDER
take such duties.
Such a position is at least more In
keeping with the high dignity Of the Of
fee. Besides. 1t gives his party associates
an opportunity to declare their deliberate.
unbiased, and unembarrassed Judgment,
which he should be willing to both wait
for and abide by.
1T is because I entertain opinions of
this kind that 1 have not made any an
nouncement Of any candidacy for any
Office, and in view Of what may be in
ferred from these expressions, I do not
deem it necessary that I should.
Difference Among Republicans.
But this is not matter to be settled
by sentiments of State pride, commend
able as they are If there were not any
differencesNOf opinion among Republicans.
State pride would properly have great
weight but to-day there is a wide Diff
ference among Republicans on a question
OF the most vital character.
4 do not refer to the regulation of
railroads and trusts and corporations en-
gagged In Interstate commerce and large
aggregations Of capital, for on that point
there is no substantial difference of
opinion among Republicans. except as
TO the methods that should be resorted
to for such regulation. believe ia such