The Washington times., 1907-12-24

Ad4bt ueBEee inc PRESIDENT ana SeCre-
tary Loeb, have been shrewd enough 70
see the Importance OF controlling this
large block OF delegates. and they have
set out to do it. Already there are indi-
cations they will be successful. South
ern Republican politicians are showing
disposition to climb aboard the Taft
band wagon that IS gratifying to the
Taft leaders and dlsconcerting to Taft's
opponents.
Taft and Cortelyou.
Secretary Taft took occasion last sun
day TO pay a visit 10 the bedside OF
Secretary Cortelyou. and that has not
escaped notice. It was interpreted by
some OF Mr. Cortelyou's supporters Cfor
publication as intended TO do away with
all ideas that there was or ever had
been any friction IN the Cabinet. There
IS reason to believe. however. that it
signifies that Secretary Taft and his
managers have seen the wisdom Of keep
ing on good terms with the Cortelyou
contingent.
Through Frank H. Hitchcock and
John G. Capers, Secretary CortelyoU
had undoubtedly at one time control
OF most OF the delegations from the
South. II these delegations are 20 be
lined Up for Taft Il Is obvious that a
policy OF good relations with Secretary
Cortelyou is OF prime importance Sec
retary Taft IS undoubtedly well aware
OF this fact and hence his visit TO Sec
retary COrtelyou can hardly be regarded
as having other than an important po-
litical bearing.
Hunt for Pie Counter.
But while good relations with Mr. Cor
telyou are desirable and IN line with the
new policy OF the Taft people 10 pla-
cate as many political elements as pos
sible, the Southern Republicans are not
slow in seeing that the Taft movement
is looming up ahead OF other Presiden-
tial booms. They are always on the
watch for the easiest way 70 the pie
counter, and in this case the pie counter
and the Taft movement are coming TO
be regarded by many Of them as
Synonymous.
Strong indication of what is happen
ing IN the South was given the other
day when Republican State Chairman
Newell Sanders. Of Tennessee, came to
town on gum shoes, sleuthed to his
hotel. and put up there without regis
tering. Then he cast about to see how
he could best get on board the Taft
about #. He is now understood to be
lined up for Taft. The same is true OF
Representative Hale Of Tennessee.
How Wind Changed.
Hale and Sanders. with H Clay
Evans. were relied on at one time to
get a thlrd-term delegation out OF Ten
nessee. and the belief was general that
they intended ultimately to deliver It
to Cortelyou. Things similar 10 the
rapid evolutions in Tennessee are hap
peninE in other Southern States.
To protect themselves against the
threatened inroads OF the Taft move
ment in the South, other candidates will
do their utmost to get contesung dele
cations and trust 10 an anti-administra-
tion national committee to seat the con-
testants.
Taft leaders are encouraged over the
reports beginning 20 come in from the
West Of gains in their candidates
strength. From Iowa lately word has
been received Of growing Taft senu-
nlent, and he IS expected to get large
share Of that States delegation II
neither Governor Cummins nor Secre-
Iary Shaw runs
Ohio a Thorn for Taft.
The Ohio situation continues to be a
thorn in the side Of the Taft manage
ment. There are hints that the Taft
leaders would like 70 compromise with
Foraker. Foraker and his lieutenants
are relying on their strength with the
old soldier vote. the unior labor vote
and the cOlored vote to give them a
large slice OF the Ohio delegation.
Despite the action Of the Republican
Club Of New York last night in indors-
ing Hughes. the Taft leaders believe the
governor viii get but a small end of
the State delegation. The Republican
organization, by clever White House
strategy, has been largely won away
from Governor Hughes.
4CIDE EIDCv pDICc DhppoT.