The Washington herald., 1908-04-23
LOOK TO HARMONY
Republican Leaders See Need
of Welding Party.
ROOSEVELT SHADOW IS DARK
of ThIrd-term Activity
Worries Conservatives, Although
Effort Is Made 10 Discount It-Fair-
banks FacfI0n's Move for sold
Ticket Real Factor in Case.

Realizing the near approach Of the Re-
publican national convention, politicians
Of prominence are beginning to call atten-
ton TO the necessity Of healing ths
wounds that have been made IN the siren
uous fight to control delegates in the in-
terest of the several candidates for the
Presidential nomination
That complete harmony is essential in
the coming campaign is evident to these
party leaders, who are not hesitating to
say that with br. Bryan as the standard
bearer of tie opposition, the fight for Re
publican victory will be one OF the hardest
in the history OF the national political
contests.
Mr.. Taft's growing strength In the pre-
convention battle has been due. In large
measure. it Is asserted to a rallying to
his cause Of many OF those Republicans
who while opposed 10 the nomination OF
any man of radical tendencies. have been
impressed with the widely disseminated
idea that If Mr.. Taft is not chosen. Pres!-
dent Roosevelt viii be the nominee of the
Chicago convention.
Roosevelt Not Eliminated.
The warning, IF you don't take Taft.
you'll have 10 take Roosevelt has been
effective. Supporters Of other Presidential
booms are aware of this. and are down
cast in consequence. Whatever satisfae-
ton they get from the present conditions
is found in the expression Of their indig-
nation over the methods that have been
pursued 70 bring about Mr.. Taft's nomi-
nation.
Close observers Of the situation. men Of
long political experience and foremost in
Republican party affairs, are unwilling
TO concede, however, that in spite of the
constant declaration to callers al the
White House that Mr. Roosevelt is for
Taft and not for himself. all possibility
OF the Presidents denomination has
passed. They contend that even IL the
President should make a public statement
on the eve OF the national convention
that ne viii not accept denomination in
any circumstances, this will not stop the
third-term boomers from attempting to
stampede the convention in the Pres!-
dents behalf.
Fairbanks Men Factors.
The great source Of this sentiment It
was said yesterday. lies in the fact that
followers Of Vice President Fairbanks
are showing a tendency to encourage a
movement for the nomination Of what is
designated "the old ticket"-that is.
Roosevelt and Fairbanks II Mr.. Taft
should be chosen for first place, Mr..
Fairbanks would be out of the running
for the vice presidential nomination on
account Of the traditional rule not 10 Sc
lect both candidates in the ticket from
the same section Of the country Any
concerted action on the part OF the strong
Fairbanks faction 20 put the old ticket
IN the field would be a serious loss TO
the so-ealled allies, who. in spite of their
present opposition TO Mr.. TAFT. would
prefer to have him chosen than see Mr..
Roosevelt again lead the party in Presi-
Dental contest
These circumstances. now practically
admitted, are giving conservative Repub-
! Iican leaders much food for thought.
( Their fears that the convention might
| be stampeded for Roosevelt by the rad
/ icaI element had been aIlayed, but they
are now confronted b. danger Of de-
/ sertion in d quarter which was expected
/ to stand firm against any pro-Roosevet
tendency.
Reason for Keeping office.
Meanwhile. in spite OF the confident
pfeAiSllou tL GtFSluc4it ENotSFf SlN ttte@N fAat
/ opposition 10 his Secretary Of Wars nOm-
/ ination will have disappeared by May I.
Mr. Taft is cautious enough 10 remain
/ in the Presidents official family. thereby
/ showing 10 the country that he and Mr.
/ Roosevelt are on the best OF terms, and
/ indicating that Mr.. Taft is still the Pres
idents candidate. Criticism of this course
Of Mr. Taft is widespread in Republican
circles. and Senator Hales iTonicai ref
erence fn the Senate TO "the frequent.
/ protraeted, and necessary absence of the
/ Secretary OF War finds an echo in the
comment of other prominent members
OF the dominant party.