New-York tribune., 1908-06-30
MR.. .TAFTHARD AT WORK
BUSINESS And POLITICS.
Vorys Called to Uashington-West-
ern Man Nay Be Chairman.
lF,on The Tribune Bureau.I J

a
where he arrived early in company with his
brother. Charles p Taft In the course Of the
day tie Secretary received Walter Brown. chair
man of the State Central Committee. of Ohio;
Walter B. Guilbert State Auditor, and Henry
Williams. chairman of the State Executive Com
mittee of that state. These men discussed the
national chairmanship with the Secretary. pro-
testing against the possible appointment OF
Frank H. Hitchcock chairman of the ma
tional committee
Mr. Hitchcock arrived in Washington to-day.
having come here at the request of Secretary
Taft and for considerable portion of the af-
ternoon he was in conference with Charles P
Taft. who laid before him the details Of the
Ohio situation. The Secretary has also tele-
graphed to Arthur l. Vorys to come to Wash
ington, and expects him here Wednesday
Mr. Taft expected TO see Mr.. Hitchcock to-day.
but occupied with department affairs
that he unable to do so. and late this after
noon he said he did not believe he would be
able to meet Mr.. Hitchcock until Wednesday.
Another political caller who sought the Secre-
tary to-day General Powell Clayton.
tional committeeman from Arkansas
While there has been definite settlement
Of the craftsmanship situation. considerable
progress has been made and it would surprise
no one close to the situation to see a Western
man made chairman. one so close to Mr.. Hitch
cocks appointment that the latter could hardly
decline to with him as vice-chairman
Properly to gauge the situation it must be
borne constantly IN mind that Mr. Hitchcock
although he said In Chicago that he would not
accept a subordinate place as vice-chairman
did not make that declaration in pique or be-
cause he was disappointed. but only because his
friends insisted that he must not accept a sub
ordinate place. and because he questioned the
practicabiity of such dual headship.
Were the circumstances which led Mr. Hitch
cock to make that declaration reversed; were his
friends to urge him to accept the vfce-chairnan-
ship; were one of his closest friends and man
in whose judgment and ability he has the ut
most confidence chosen for chairman and were
Secretary Taft to cast over his campaign man
ager the spell of the Taft smile" possibly all
this would be changed. especially as it is re-
garded as certain by close friends of Secretary
Taft and Mr.. Hitchcock that if the Secretary is
elected President the young man fro m Massa-
chusetts will be slated for Postmaster General
OF course, this Is largely conjecture, yet it is
conjecture which closely reflects the views Of
| some people who close to the situation and
who believe that Secretary Taft and
Mr. Hitchcock have had their conference on
Wednesday all the perplexities of the national
chairmanship situation will be smoothed out
| and that. Mr. Sherman said in Cincinnati.
"when Taft comes the will shine
Secretary Taft to-day successfully combined
his official duties with politics. He was busily
engaged from IL O'Clock this morning until
night At intervals in that period he discussed
| the most intricate problems arising in the War
| Department and conferred with friends and adj
visers respecting the political campaign
OHIO DELEGATION FOR vORYs
The most important conference of the day
that held with the Ohio delegation They came
to Washington TO urge Mr.. Taft TO consider
Arthur l. Vorys favorably in connection with
the selection of a chairman of the Republican
National Committee. They discussed the ques-
ton with Mr.. Taft at considerable length. tell
ing him that the appointment of Mr. Forys
meant much to the Republican organization in
Ohio They expressed apprehension that tne
selection of Mr.. Hitchcock, or almost anybody
except Mr. Vorys. might tend 70 disrupt the or
sanitation in Ohio. which they said had largely
been built UP by Mr.. Vorys At the close OF the
conference although MIR. Taft did not Indicate
TO the delegation what his intentions were. ne
authorized the members TO telegraph TO MI
Vorys requesting him to come TO WASHINGTON
and meet him on Wednesday
Secretary Taft when asked this evening what
the nature of his conference with Mr. 'orys
was likely to be- replied laughingly;
We'll, I fancy we shall talk some Pon'lcS'
even though the weather be hot
when will YOU see Mr. Hitchcock the Sec
retary was asked
II understand" he replied. that Mr. Hitch
cock Is in the city bat have not seen him ana
shall not see him until am a private citi-
zen Tomorrow I shall be so deeply engrossed
with departn1entaI matters which l am trying
To clear up for my successor, Governor Wrlsht'
that I shall have little time to devote 10 per-
sonal or political matters.
Then. turning TO Governor Wright. Secretary
Taft said:
They call Governor Wright general. but that
Is merely a polite title He is really Gov
ernor. and after next Wednesday generals will
how to him On Wednesday morning have
directed that all the bureau and division chiefs
of the War Department shall meet here TO greet
the new Secretary of War The army, Of course
will be expected to appear In full uniform. That
direction has been given. he added laughinsly.
lin order that 1 may make myself solid with
the military vote
Frank H Hitchcock Will be engaged for sew
eraI days In the work OF closing up the Taft
headquarters in this city. Mr.. Hitchcock de-
cIned to disc Iss the national chairmanShip
question in any way. He said he expected 20
have conference with Secretary Taft in a day
or two but pending that interview he could SAT
nothing
COMMITTEE TO MEET AT HOT sPRINGA
Secretary Taft said this evening:
mo announcement concerning the national
chairruanship will be made until I have con-
ferred further with the subcommittee OF the ma
tionaI committee. That conference will be held
at Hot Springs Mrs Taft has informed me that
she will be ready to leave Washington fo- Hot
Springs next Friday. I shall therefore notify