The Washington herald., 1908-05-12
Special to The Washington Herald.

Special to The Washington Herald.
New York. May linen Of high sta
tion in the political and financial world
of the metropolis who. a month ago,
looked forward TO Tafts nomination as
a certainty are to-day expressing the opin-
ion that Theodore Roosevelt viii again
be nominated for resident Of the United
States.
few Of them ind joy in the belief;
the larger number are merely reconcfed
TO it,
The fact that Tafts candidacy con
tinues to make headway does not affect
the opinion now generally entertained.
Republicans unfriendly TO the Presi-
dent, and VINO voice a sentiment of in
terest inlmical 10 the administration,
contend that Roosevelt desires and
seeks the nomination. and that Taft is
a mere stalking horse in the race. Others
Who analyze the situation more fairly
do not discuss the Presidents sincerity.
but hold THAT his nomination is the only
logical outcome of the remarkable con-
didons which he has created. ana that
the pressure for him AT Chicago is sure
TO prove irresistible.
Hughes No Longer a Factor.
Hughes is absolutely eliminated as a
Presidential quantity in his own State.
His candidacy never had the loyal sup
port Of party men. He is to-day the
victim of their Vaccinations. That he
is strong with the people everybody ad-
mits, but he is not strong enough with
the politicians to become a force at
Chicago.
Roosevelt and Taft are the only men
considered in connection with the Presi-
deney Fairbanks. Knox, Cannon. and
Hughes are to-day regarded as wholly
out of the race.
New York is accustomed 10 playing an
important role in national conventions.
and viii be content with no second
part at Chicago next month. Some Of
the big politicians are moving now to
line up the State for Taft, but and IT
no easy work. The Roosevelt sentiment
is uppermost everywhere, and it viii be
decidedly easier to transfer Hughes half
hearted support to Roosevelt than TO
Taft. His suggestion that Hughes be nut
on the ticket with Taft as the Vice
Presidential nominee meets with no en-
thusiasm, but he may be forced on the
ticket, as Roosevelt was compelled TO
take second place in 1900. Hughes fear
lessness in the handling OF state affairs
gives constant anxiety TO the party ma
chine, and the end Of his term at Al
bany viii be hailed gladly.
Doubt RoOseveIt's Election.
Tire men OF prominence who are insist
ing that Roosevelt viii be nominated
are not all predicting that he will be
elected. They do not share the view
held in other quarters that he would
receive a larger vote than in 1904. While
admitting his present popularity. which
is to-day suhordinatiug the anti-tbird-
term sentiment. they believe that a
certain revulsion OF feeling. IN case Of
his nomination, would put his election
IN grave doubt II is the Republicans
who entertain this opinion that have
been quietly but persistently encour-
aging the Democratic movement in the
East to nominate a conservative Dem
ccrat Ike Judge Gray. for President
They think he could beat Roosevelt.
As between Roosevelt and Bryan. thev
have no choice.
Taft an Unhappy Candidate.
One of the stories heard here in poIit-
zeal circles is that Taft has been q re-
luctant candidate from the fnceutjon Of
his boom, and that he is more than dis
satisfied with the turn his candidacy has
taken. His real ambition was to become
chief justice of the United States Su-
preme Court. lie doubted his availability
as a Presidential candidate. but he WELD |
ed 10 the Presidents wishes 10 enter
the race. and thus acquired the stamp of
administration candidate. Overruled IN
his desire TO retire from the Cabinet /
when he actively entered the preIiminar, /
contest for the Presidency, he has en-
eountered the criticism which he antici- |
pated, and has felt keenly The sharp |
comment of the press. on account of 1
his absence from his post of duty On |
political errands. Realizing the Justice
OF this criticism, in part, at least he |
welcomed the opportunity which his /
present Official trip to Panama gave him
10 disappear from the political lime
light for a short time.
Another story which has been per-
sistently repeated here. is that q care
fuI account is being kept of the expendt.
ture of every dollar Of the Taft carr
paign fund. and In the event he sbonld
fail of nomination. his brother is, in
some manner TO be reimbursed