The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-14
HUGHES MAY WIN THE NOMINATION Republicans Are Still At Sea
 In New York HUGHES IS GAINING GROUND Allied Forces Against Hughes Seem to Want Root to Take Nomination,
 But Result Cannot Now
 Be Predicted.
HUGHES IS GAINING GROUND

Saratoga, N Y., September Knight ing desperately over every inch of the ground to prevent the renomination of Governor Hughes by the republican state convention, which begins its sessions here tomorrow, the anti-Hughes leaders late tonight professed confidence in the sue cess of their efforts, but there had been a distinct diminution in assurance dur ing the evening. Veteran politicians, some of them bitterly opposed to the governor, others committed to his sup port, declared their belief that he will be nominated in spite of all efforts to prevent it.
 One of the most earnest opponents to the governor after a careful canvass of the delegates already on the ground, said:
 q have little confidence in beating Hughes. The trouble is that a lot of delegates who ordinarily would obey or ders, are thinking for themselves. They tell me that they are not going to vote against Hughes here and then go home to be crucifed. There Is still a fighting chance, but I do not take much stock in it'
 The main difficulty with which the anti-Hughes leaders had to contend was that of finding a man of adequate po- litical size upon whom the opposition could unite. Secretary of State Root, who will preside over the convention was hardly on the ground before gossip was busy with his name. At first reti- cent, MT. Root finally made it clear that he must not be considered. The name of Joseph H. Choate was the subject of some mention, but hardly gained promi- hence. Finally the gossip narrowed down upon Former Ambassador Horace Por- ter and toward the end of the night his was the name most frequently men toned.
 Chairman Woodruff of the state com nittee was In conference with MT. Root Tor more than an hour today. Afterward MT Root was told of the rumors connect ing his name with the nomination as the choice of the anti-I5i'i aes forces
 Mir Root said:
 You know I am a delegate to this con- vention The people in my county are all for Hughes.
 The situation on the eve of the con- vention is apparently accurately stated in the following words of county leader bitterly opposed to the renomination of Hughes:
 There are more than enough anti Hughes votes in the convention, pledged or otherwise certain. to prevent his nom ination, and they will prevent 1t if they can be united for any one else"
 Beyond a doubt the anti-Hughes forces outnumber those in the governors favor, and after day of almost continuous con- ference among the ''allies," as the anti Hughes leaders have come to be called there was a marked increase tonight in their show of confidence.
 On the other hand there is an evident lack of organization. if not of political acumen and experience, on the part of the Hughes wing of the convention, and the most ardent Hughes advocates could direct the inquirer to no one man or set of men having the generalship of the gov ernors cause in charge
 Most of the anti-Hughes delegates con- ceded that their efforts would be futile unless they could agree upon some one, not only of great vote-getting power, but also outside of and generally above the factiona1 differences in the party. It was in this connection that the name of Secre- tary Root entered the field of gossip. The name of Joseph H. Choate also was men, toned, and there was some talk of ex- Governor Black.