The Washington herald., 1908-03-09
ROOSEVELT" SAYS BELMONT
New York Democrat Believes Presi-
dent VIII Be Nominee at Chicago.
Democrats Stand Excellent Chance,
Owing 20 Prospect of Carrying
New York, He Declares.

Recent events in The Republican party
politics seem to indicate. in the opinion
OF Perry Belmont. the well-known New
York Democrat and former member OF
the House. that President Roosevelt is
preparing to take the nomination OF the
Chicago convention for himself and
hold fast 70 another four years OF Ex-
ecutiTe power. SO far as the Democratic
nomination is concerned, 0Ir. Belmont
says that Mr.. Bryan probably viii be
the candidate. In a statement issued
yesterday. he said:
There viii be no genuine Republican
national convention this year II already
has degenerated into a oheeholders'
convention. and I do not know what
particular oficeholder the oficeholders'
convention at Chicago Will nominate.
1T looks now ike Mr. Taft. whose
attractive personality and conceded quail
ihcatious are called upon 20 bear an almost
crushing handicap. A year ago in a pub
hshed interview. I said. "Gov. Hughes
and Secretary Taft have devoted their
lives 70 their profess3on-the law-neither
IS politician. both have been prematurely
forced into candidates. for the Presidency
and weakened thereby IN their respective
states by Mr.. Roosevelt. active in the
game OF politics since his graduation
from college No professional politician
ever announces his candidacy for the
office he cOvets. Mr.. ROOsevelts inability
20 keep his hands or indicates 10 many
the purpose OF q stampede IN the cor
vention 10 overthrow his declaration that
he would neither seek nor accept q
nomination
The President is even now said 10 be
declaring 10 his immediate surrounding
that if the Chicago convention does not
accept his choice ne will take the ncmi-
nation himself
Not only Secretary Taft but whoever
may be the candidate OF the Chicago con-
vention. viii be subject 10 a very heavy
handicap Last June I said through The
press. a blow al credit strikes al the
vital energies Of the nation II the ad-
ministratiOn carries out what il is pleased
TO call its policies. in reality the facing
both ways, with a single eye TO pOlit-
ical advantage. the poor Will remain
poor, the rich will become poor, and only
TIE oficeholders will be satisfied
The election Of a Democratic President.
whoever he may be. will bring about a
most desirable change IN party politics OF
great benefit TO the country; for the first
time in many years the party in power
would find lined I'D against i a strong
opposition in Congress. the Senate being
two-thirds Republican. This would start
most healthful political battle Any
proposed legislation would have 10 run
the gantlet OF strong opposition and
debates Of intense interest from a IA
tional standpoint
The State OF New York is already lost
to the Republican party in the approach
ing campaign. and II the encouraging ex-
ample Of the Democracy Of Greater New
York in sinking minor differences and
uniting under the broad banner OF De-
moeracy Is followed by Democrats else
whereas I believe Il surely viii be-tne
Democratic party viii be invincible when
lined up for the Presidential battle"