Omaha daily bee., 1908-06-21
cHoosiNG CAMPAIGN MANAGER
subcommittee Makes Trip to Cincin-
natl 20 Confer with Mr.
Taft.

IhIAs
CHICAGO, June M.-EiRht members OF
the republican national committee left Chi
cago today for Cincinnati to confer with
Secretary Taft concerning the election of
a national chairman TO manage the re-
publican campaign. The subcommittee was
appointed at the suggestion OF Secretary
TAFT. who is said to be somewhat en-
bsrrassed by appeals from his friends In
Ohio for the appointment Of Arthur l.
Vorys or Myron T.. Herrick of that state
and by the demand made in a petition by a
majority of the Members Of the national
committee for the appointment OF Frank
II. Hitchcock The latter, because OF his
success in managing the Taft campaign
for delegates. is being strongly pushed by
his friends, while those who are personally
attached to Mr.. Vorys have announced that
they intend to make every possible effort
in his behalf.
Congressman James 8. Sherman of New
York. who was today nominated for vice
president, accompanied the subcommittee to
Cincinnati. The men who will confer with
Secretary Taft on the Craftsmanship ques-
ton are: Powell Clayton, Arkansas; Myron
T. Herrick. Ohio; Frank E. Kellogg, Mime
sofa; Charles Nagel, Missouri; z. z. Hart,
] ~ oGAaA W t. OIa AhnAlVt LIZ ~
Duncan, North Carolina, and Frank C.
Louden. Illinois.
The subcommittee was selected when the
new national committee met for organiza-
ton. Immediately after the adjournment Of
the convention. Friends of Hitchcock in
sist that more thdn half Of the eight
members will vote to elect him chairman,
while the advocates Of vorys say that five
will vote for the latter or some other man
than Hitchcock. 1t is said that the chair
manship depends absolutely on the wishes
Of Mr.. Taft. who has not publicly ex-
pressed any preference. Nevertheless he
has indicated that the question is one OF
practical politics and that no selection will
be mace for, sentimental reasons.
Taft's Brother with Party.
Keen interest In a political marager for
Secretary Taft is taken by Charles P.
Taft Of Ohio and Henry w. Taft of New
York, brothers of the republican nominee.
In view of the fact that Mr.. Hitchcock and
Mr.. Vorys have both strong following, an
effort was made today by Charles p. Taft
to have both withdraw from the race.
The suggestion that this course be taken,
when made to Mr.. Hitchcock, caused him
to state that he at no time had been a
candidate for the craftsmanship and he
would not embarrass the secretary by ask
ing for the place. Mr.. Vorys would make
no statement, however. leaving his inter-
ests entirely with his friends. Mr.. Hitch
cock. In his reply to Charles P. Taft, said
that while he would not ask for the chair
manship, he would not consent to/accept
a subordinate position. He said he had
been invited to participate in the\ pre-
convention campaign and had served to
the best Of his ability. but that his work
was over unless the nominee desired that
he continue in a capacity that would be
congenial to Mr.. Hitchcock.
That the subcommittee 10 empowered 20
select a chairman and a treasurer was as
serted by Myron 7. Herrick after the adj
Journment of the subcommittee. III OF the
members OF the committee. however. do
not understand the authority given them
In the same manner as Mr.. Herrick. 1t Is
the belief of these that the subcommittee
has the authority to elect in the event that
Secretary Taft declares whom he favors.
Any choice the secretary may express may
be accepted. That he will Indicate prefer
ences for chairman and treasurer is not
doubted. but It is believed a meeting OF the
full committee will be called to fill these
positions in the event that Mr.. Taft does
not express a preference.
Dover Nc-ehecNCu secretary
The secretsryship and the position of
sergeant-at-arms we're settled by the cleo
ton Of Elmer Dover Of Ohio and William
F. Stone OF Maryland to succeed them
selves as secretary and sergeant-at-arms,
respectively. Governor Powell Clayton Of
Arkansas was chosen to act as chairman
until a permanent official is named.
The motion to create the subcommite
was made by Myron T. Herrick OF Ohio
and included the names of the COMMITTEES
as appointed. with the exception that Mr..
Ward OF New York was In the place of Mr..
Hart Of Iowa.
The motion carried IN the original form.
but later Mr.. Ward was compelled to re-
turn at once to New York and Mr.. Harris
name was substituted. An effort was made
by Senator Scott OF West Virginia to have
the committee enlarged 10 eleven members,
but was defeated. II was, decided that the
committee should start for Cincinnati late
tonight and the conference with Secretary
Taft is TO be held tomorrow morning, the
secretary having left Washington today.
Petition for Hitchcock.
Before the subcommittee met a score OF
the members Of the national COMMITTEES who
are insistent that Mr.. Hitchcock shall be
appointed met in an adjoining room. They
drew up afpetition addressed to Secretary
Taft asking for the selection Of Mr.. Hitch
cock. which will be delivered to the secre-
tary tomorrow by a member Of the sub.
committee. Twenty-four signatures were
secured in the meeting and IL was then cir.
eulsted among other members who had
been absent, Before the meeting OF tn,
subcommittee was held a majority OF tn,
national committee, 1t Is asserted. haC
signed the petition and the signatures die
not include any members OF the subcom
mittee appointed TO confer with the seere
tan. This pAtttion v intended by tn