The Washington herald., 1908-03-09

declaration against the thlrd-term boom:
the other was to cut Cortelyou of at the
pockets. Upon Longs advice, the Presi-
dent issued such a statement, which Of
fendedsCortelyou greatly. 1t removed the
cloak under which he had been operat-
ing In due time the President called IN
what are affectionately known as the
cuckoo" correspondents and gave them
an intimation that Cortelyou might re-
sign as Secretary Of the Treasury Cor
telyOu had no notion of resigning. and
the President knew il. But the expected
happened. Cortelyou issued card an
nOuncing that he was not going to re
sign, and that he was not candidate for
President. Since then nothing has been
said about him severing his connection
with the Treasury.
1t was Senator Long who conceived the
scheme for Taft to pull out Of New York
and let Hughes have the delegation with
out fight. Long realized that II the
fight went 70 finish Hughes would get
the delegation; bad blood would be stirred
up against TAFT, and New York would be
lost for good and all
Might Slip In.
On the other hand. If Taft pulled out.
some Of his friends there might be able
to slip in as delegates and after Hughes
was out of II they could go TO Taft and
probably drag lot more delegates over
with them The scheme appealed 20
Taft He summoned his New York man
ayers to a conference with himself and
Long. The whole matter was thrashed
out. and the brief note OF the Secretary
gracefully Withdrawing from the New
York contest was the result
In only one case has Taft run counter
TO Longs advice. That was in Ohio.
Early In the game Long wanted Taft TO
patch up with Foraker and get Ohio
early without a contest He pointed out
how Mckinley and Hanna did Il in 1896
They conceded Foraker the State ticket,
the party organization. and Foraker the
SenatOrship; in fact, everything IN return
for solid Mckinley delegation to the
St Louis convention. Long wanted Taft
70 do the same thing. CT rather 70 go
into deal where he would get the dele
cation without fight and Foraker would
be returned 20 the Senate.
No Truce with Foraker.
But the President and Foraker were
such bitter political enemies that Taft
said il wouldn't do. Although Taft has
secured the Ohio delegation. or the most
OF II, he now wishes he had taken Longs
advice.
Frank Hitchcocks employment as as
sistant manager IN charge OF the Wash
ington headquarters Of Taft was sug-
gested by Senator Long. Having eliuni-
mated Cortelyou as a Presidential pOssi-
b1lity. the Kansas Senator said IL would
be good politics 70 hook on 70 Hitchcock.
not so much because Of his influence. but
on account OF his wide acquaintance
among Southern Republican leaders. Long
understands that Hitchcock's Dull In the
South was really the 9ull OF the Presi-
dent through the patronage question
influence Is Transferred.
When Hitchcock left the Post-ofioe De-
partment. his influence IN the South was
transferred 10 his successor. who dis
penses the post-offices. Stiu, that patron
age will be dispensed in the interests OF
Taft and Taft viii also have the benefit
of the extended acquaintance Of Hitch
cock
What is Long 10 get out OF II? In the.
first place. he is likely 10 be the Taft
candidate for temporary chairman Of the
Chicago convention. Secondly, ne Is to
receive all the quiet support Taft can give
him for reelection TO the Senate in Kan
sas; and lastly. IL the fates are against
him IN the Senatorial contest and he loses
out, be Will set a Cabinet position under
the Taft administration. II there is Taft
administration.