The Boise citizen. (Boise, Idaho) 1906-1910, 1908-05-12
ROOSEVELT ON BRYAN
PRESIDENT FULLY REALIZES GREAT POPULARITY
OF The DEMOCRATIC LEADER


Walter Wellman writes the olowing interesting poll
tica gossip from Washinaton President Roosevelts
views of Byans popularity and of the presidents intention
Ito take the stump for Taft during the closing days of the
Now that Taft's nomination at Chicago is assured and
1--we know President ROOsevelts opinion of the futile third
term talk is interesting to know the opinion OF the astute
politician in the White House the Democratic situa
ton. When say Mr. Roosevelt is astute politician
we saw that which no will question his enemies
His ceverness his leadership his masterulness the
Republican party he has amply demonstrated Mr. Roose
velt student of public opinion well leader OF it.
Therefore his impressions to the chief in the oppo
stion ranks and their relative strength before the people
lis only of interest but of Importance at this public
juncture Mr. Roosevelt only believes that Mr. Bryan
lis be nominated Denver but that he is the strongest
candidate the Democrats nominate for president this
year Many published statements have ascrbed to the
President the belief that Governor Johnson would be more
dangerous to the Republican than Mr. Bryan But
these statements founded upon misapprehenson
Mr. Roosevelt has said some pleasant words about Governor
Johnson and in with all observers of American
politics. realizes the Minnesota governors peculiar strength
But in the last analysis Mr. Roosevelt thinks Mr. Bryan
the stronger the most likely to threaten Republican
success.
******
The President discussed this and other phases of
the political situation with his personal friends One OF
these friends made the remark A fact which many peo-
pie overlook that presidential elections not decided
bv professional men, merchants the you hotels
clubs parlor sleeping Elections determined
by the who work with their hands, and from whom
rarely hear much till the votes counted in the boxes
Mr. President, the strongest man in America. Mr..
Bryan is second Both Judge Taft and Governor Johnson
come after Mr.. Bryan.
Without any mock modesty, the President permitted
the reference himself stand for what it worth,
without comment and he said there could be doubt
whatever of Mr. Bryans very great popularity with the
masses of the people He made plain that he is aware
there is opposition to Bryan well as to himself among
of the country, but that
he also appreciates the fact that elections carried by
'he plain people" Mr. Bryan calls them, and that with
this class of the Nebaskan enjoys remarkable poPu
larity.
******
The suggestion has been made here that President
Roosevelt may take part the coming campaign by making
number of speeches for Taft 1t may be said the President
himself has considered the advsabty of this without
vet reaching any conclusion He may may not in the
end decide to override all peCedents and play star part
the struggle Precedents do not count for much with
Mr. Roosevelt and he should become alarmed the
outlook for Republican ticket during the closing days
of the campaign at all improbable he will take part
the battle If he should decide to do goes without
saving he will be able WELD powerful influence in favor
of the man who be nominated for his successor
Judge Taft has won high favor with the conser-
vative men of the country He looked upon by all
of steader and moderate temperament than the
President less likely to adopt radical methods do start
ling things But he has not made so much progress IN
winning the applause of the He has said nothing
very brilliant nothing that has reused enthusiasm He IS
weak where Mr. Roosevelt strong and strong where ROOS
welt is weak If the campaign should 60 badly for Mr. Taft
with BRYAN against hin-Bryan, who has the favor to a
very great extent of the class OF people are heart
and soul for Roosevelt may be absolutely necessary
for the President take part in the campaign Mr. Roose
vet realizes this and therefore wthhods his determination
as to his
The Taft boomers areboastng that Senators Aldrich
Crane Allison Hale and Representatives Payne andtoher-