The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-06-06

"About NIr. Ruef I have nothing to
say. Az between MIR. Schmitz and Nr.
Ruef on one side and the newspapers
meRt by Julius Kahn.
With caressing epithets for Ruef
and Schmitz, with kind expressions
for William F. Herrin and with an
active determination not TO take sides
in the graft prosecution, which he de-
scribes as "a newspaper fight" Con-
gressman julius Kahn is back from
Washington prepared to lay pipe and
string wires for another nomination.
Congressman Kahn's habitual cau-
ton has not deserted him. He is no
more willing than of yore to go on
record in any OF the matters that are
vitaIIy important to San Francisco. lie
viii. discuss tariff revision, but not
graft; he is eloquent about appropria-
tions. but silent about local politics, he
has q golden thought on every national
question. but never definite express
sion about home affairs.
Should the voters make an issue of
Congressman Kahn's unwillingness to
take sides in this city and show their
resentment by defeating him he insists
that he will be content. But on no
condition will be take part in fac
tional fights" This point he empha-
sizes with sonorous words and copious
gesticulation.
WOULD RUN AGAIN
'.Yes. I am again candidate for con-
gress Kahn smilingly assented to the
inevitable question. The next congress
will be a most important one The
tariff is TO be revised The prosperity
OF California is bound up with the
Dingley tariff As a representative of
San Francisco, with considerable ex
perience in this matter. I can be of
great service in the next congress.
Kahn did not explain how the expert
ence of a congressman not member
of the ways and means committee could
materially affect tariff legislation.
ITO whom will you look for your
nomination."
ITO the republican party" and the
congressman beamed.
But you realize that there are two
clements"
Il am not interested in factions. I
look to the whole party for my sup
port
But with the present alignment as
between Herrin and the Lincoln Roose-
velt league?" the interviewer persisted.
II understand that the Lincoln
Roosevelt league has candidate,
Kahn interrupted. That is right. Let
us have a fight. 1t is free country
Then you will accept Mr.. Herrin's
support"
II have never been Mr.. Herrin's
~, n I0-
body has any strings on me. Mr.. Her
rim may have another candidate. l
have not heard from him. But am
not fighting Mr.. Herrin- l am not
questioning the character of any repub-
licans who support me. It is the guam
tity of votes that count, not the
quality"
Il am quite confident about being
nominated" continued the legislator
with an ample gesture. From letters
and personal assurances which | have
received l am certain that my friends
will look out for that. | cannot say
that 7 was surprised at the recent
league victory in the fourth district.
but I do not think that it will be re-
peated in the next election"
you have been criticised for not
taking part in municipal elections and
for not going on record in local mat
ters," the congressman was told.
NO STONES FOR sCHMITZ
THAT has always been my policy and
always will be- he replied, warmly II
shall not take part in factional fights
have been denounced for not opposing
Mr.. Schmitz. I have no stones to throw
at Mr. Schmitz."
And Ruef?"
About Mr.. Ruef I have nothing to
say. As between Mr.. Schmitz and Mr.
Ruef on one side and the newspapers
on the other l have refused to take
sides
To the suggestion that the question
was bigger than any newspaper, Con-
gressman Kahn replied by arguing az
length that it was a newspaper fight
which had no relation to his candidacy
and which could not be regarded as an
issue for q congressman to meet.
II am a candidate on the merits OF
my record. Kahn concluded. "I shall
go before the voters on my record But
IL ! am expected TO take part in fac
tional fights in order to be elected
shall just simply stay at home. And if
it should be necessary for me to re-
pudiate any of my friends in order to
be elected l would prefer to be defeat
ed. That's the kind of q man / am"