The Washington times., 1909-03-01
Wise Ones Say Senator Ap-
pealed to Taft in Re-
election Fight.
PRESIDENT-ELECT
BUSY THESE DAYS
Has Enough Social Engagements
Arranged For to Kill Ordi-
nary Man.
By JAMES HAY, Jr.

Did Senator Hopkins OF Illinois save
his life?
That is the question which is being
widely discussed since it became known
that he this morning alighted solemnly
from a carriage in front Of 1S01 p street
northwest, and made his way into the
presence of President-elect Taft.
What was said during this one of
many conference which Mr.. Taft had
with various gentlemen today is not
known. It IS a matter OF common
knowledge, however. that, out in the
swirl and treacherOus eddies Of Illi-
nois politics, reefs and breakers have
become visible to the discerning eye Of
Mr.. Hopkins. 1t is also reported that
the Senator saw these dangerous bits
of topography without the aid Of fed
glasses.
1t is further generally recognized
among politicians who are skilled in the
art Of fighting that the aid of a brand
new President is not to be despised
when ungrateful people rise to call
candidate for office not blessed. on ac-
count of these and other things il was
assumed among those who follow the
political calling that Mr.. Hopkins drew
near the President-elect 10 enllSt ms
aid in the presentation of that we'll
known drama: a Fight For His Life:
OR, Shall the Friend Of the People Die?'
Nothing Known
But no definite information could be
secured as to what was said 10 Mr..
Taft concerning the relations Of Deneen
and Hopkins. or the relations Of both
or each Of them to the United States
Senate. All that was divulged was that
Hopkins said Governor Deneen would
soon arrive in the National Capital. and
that he wOulu be dined and entertained
prOfusely by both Mr.. Hopkins and Mr..
CullOm. il may be added that neither
host expects the governor 10 overeat
himself. His health is too valuable-to
Deneen-
NJ Tafts first caller today was Sen
ator Rhilander =. Knox, who In q few
days viii become Secretary Of State.
This conference touched many things of
Importance, but nothing regarding them
other cSIIers at the Boardman resi-
dence were Senator Gamble ana Repre-
sentative BrOWnlow, both Of whom
wished TO discuss with the future PreSi-
dent things Of mcnent TO their resDcC-
tive States, constituents and office hold
ers.
The last on the list was Senator Ma
than Bay Scott, OF West Virginia, who
had his Whiskers cut IN a new style
close TO the face, with the effect Of re-
vealing 10 the CRATER I'll gaze Of the pub
pearance than has been on display for
many years. Mr.. Scott, with that grace
and elOQuencs for which he is so justly
celebrated in Japan and Russia, viii
preside this evening at the dinner 10
be given - Mr.. and Mrs. Taft at the
Willard Hotel b. the famous philip
pine party"
In this party are those who accom-
panied Mr.. and Mrs. Taft on their ia
NOUS trip around the world, a journey
IN which bethrotnais were made and in
which Senator Scott established in Rus
bla and Japan MS reputation Tor grace
and elOQuence- Mr. Taft VIII probably
make a speech at the dinner lie has
rot gone 10 a dinner for a long time
without being compelled 20 speak, and
there IS every reason 20 suppose that no
mercy VIII be shown Eim this evening.
"BuncOmbe Club"
In connection with Mr.. Taft's coming
20 Washington, there is d good story
going the rounds about a new club the
President-elect has formed. That is. ne
has formed Il if Mr.. Roosevelt may be
regarded as an Incorporating bureau.
IL is the "BurCOmbe CLUB.
According 70 the story, Mr.. Roosevelt
after greeting Mr. TAFT. mentioned an
interview in which the Pr-sldeut-eiecl
was quoted as having said he had %.
time 20 bother with "buuComJe states.
men" Then the President added. viii
a chuckIe:
TAFT. I see you have abolished e.,
'Ananias Cub and substituted for II
the 'BuncOmbe Club
SO far. however, the applications foI
membership have not been numerous
Miss Helen Taft and Charlie Taft
daughter and younger son OF the Presi-
Cent-elect, viii arrive here tomorrow
and Robert, the older SON, now a Yale
viii arrive the following morning. They
viii see the Inauguration. will attend
the inauguration bail. and viii return
10 their schools next sunday or Monday
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