The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-08-19
Responsibility for Political Results Will Be Placed
 Upon the Regulars
ND FIGHT ID BE MADE ON
 TAFT'S ADMINISTRATION
Roosevelt Considers That He Should Stay Out of the Fractional Scrap in New York and not Accept
 Omce

oysier Day August b.-Iheodoro Roosevelt spent today in what was prob ably the most important political con- ference he had held since he left the White House. He gathered about him . group of his close friends and talked over the situation which is best expressed in the reports that relations between Pres ident Taft and himself are strained to the breaking point.
 William Loeb, Jr., collector of the port of New York; Lloyd c. Grscom, chairman Of the New York republican county com inttee; Representative William M Calder of Brooklyn, Frederick J. H. Kracke of Brooklyn and Representative W. W. Cockes of Colonel Roosevelt's home dis | trict took part in the conference.
 From what was said by some of the vis- itors it was learned that the ex-President and his friends have agreed on plan of action which will hold until the situation shapes itself more clearly. Briefy stated 1t is this
 Colonel Roosevelt is to stand aside in the New York state campaign and let the "old guard fight it's own fight and thus shoulder all the responsibility for the con- duct and result of the campaign. He Is neither to indorse nor criticise the Taft administration He is to keep out of the campaign all around if he can
 Motives of Roosevelt
 Through some of today's visitors 1t was learned why the colonel has decided to keep his hands off. He feels that the re- publican sVte committee in refusing to indorse him for temporary chairman of the convention. a position he had agreed to accept much against his will with the knowledge that he would be held respon- slble for election results acted in a man. ner that would make further activity on his part look as if he were leading factional fight against the administration. It was said that Colonel Roosevelt does not deem 1t either wise or proper to per- init himself to become involved in such factional fight and that his present de- cision is that he will not go to the con- vention or take any part which would render him responsible. He has come to no definite conclusion however
 One important provision was emphasized at today's conference. Those with whom he talked were made to understand clear 1y that Colonel Roosevelt reserves to him. self the right to enter the thick of the fight at any time If he believes the poli- cies of which he is exponent are in serious jeopardy. But he let it be known that he would do so with extreme reluct- ance, for he feels that in such a con- tingency he might be led inevitably into a controversy with the Taft administra- tion From what was said after the con ference it was gathered that Colonel Roosevelt believes the present attitude of men who are influential in the national administration is hostile to him, and that an open rupture may result. In such case the colonel feels that he may be com pelled at some juncture to exert his in- fiuence against the administra ton.
 VIII Try to Prevent Crisis
 Those who are closest to the former President believe he will do everything in his power to avert such a crisis dur ing the fall campaign. It is their opin- lon that If he should decide to fight he prefers to postpone the struggle until the 1912 campaign. when the question of the nations policy for the next four years is to be brought before the entire country and when a successor to William H. Taft is to be elected. Should such an issue between Colonel Roosevelt and the administration present itself at that time 1t is the firm belief of the colonels intimate associates that he will be in the fight to the end. that he will stake his own future on the outcome and again become a candidate for the presidency. It is believed, however that Colonel
 
 remote contingency which is not to re- ceive serious attention at the present time.
 He has said repeatedly that he can form no plans for the future for the situation may be changed completely at any time He has told his friends that he is a. candidate for no office and that he can conceive of no circumstances which would lead him to accept the gubernatorial nomination or seat in the United States Senate. His associates believe that the only reason which might lead him to consider becoming a candidate for the presidential nomination would be the con viction that he must seek another term in order to successfully carry on the work he began while President.
 End of the Conference
 The conference broke up late today without any definite agreement as to when another will be held. Colonel Roosevelt Is to start for the vest Tuesday and probably there will more con sultations of this naty .dl after his return. Most of tn, inc today was given to considerably of the New York situation, which is regarded as the one thing which may develop in such a way. as to force Colonel Roosevelt to make the fight within the party
 From an unuuestioned source 1t is known that he has taken deeply to heart what he considers to be the hostility of men close to the administration and he regards the selection of Vice President Sherman for the temporary chairmanship of the republican state convention as the result Of this attitude. He recalled to his visitors that he had spoken no word of criticism of the administration and made them understand that it was his plan not to do so. Colonel Roosevelt him self said he was not talking politics for publication when attempts were made after the conference to get him to ex- press his views. He will go to New York tomorrow and in the afternoon will ad-f dress the Negro Business Mems league.