Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1910-12-29
TAFT LOOKS FOR
VICTORY IN 1912
Will Be Candidate for Eenomina
tion Two Years Hence and
Expects Roosevelt's Aid.

Washington, Dec oS-Friends OF the
administration made it known yesterday
in an emphatic manner that President
Tart intends to stand for denomination
in 1912. They expect that Mr.. Taft will
have the support of Colonel Roosevelt
The President is now in an optimistic
frame of mind and looks forward to a
republican victory In 1912.
a few weeks ago the situation did not
look promising to the President. He
believed that the November defeat pre-
saged another disaster in the national
campaign to follow. Even at that time
the President is known to have told
friends that he would accept the nomina-
tion in the face of certain defeat II the
republican convention placed the standard
In his hands.
II Is Of course out of the question for
Mir. Taft to announce his candidacy, but
1t may be stated on good authority that
whatever the political developments Of
the next two years may be, Mr.. Tafts
name will be placed in nomination at the
party gathering in 1912 Tne President
believes that victory is probable at the
next general election. but he knows
that a long and hard campaign faces
the party. He has consulted many
leaders. and has himself taken the first
steps toward reconciliation between
the regulars and the insurgents.
HAS OPTIMISTIC BROTHER
According to leaders here the fight
| in the convention OF 1912 is likely to arise
| between the extreme irsurgent wing and
| a more conservative but still progressive
faction, which shall stand for President
Taft. II is with this latter wing that
Colonel Roosevelt is expected to ally HIM
self as against the extremists, of whom
Senator Cumians Of Iowa or Senator
| LaFollette of Wisconsin may be the
leader It is pointed out here that the
President had made overtures to the
insurgents since the Congress session
began. When lie went to Panama Mr.,
Taft, according to friends. was hespond-
ent as to the chance Of republican sue
| cess two years hence. On that trip his
| brother, G. =. Taft, brought him into a
more optimistic frame Of mind
At any rate It Is certain that imme-
diately on his return to the United States
the President held out the olive branch
| to the insurgents. Senators Cummins
Borah Bristow and Representatives Nor
| rlS, MuIuOch tli' S'ilcio 'idSSeu as III
surgcnts went to the White House rs of
oid They were consulted not merely in
regard to pending judicial appointment
| but about legislative matters.
The President had been told that the
reconciliation of the differences between
the regulars and the insurgents would
| be the hardest task Of the man who
Undertook to rehabilitate the party &c
that il might face November 1912. with
confidence.
| TALKS WITH POLITICIANS
The calling In OF the Insurgents was the
khrs. move Of the President TO bring abou,
an era Of good feeling among tho Con-
gress leaders. Since then tho Preslden,
has invited to the White House leaders
OF the party who are not In Congress. lie
has talked with Lloyd c. Griscom. presi-
dent Of the New York republican county
committee; Collector William Loeb. Jr.
Arthur l. Vorys OF Ohio and ths
politicians In his cabinet.
| With the general groundwork OF con,
ciliation laid out. the Presidents atten.
ton was directed TO details He has heard
suggestions that an active man should
| be placed at the head Of the republica,
national committee to succeed ex-Goy
Hin of Maine. who. II Is undevtood 4,
willing TO retire. This matter Is now
unAAr confederation