Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1910-04-20
THE NEWS IN WASHINGTON.

ment was to be obtained here to-day on
the coming retirement of Senators Hale
and Aldrieh. Speaker Cannon is reported
| to have declared that both senators had
been influenced wholly by considerations
Of health, adding that both were men Of
| courage, and he did not believe that po-
litical considerations entered at all into
| their determination to retire.
| The positive announcement of the pro-
spective retirement OF Senator Hale fol-
| lowing so closely upon the heels of 9 SINH
lar announcement by Senator Aldrich
seemed to have a stunning effect upon the
Senate. That the oldest of the senators in
point of service should voluntarily decide
, to retire from that body was scarcely less
of surprise than that the recognized
| leader should have decided upon a similar
step.
Senator Hale was in the Senate building
early in the day, but be kept himself aioof
FROM other senators and from visitors
generally. He had been engaged in a con-
ference on an appropriation bill and was
sufficiently occupied without seeing
callers. Many Of those who were success
full in getting talk with him found him
reticent on the question of his withdrawal,
but to his intimates he made no denial
that he had written a letter to Maine stat
ing his attitude and outlining his inten-
tions, nor did he conceal the fact that be
probably would not be candidate for re-
election.
Later in the day Senator Hale talked
more freely. He admitted that he sent q
letter to Byron Boyd, chairman OF the re-
publican state committee, informing him
that he could not consent to make per-
sonal contest for the Senate. His princi-
politics, and the fact that for the first time
he has encountered opposition.
He told his friends that having been ac-
corded the unparalleled honor Of five full
terms in the Senate without contest of
any character, he did not relish the pros
pect of entering into scramble at this
time OF life.
But while this was the principal
reason given by the senator, he made it
plain that his course had not been die
tated by any fear OF the results. The
senator contends that SO far as the con-
test has gone, the indications are entirely
favorable to his reelection. 1t is the con-
fiict itself that appals to him. Seventy
four years OF age and unused to opposition
in bis political aspirations, he says he
simply hesitated to enter upon a scrim-
mage which, while it probably would re-
suit in his triumph, would be injurious to
his health, and at the same time greatly
disturb his peace of mind.
A man of robust constitution, Mr.. Hale
until within year or two. Recently he
has experienced some attacks Of illness
which, while not serious themselves, have
called out warnings from the senator's
physicians. He has been reminded that
he is no longer young man, and has
been admonished against the excitement
of public life. These warnings have not
frightened the senator, but undoubtly
they have had some effect in determining
his decision not to enter into a spirited
campaign.
Mr.. Hale also takes the position that al
ready he has enjoyed all that can come to
him as the result OF election to the Senate.
He is especially proud OF the fact that in
none of his five full term elections to the
Senate has he encountered opposition in
his party. This record is without prece-
dent, and is unapproached except in the
case of his colleague, Senator Frye. Mr..
Frye has had as many unopposed elections,
but one of his terms was fractional.
Naturally Senator Hale does not wish
to mar this remarkable record, and it may
be stated almost authoritatively that this
is the principal reason for his voluntary
retirement. He would feel almost as
| badly over a triumph won at the expense
of party struggle as over a positive de-
| feat.
All day the Maine senator was the sub
| ject OF solemn solicitation from his ASSOC
ciates. Many Of them ON both sides of the
chamber pleaded with him to reconsider
his determination on account of the con-
dition in which they believed his with
| drawal from the Senate would leave that
body. He expressed high appreciation of
friendly sentiment, but at the same time
said that the course they suggested was
entirely out of the question.
AS is the case with Senator Aldrich,
| Mr.. Hale is a member of the monetary
| com mission and will continue his services
in that connection.