The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1910-09-23
TAFT PROMISES
HIS SUPPORT
Roosevelt Needs Il In the
Empire State Contest
IMPORTANT POLITICAL TALK


tive to Conference at New Haven,
but Question of Presidency In 1912
is Not Discussed-Taft Willing to
Run If He Thinks People Want Him,
but Not Otherwise 5
Albany, Sept 20.-Although the
meeting of President Taft and Theo-
dore Roosevelt at New Haven was ap-
parently successful In its Scenic eff
feet, i" and something in the nature OF
a truce has been arranged regarding
the New York situation, each will 60
his own way, after the Empire State
campaign is over
Mr.. Roosevelt is said to have let
drop the hint that. as to his side OF
the matter, something will be doing"
after the elections.
President Taft and Roosevelt met
yesterday for the second time since
the former presidents return from
Africa. Roosevelt sought the confer
ence with the president. 1t was plain
from all that happened before and af-
ter the meeting that Roosevelt and
his close political advisers are not a
little worried over the situation in
New York state, and came to the
president for further evidence of his
moral support
This the president was glad to give.
He said his position in the New York
state fight had been clear from the
very first. He said he sympathized
heartily with the fight against "boss-
ISM"
Mr.. Taft reiterated the statements
he made in his letter to Lloyd G.
Griscom at the time of the Sherman
Roosevelt controversy over the tenn
porary craftsmanship. This letter, he
added. stated his position fully and
accurately and he was standing on it
absolutely.
President Taft and Roosevelt did
not discuss the question of the presi-
dency in 1912. The president has not |
been advised as to what Roosevelt's |
attitude is toward that campaign. |
From sources close to the president it |
was learned there was no occasion to
discuss this subject. Tafts position
is this:
He is willing to run If nominated.
If his friends think there is a good
chance for him to be reelected, Taft
feels that they will see to his nomi-
nation, which cannot be prevented
even by Roosevelt. If the people do
not appear to want him, Taft will be
only too glad to submit to their de-
cision.
1t can be said that Tuesdays meet
ing, while it was of moral advantage
to the Roosevelt leaders in New York
state, was absolutely barren of re-
suits as to any better understanding
between the president and Roosevelt
as to national issues or their personal
relations in view of many recent
events.
Mr.. Taft is entirely satisfied with
the position he has taken. He Is not
out hunting for delegates or indorse-
ments for denomination. Even the
thought that Roosevelt may be in the
fight against him does not appear to
disturb the president In the least de-
gree. He feels every man is at lib
erty to do as he pleases, Roosevelt
among the rest.
There is no doubt, however, that
the shadow of 1912 hung over Tues
days gathering. There was not the
cordially of old between the presi-
dent and the colonel. II was the first
time they had met since the story was
given out at Oyster Bay that Roose-
welt felt Taft rdouble crossed" him in
New York and had sold out to the
bosses" there In return for a pledge
of delegates in 1912. The president
felt the injustice of that story keenly
it is said, and as result of 1t the re-
lations between him and Roosevelt
can never be the same again.
1t came out at the conference,
which. in addition to the president and
Roosevelt, included Lloyd C. Girls
com, Otto Bernard and Secretary
Norton, that the Taft administration
is to be Endorsed at Saratoga. No
mention of Taft as a candidate in 1912