The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-24

things in his own way and that his successor would want to do the same thing without interference.
 Throughout the interview the only indication Roosevelt made of a pub lie declaration of his sympathy with the progressive movement was the fact that, his successor might be em- barrassed.
 "I don't want to seem to interfere. I don't want to appear to seize the reins from the hands of my success or" and he swept out his hands in suggestive gesture, I'm like that talkative New Bedford mate whose captain told him: What I want from you is silence and damn little of that.
 For an hour and a half Roosevelt talked over the request of the in surgents and they outlined their various projects. Repeatedly the President evinced his desire to aid their cause, seeking only a way to do SC that would not leave him open to a charge of interfering with Taft's a administration. Finally he made this suggestions.
 He offered to write letter to Chair man Nelson of the fnsurgent com mittee endorsing the insurgent pro- gram. He told remfniscently of writ ing similar letter for the use of the reorganization departments" early in his administration in return for which they had promised to put through the Roosevelt executive program. And you see what they have done for mel" he added, leaning forward grasping the arms of his chair.
 stances he would not write the let ter for publication but that it could be used among the members of the House without reserve, not even ex- cepting Uncle Joe'' himself. The I Ix ment of the insurgent program for amending the rules and reduction Of the speakers power. When the in surgents left the White House it was understood that Roosevelt was to write the letter and send it to Nelson.
 At noon the next day Roosevelt sat in the Presidents room of the Senate chamber at the capitol, signing the final bills of his administration. All the ceremonial preparation for the inauguration of President Taft was under way. About Roosevelt, as he bent over the desk were grouped sev- eral members of the House and Sem ate. President-elect Taft was there.
 Roosevelt, summoning a page, sent for the insurgent committee that had waited on him the day before. Only Gardner could be found and Roose- welt despatched him <to find Nelson. When Gardner and Nelson returned Roosevelt was busy with the numer- ous bills on the desk before him. He arose quickly, grasped Nelson by the hand and said:
 Well, I'm sorry" Then he told them that without discussing directly the suggestion he had made to the insurgents, he had brought up the rules-Cannon matter in Taft's pres ence and that as a result he had reached the conclusion that to write the letter would be unwise in view of what Taft had said. He again eX- pressed his sympathy with the in surgent plans however. Gardner turned to him and asked:
 well, MT. President, won't you ask MT. Taft to do what he can for us?" With an impulsive gesture Roosevelt turned to the two insur- gents, grasped each by the hand and led them out to where Taft stood. The other occupants of the room started a little and turned their attention to- ward the President and the Presi- dent
 Roosevelt briefly explained to Taft the plans of the insurgents in their fight against Cannon and the rules and said that they had asked for his support - pleaded with his successor for the in surgents and their cause, ending with the request,
 At least keep your hands off''
 Taft listened to Rooserelt's fervid plea, threw up his hands, and turned off the matter in a joking way. With in half an hour Roosevelt had sur- rendered the Presidency to Taft and had severed himself entirely from politics. He has not discussed poli- tics since. The insurgents have sent letter after letter to Africa and Europe. The replies to these letters are guarded closely by their recipi- entS.