New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-05-29
THE DAyINWASHINGTON

any understanding or correspondence be-
tween him and his predecessor. John A.
Stewart. of New York. came to see the
President and urged him to be present At
the reception to Mr.. Roosevelt cit Is my
earnest desire TO Go everything in my
power which will contribute to the sue
cess of the event." was in substance Mr..
Taft's reply, but he added that he would
make no definite decision until he had an
opportunity to consult William Loeb. r.,
former secretary to Mr.. Roosevelt and
then In New York Immediately after Mr.
Stewards visit II was announced in the
press that President Taft would go to New
York soon thereafter, on February 15 TO
be exact, Mr.. Loeb came to Washington.
and Mr.. Taft expressed to him his desire to
do everything in his power to make Mr..
RooseveIt's reception an unparalleled sue
cess. but told Ny. Loeb he would abide en-
tirely by his decision. Mr.. Loeb, who had
been authorized to represent the former
President In all the arrangements regard
ing the reception told Mr. Taft that In his
Judgment the President OF the United States
should not 70 to New York to meet any
one, and submitted reasons which so
strongly appealed TO Mr.. Taft that he then
and there decided not to go. II is doubtful
tation to go to the yillanova commence
rnent he even remembered that 1t would be
held on the date set for the reception Of the
ex-President Arrangements will be made
Immediately on Mr.. Roosevelt's return for
a meeting between him and the President
under auspices more favorable than could
possibly exist on the day of the colonels
return, which necessarily will be crowded
with events of formal character and the
reception OF many individuals with whom
the meeting will be far from intimate.
AFRAID TO QUIT.-A curious and not
unamusing situation appears to obtain in
Ecuador and Peru, where the administra-
tons OF both countries are reluctant TO
fight. but where public sentiment is SO
strong and the governments so weak that In
each instance the administration appears
to be afraid to cease its warlike prepara-
lions. The situation appears to be closely
analogous to that OF two small boys, neither
anxious to fight, but each egged on by his
fellows and each watching the other In
belligerent attitude. although neither is will
ing to strike the first blow. In view of the
fact that both nations are pledged to sus-
pend all preparations for war by the terms
OF the agreement effected through the re-
cent mediation Of the United States, Brazil
and Argentina, 1t is probable that Secretary
Knox VIII soon propose some further
method of composing the differences which
exist between these republics. He has al
ready addressed an inquiry to each gov
eminent asking when troops are to be
withdrawn from the frontier, but has re-
ceived no reply. AS has been told in this
column. the physical characteristics of the
oil al
most to preclude serious hostiities. but
there Is a grave side to the situation, and
that is the danger that Chilli and possibly
Colombia. may become involved This Is
the second time these little republics have
agreed to cease hostile preparations and
have then broken their promise. and II is
confidently believed that the only reason for
their course Is the imperative demand of
the opponents of the present governments
that hostilities should proceed. The most
serious phase of the situation is the prob
ability that it may initiate against the sue
cess of the approaching Pan-American con-
ference at Buenos Ayres.
EASTERN FOREST RESERvES.-Rep-
duced a resolution to-day providing tina.
the White Mountain and Appalachian for
est reserve bill be taken up for consideration
on June 4. The resolution was referred to
the Committee on Rules, and ii is expected
that ii will be favorably reported. There
is little doubt that this bill would pass the
House should the members have an oppor-
tunfty TO vote on It. In fact. it is even
doubtful IL there would be a division, as
the Democrats arc largely interested in the
Appalachian and the Republicans will favor
the White Mountain reserve There is con-
siderable question, however, if the measure
could be brought to a vote in the Senate at
this session, for there II would meet oppo-
sitfon from some of the longest winded
members Of the upper house. Should the
bill pass the House at this session. however,
II could probably be finally enacted at the
short session. This is one Of the measures
which would have been passed long ago e1-
cept for the opposition of Speaker Cannon,
and his course in preventing q vote was IN
part responsible for his unpopularity.
G.. G.. II.