Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-04-20
SENATOR HALE TALKS.

far from voluble on the subject, Sena-
tor Hale talked tonight with more
freedom than during the day concern
ing his announced determination to
retire from the Senate. He admitted
that he sent letter to Chairman Boyd
of the Maine committee informing him
that he could not consent to make a
personal contest for the Sena;c His
principal reason was the unsettled con-
dltion of politics and the fact for the
first time he has encountered opposi-
ton. He told his friends that having
been accorded the unDareleled term of
five terms in the Senate without con-
test If any character. he did not rel
ish The prospect of entering into "a
scramble at his time of life.
But while this was the principal
reason given by tho senator, he made
it plain that his course had not been
dictated by any fear of the results. The
senator contends that so far as the
contest has gone the indications are
entirely favorable to his reelection
II is the conflict itself that appalS him
Seventy-f"ur years of age and unused
to opposition i'll his political aspira
tens. he says he simply heSitated to
eater upon scrimmage which, while
it probably would result in his tri-
umph, would he injurious to his health
and at the same time greatly disturb
his peace of mind.
man of robust constitution, Mr.
Hale has been equal to any demand
upon him until the past year or two
Recently he has experienced some at -
tackS which while not serious them
selves have called out warnings from
the senator's physicians. He has been
reminded that he is no longer Il young
man ard has been admonished agains t
the excitement of public life. These
warnings have not frightened the sena-
tor. but undoubtedly they have had some
effect in determining his decision not to
enter into a spirited campaign.
Mr. Hale also takes the position that
already he has enjoyed all that can come
to hrl a.; 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 encounter
ed opposition in his party. This record
is without precedent and is unapproach-
ed 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 1t
NAV be stated almost authoritatively
that this is the principal reason for his
voluntary retirement. He would feel al
most Us badly over triumph won at
the expense of a party struggle as over
a positive defeat.
All day the Maiuc senator was the
subject of solemn solicitation from his
associates. Many of them on both SIDES
of tho chamber pleaded with him to re-
consider his deter mination on account
of the condition in which they believed
his withdrawal from the Senate would
leave that body. He expressed high APP
probation of friendly sentiment. but at
the same time said that the course they
sueyested was entirely out of the Ques-
ton.
As is .he case with Senator Atdrlch,
Mr. Hale is IL member of the monetary
commission and will continue his ser
yices in that connection
Washington, April 19.-The positive
announcement of the prospective re-
t;roment of Senator Hale. following
co c,oselv upou the heels of q similar
announcement by Senator Aldrich'
seemed to have stunning effect upon
the Senate. That the Oldest OF 'he
senators in point of service should VOL
UNFAIRLY decide to retire from tha'
BODY was scarcely less of a surprise
than that the recognized leader shouio
have decided upon similar step
Most of the senators deemed ~
comment upon the fact. because they
were not prepared to receive the news
as true without confirmation from MI
Hale himself.
Senator Hale was i'll the Sena'e
building early in the day but KEEP.
himself aloof from other senators anu
from visitors generally. He was en- :
gagged in a conference on an appoint
ment bill and was sufficiently occupied
| without seeing callers. Many OF those
who were successful in getting an III
terview with him. found him retlceii'
on the subject of his withdrawal, pu'
to his intimateS he made no denlai Una
he had written letter to Maine stat
| ing his attitude and outlining his IN
| tentionS. Nor did he conceal the fac'