Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1910-09-08

In
themselves dragged on with the current
but most reluctantly. They have no othe
political refuge than the Republican pal
!. ty, yet they are i'll at ease. In their trout
lous journey through the wilderness
whittier their Moses, Roosevelt, has LEI
them, weary and worn and hungry il
their search for the Promised Land
land which their leader constantly tell
them flows with the milk and honey o
civic Righteousness they often yearn TO
the feshpots of Egypt, such as they en-
joyed in the calm and placid days OF Nc
Kinley and Mark Hanna.
These stand-pst Republicans %rejoiced
when Roosevelt retired, and during his
long stay abroad regsined much Of theii
equanimity. They watched Taft closely,
somewhat p~rejudiced against him at the
outset because he was the protege aud
chosen heir OF Roosevelt. But az time
went on they thought they discerned in
the new president seed that would bear
good fruit. Though protesting allegiance
to the progressive policies of his prede-
%cessor, it was noted that he slackened
somewhat in his voeiferous support of
them. AT one or two critical times be
even followed a reactionary course. He
lost the confidence of the ardent third de-
gree Roosevelt lovers who denounced him
as recreant. But the stand-patters rallied
to a man about him, quite encouraged by
the prospect. Here was hope at last OF
restoring the g. o. P. to its historic pre-
cepts.
As the split between the administration
and the ra-Rooseveltians widened, the
approaching return OF the Mighty Hunter
was viewed with the keenest interest.
Where would he stand With which
faction would he side Would be en-
dorse the men formerly so close to him
who had been kicked out by Taft because,
as they claimed, they were too much like
their former chief to suit the modified
leadership, or would he support Taft,
whom be virtually created politically ?
Both sides wooed him diligently, appre-
ciating what his aid meant.
For some time after his arrival, Roose-
Welt gave no definite sign of preference to
either party. He had them both on ten
terhooks. Gradually, however, it began
TO appear that while be did not propose to
declare definitely for either, the Republi-
can insurgents, embracing the anti Bal
anti-Aldrich, anti-C Cannon, anti
Taft and, in New York state, the anti
organization Republicans had his ear the
His conferences were largely with
them. As for Taft, he seems to have al
most deserted him. A single short and
.periunctory greeting when chance threw
them together is the extent OF the renewal
Of their old compsnionship. 1t is said
here is no communication or understand
ing between them. Roosevelt has not
openly assailed or criticised the admins
but neither has he endorsed it.
silence speaks louder than words. II
Taft pleased him be would be quick to
ay so. He does not say 80.
Mr.. Roosevelt is now on a speaking
our OF the West. At every opportunity
&c has placed himself squareIy with the
Insurgents in the territory where that
is rampant. His companions and
ellow-speakers are insurgents. His ut
erances are radically progressive. Even
N tbe tariff he is distinctly with the new
bought Republicans. It is this element
has caused Taft the most trouble;
'hom he denounced in his last trip West.
A crisis is almost at hand. President
will shortly demand whether Roose-
cit is with him or against him. II, as
seems likely, unless Taft changes his
and adopts insurgency himself,
clash comes between these two leaders,
e shall see a gigantic battle. 1t will be
be old versus the new Republicanism, a
ontest for supremacy.
Roosevelt, it is reasonable to conclude,
holding himself ready, in case be deems
is policies endangered b. the r-ecESancy
{ Taft, to seek the presidency again in
to maintain them. he has not
vowed himself yet, but be may before
1ne. Whether, in such an event, Taft
Iould join battle with him in order to {
eek the verdict of his party on bis record,
7 whether he would consider II q forlorn
ope and retire disguised is open to ques- 4,
lon. II Is very evident that unless |
loosevelt can scare Taft into uuquestion- {
d compliance with his win, Taft will :
to nght for his political life. The
arty win be confronted with the neces- !
ity Of deciding between the two men,
sp~resenting the two methods, and the {
il il takes place, will be q mem ,
one. =