The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-08-23
Congressman Cocks Of New
York Talks With Taft
STATEMENT IS GIVEN OUT
New York Man Declares He Is Not An
Emissary of Roosevelt, But
Shortly After the Visit Taft's
Letter Becomes Public

Beverly, Mass, August PA visit to
President Taft from Representative W.
w. Cocks of the Oyster Bay district In
Congress, and one of Colonel Roose-
velts closest friends and advisers, came
as a forerunner in Beverly today to what
transpired in New York and Oyster Bay
tonight Mr. Cocks, Immediately upon
his arrival indicated that a better un-
derstanding was soon to be had and de-
clared without equivocation that there
would be no break between President
Taft and Colonel Roosevelt. Mr.. Cocks
said he did not come as an emissary from
the colonel, and that his visit here was
incidental to a trip to New Hampshire,
to see some relatives. He was glad, how
ever, to take the opportunity to acquaint
the President further with the exact sit
uation In New York state politics and
at Oyster Bay.
After the conference at Burgess Point
President Taft said his talk with Mr..
Cocks had been most satisfactory. He
rather significantly called attention to the
fact that Mr.. Cocks, being Quaker,
was essentially man of peace. No COM
ment was obtainable in Beverly tonight.
1t was said that the Presidents letter
spoke for itself.
, The Presidents letter, in many Of the
details given, throws an interesting light
upon a number of recent events in Bev-
erly. Probably the mcst interesting OF
these was the interview given out by
Vice President Sherman, following his
talk with President Taft last Wednesday
President told Mr.. Sherman that he de-
plored the action of the state COMMITTEES
In voting down Mr.. Roosevelt and that
he wanted him to see Mr.. Roosevelt and
try to arrange an agreement.
sherman's Statement
Mr.. Sherman, when he emerged from
the summer White House, stated in the
intention of withdrawing as temporary
chairman and that he did not think a
movement to overturn the action of the
state committee in the convention would
be successful When 1t was suggested
to him that his withdrawal might tend
to harmony, Mr.. Sherman asserted with
a laugh that he was going to serve "in
the interest of harmony"
There is much speculation here tonight
as to what the future relations between
the President and the vice president are
to be. That sure enough break has
come out of the New York situation but
that it involves Mr.. Taft and Mr.. Sher-
man rather than Mr. Taft and Mr.. Roose-
welt, is the general opinion. There Is
little doubt here that Mr.. Taft and Colo
mel Roosevelt, working harmoniously and
militantly in New York state. will have
matters entirely their own way so far
as the republican party is concerned. Just
what figure Mr.. Sherman is to cut in
the readjustment that is bound to come
it is difficult to figure.
The differences between the President
and Mr.. Sherman as revealed in Mr..
Tafts letter appear to be irreconcilable.
Mr.. Taft's letter bears out the only
suggestion of a comment that has come
from Beverly sources since the recent
tangle began. That comment was to the
matter was absolutely clear.
Taft's Position Known
1t also appears that the Presidents po-
sition was known to number of leaders
throughout the entire controversy. When
Lloyd C. Griscom left Beverly for Oyster
Bay after spending the night OF the 18th
with President Taft he had possession of
<1o <olo TT, ~ 4
sent to Vice President sherman asking
him and the leaders associated with him
to consult Mr.. Roosevelt's wishes before
doing anything. The President felt that
this made his position clear and there is
reason to believe he feels just a little re-
sentful that newspaper stories were per-
mitted to go out of New York and Oyster
Bay putting the President In false light
before the country. These stories were
anonymous, it is true. but there is feel
ing In Beverly that a statement of facts
as understood by some of the leaders In
New York might have changed the situa-
ton.
Congressman Cocks declared here today
In this connection that he was present at
most of the recent conferences held at
Oyster Bay and especially the ones imme-
diately preceding and following the ac-
tion of the state committee.
No Intimati0n Of Break
Nothing was said or done by any one
present at these conferences to justify
the statements that were made in the
press at the time," said Mr.. Cocks There
certainly was no intimation from Colonel
Roosevelt or any one else of break in
the relations between the colonel and the
President. 41s
Neither was there the slightest foun-
dation for any reference to 1912, and what
Mr.. Roosevelt might do at that time.
II want to say further" Mr. Cooke
continued, that when Colonel Roosevelt
was about to leave the White House he
called number of us up there and told
us he wanted us to work as hard as we
could to make President Taft's admin
istration success and wanted US to stick
to Mr.. Taft no matter what happened
Not by word or suggestion has he at any
time changed from this attitude
Mr.. Cocks said further that the fight In
New York state was not one Of the reg