The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1910-07-14
Loeb as Tariff Expert.

The report that the tariff was to be
the principal theme of discussion
seems to be borne out by many cir
cumstances. II is admitted that Mr..
Loeb was summoned to Beverly by c.
d. Norton. the presidents secretary,
with the full knowledge of the presi-
dent. Nj Loeb's duties as collector
of the port of New York bring him In
touch with the tariff. and probably he
knows more about the actual political
working OF the law than any other
man
The alvantage of a Taft Roosevelt
alliance would be mutual The colonel
would be benefited by the support Of
the federal patronage wielder in New
York state. Taft would gain by the
prestige of being backed by his pre-
decessor.
The president is credited with de-
sire to understand just where his for
mer chief stands. Recent events at
Oyster Bay and the news dispatches
that have been sent out from Beverly
have put both Taft and Roosevelt con
siderably up In the air. They appar-
entdy are working at cross purposes,
which Ia not desirable to two men.
both Of whom are anxious for the sue
cess of the Republican party at the
November elections.
With no desire to question Colonel
ROosevelt's acts. the president at the
same time has a natural curiosity to
know just what the former resident
proposes to do that he may shape his
course accordingly.
In political parlance. II Is believed
that before this conference is ended
there will have been a showdown.
Taft and Roosevelt will then under
stand each other perfectly.
The facts Mr.. Loeb's visit has dis
closed thus far are:
That Colonel Roosevelt's consent to
speak for Senator Beverage in In
diana was obtained under the plea
that he had promised to speak In Mas
sachusetts for Senator Lodge. who Is
classed as a reactionary. and that to
support an insurgent was necessary
to even things up.
That the reason so many insurgents
have been received at Sycamore Hill
is that Colonel Roosevelt sees almost
everybody who asks an appointment
- nd CnlnnOl
Roosevelt are on terms Of friendship
and that there has been no political
break between them.
That Colonel Roosevelt had a
bully" time when he visited President
Taft at Burgess Point on June 80.
The president has told friends be-
fore this that Loeb will be "a good
man for the governorship." In answer
TO inquiries as to that boom Mr.. Loeb
was not communicative.
1t is believed here that there is no
question as TO the o. X. of Colonel
Roosevelt on the Loeb boom.
With the o. X. of President Taft
and of Colonel Roosevelt, those who
profess to knox seem to think that
Mr.. Loeb would not only be the logical
candidate. but that he would de ex-
ceedingly well.
Calls Cabinet to Aid.
A conference is to be held before
the end of the week between the pres
idnt, Secretary of the Treasury Mac
Veagh. Attorney General Wicker
sham and Secretary Of Commerce and
Labor Nagel. This will be, 1t was
learned, one of the most important
that has marked the administration OF
Mr. Taft.
The object OF the conference is TO
lay out plans for settling once for all
the Alaskan situation. and the dis
putes which led to the Ballinger-Pin-
chot controversy. Mr.. Taft is under
stood to wish the immediate wiping
out OF every hint of scandal. particu-
larly in reference to the Guggenheim
claims. II is this which led 10 the de-
termination to send the attorney gen.
eral and Mr.. Nagel to Alaska this
summer.
This field investigation by two cab
met members is regarded as one OF
the most important outcomes OF the
row between tn former forester. Off
ford Pinchot, and Mr.. Ballinger.