The Washington herald., 1910-03-01

Col. James Gordon. retiring Senator
from Mississippi, is a Presidential posi-
bility. according to a story that spread
throughout the Columbia Theater last
evening and was discussed with intense
interest in hotel Hobbies.
How much the Senator himself was
impressed is evident from the fact that
at the last moment he abandoned his
anticipated speech and simply bowed hts
Acknowledgment IN response to the Ova-
ton that was accorded him.
II was a remarkable scene that greeted
him as he sat surrounded by practically
the entire Senate OF the United States
every one Of whom anticipated another
such speech as had aroused the Upper
House Of Congress Thursday last and
forced the Mississippi Senator into a po-
siticu Of national prominence.
To his left. as he sat unostentatiously
IN the first row Of the orchestra. was the
box that had been handsomely decorated
in anticipation Of the presence of Presi-
dent Taft. It was occupied by Mrs. Taft.
her sister. Mrs. Laughlin. and Lieut..
Commander Palmer, who followed the
play. as well as the evenings develop
ments. with marked interest. on the op-
pOsite side Of the house, in another box.
sat Representative and Mrs. LongwOrth
with a party OF friends. while in what
ever direction the eye turned men OF
national prominence were to be found.
Pleasures Offset disappointment.
The evening was one combining disap-
pointments and unexpected pleasures. BY
reason Of the demands upon his time at
the University Club banquet, President
Taft failed to reach the theater. and de-
spite the persistent demands OF many who
had anticipated hearing another memoir
able address from Senator Gordon, he
remained silent These were the disap-
pointments.
Every press association was represented
in the audience, and correspondents of
all the prominent papers of the country
were there TO get such news as might
fall from the lips of one whom many of
the prominent papers have seen Mt 10
associate with a possible Democratic
nomination when the time comes to select
President Tafts successor.
All during the day Senator Gordon had
received messages telling of the editorials
that had been printed in the big papers,
and at last not only he. but some OF the
leading members Of his party. were seri-
ously impressed.
II was pointed out that no stronger
candidate could be offered by Democracy
than one who, possessed of so lovable
a disposition that its appeal TO the hard
ened politicians of the United States
Senate had swept away all party lines
and laid the entire body in homage at his
feet A few days ago he was hardly
known outside OF his little coterie OF
friends and his immediate associates in
the Senate, and to-day his name Is dis
cussed wherever politicians assemble.
Reluctant to Commit Himself
This very discussion was what deprived
the Columbia audience Of the pleasure of
listening to the old Mississippian's speech;
however. becoming convinced that the
consideration that was being accorded
him in leading editorials as a possible
Presidential or Vice Presidential candi-
date was founded upon substantial con
ditions, his friends discussed the matter
with him and urged upon him the in
expediency of committing himself under
such forced circumstances. As reluctant
as he was TO disappoint those who were
expecting to hear him, he complied with
the urgent requests Of his friends and
political managers and only arose from
his seat to bow his Acknowledgements.
In anticipation of his mounting the
stage in response to the demands that
were sure to be made for him. stair
way had been constructed from the
orchestra pit, just in front OF where
Senator Gordon sat, to the stage; but It
was not used.
what lie Might Have said.
II Senator Gordon had spoken he might
have told his auditors that his intense
interest in "a Gentleman from Mlssis- |
sippi'' lay in the fact that the play was
in reality drawn around incidents in his !
life, and that the part of the Senator. as
portrayed by Mr.. Wise, was in reality |
a character study OF Senator Gordon !
himself.
Accompanying Representative and Mrs |
Longworth were the Countess Gyzicky, I
Warren Dawson, who has but recently re- !
turned from Africa, where he was with /
the Roosevelt party; H c. Emory, and /
Harrison Rhodes, one Of the authors Of /
the play. Senator Nixon, of Nevada, en-
tertained a party Of friends in the box 4
adjoining the Presidents Another box
was occupied by Mrs. Letter. Mr.. Horst |
man, Of the German Embassy; Solicitor |
General and Mrs. Bowers, and Miss Will !
fans. Commander Robert Platt and Miss /
Plat entertained a box party. including |
Hon. P. Y. De Graw. the Assistant Post |
master General. Mrs. De Graw. and Mr. /
Edwin b De Graw. Mr.. and Mrs. S. |
Oppenheimer had as their guests in an |