The Washington times., 1911-03-18
WEIGH TAFT POLICY
IN EXTRA SESSION
Canadian Reciprocity and
Mexican Embroglio In
Balance.
NEW SECRETARY IS
SURE TO HELP HIM
National Committee Split on Ad-
visibility of Renominating
President.

Developments in the coming extra
session will shed light on the question
now much discussed among politicians,
whether President Taft is going to be
his own successor.
Two great questions are foremost just
now in the public nina and on them
in no small measure, depends the po-
litical future of the President. These
questions are the Mexican embroglio
and the Canadian reciprocity agreement.
1t is in some degree remarkable that
two questions relating to the country's s
foreign policy should be of overshadow-
ing importance in their bearings on in
ternal politics. but it is undoubtedly
true that they are. 1t is undeniable
that If the President should bring about
the ratification Of the Canadian reci-
procity agreement, and the results of 1t
should justify his expectations. he would
be greatly strengthened with the coun-
try. 1t is also true that he will be
strengthened with the country If the
outcome of the Mexican controversy is
such as clearly to justify the course he
has taken. On the other hand, failure
10 secure, at the hands of Congress,
ratification of the Canadian agreement
would be harmful in a political way to
the President, and if the movement of
troops to the border turns out a mistake
blamed.
Critics Make 1t Unpleasant.
Already his critics are flying at
him vigorously for the order Of mObl-
ization of a great army along the bor-
ders Of a peaceful power.
Generally, it is taken for granted that
President Taft will succeed himself, bat
it was learned today that there are some
difficulties in the way. The Republican
National Committee is split on the sub
ject. Wide difference of opinion exists
among members of the committee
whether President Taft ought to be put
up for denomination. Some think it
question If MI Taft can be reelected
providing he geIS the denomination.
This situation lends especial interest
10 the meeting of the national comIht-
tee in Washington next fall. The com
mittee will meet in November or just
about the time Congress is assembling
for the beginning Of ;he regular session
in December 1t will have various ques-
tions befure it. Including the fixing OF
the time and place for the Republican
national convention. The question Of in
dorsing President Taft for denomination
and reelection will also come up.
Will Probably Be Endorsed.
If il should develop tha, the COM
mittee could nCt be prevailed on to give
AIr. Taft an Endorsement or more than
perfunCtoTy Endorsement, or If ii
should express disapproval cf renOmi-
mating Mr.. Taft, IT might change the
whole situation as to the action of the
nominating convention Conversely,
hearty Endorsement Of Mr.. Taft by the
committee would fOreshadOw his rCnOm-
inaIion. The probabilities are that he
will be indorSed.
PostmaSta General Hitchcock is for
the denomination OF Mr.. Taft and counts
thirty-siX friends on the committee out
OF total of fifty-three If Mr.. Hitch
C'ck asks these friends TO indorse Mr..
Taft, most, If not all of them, Will do
as he wishes. Of course, number of
the committee are friendly to President
Taft regardless of Hitchcock. Others
are primarily Hitchcock men. A third
element is unfriepdly 10 both President
Taft and Hitchcock.
Importance will be attached to the Sc
lection Of the location for the COTVcn-
ton. The cities that will be considered
irClud9 Denver, Kansas CITY, ST. Louis.
Chicago, and prOEa blv Philadelphia. A
test Of Administration and anti-Admin
iStratun strength may come about right
at this point.
Look for More Suitable Man.
For months, the Republican polite
eff of it. who have been doubtful OF
the wisdom of rehominating Mr Taft.
Lave been casting about for a more
suitable man They have had diff
Guilty finding him. Most of them are
averse to nominating one of the
Western insurgents, such as Cummins
or La Toilette. Secretary of State
Knox is understood to harbOr Presi-
Genital aspirations. But criticisms of
his administration of the State De-
aTtment have been so sharp that he
is out OF the question. AS a matter of
fact, the man who comes nearer to
filling the bill than any other, in the
judgment of most of the regular Re-
publican leaders who oppose Mr.. Taft,
Supreme Court The Hughes talk
was first heard early last winter 1t
is an interesting fact that 1t is still
heard in high political circles
Under these circumstances, poll
tiCians OF both parties are going to
keep | close eye on extra session de
Nelopments, alike as to Mexico and
reciprocity, along with tariff matters
generally President Tafts every i'm
der a 1912 %-ray.
1t is pretty generally admitted that
the President is going to be in a
strengthened position by reason of
his recent selection of Charles D.
Hilles as secretary. Mr.. Hilles is a
good politician a man of tact, well
liked by nearly every brand of poll
tIcian in Washington. Mr.. Norton on
the other hand. admirably as he is
ly hated by one eleme',t of the old
guard leaders