The Washington herald., 1912-06-09
THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

A great political battle is now being
waged in Chicago. The campaign, un-
usual in thousand ways, possesses an
other unique feature in the fact that
with the convention ten days distant, the
interest in the action of the National
Committee is at fever heat. Hitherto
the preliminary session of this organi-
zation has been more or less perfume
tory. 1t has met, named the temporary
presiding officer, listened wearily to a
few contests, and then adjourned. To-
day, however, the outcome of the con-
vention is almost literally in the hands
of the National Committee.
Up to the present time it is evident.
that a majority OF the committee is
friendly to President Taft Unless the
unexpected happens it would seem as if
large proportion of the contests would
be settled in the Presidents favor. 1t.
is difficult to see how this could have
been otherwise. Over 23o contests have
been instituted. with more than Us
originating from the Roosevelt faction.
and il does not seem possible that many
Of them can have substantial founda-
ton They were evidently brought for
the purpose Of throwing an element Of
doubt around as many seats as possible
and with the further determination to
utter a loud protest when the contest
ant, claims were not allowed, The
scheme is 50 transparent that it is visi-
bic to the dullest eye.
1t may be expected, therefore, that
during this week delegate after delegate
will be added to the Taft forces, thus
insuring the Presidents control of the
convention. There are, of course,
goodly proportion of delegates who are
are not instructed, but even should they
combine and vote solidly on all ques-
tons. which is not at all probable, it
5 doubtful whether they could seriously
affect the situation. II is usually the
case that uninst7ucted delegates are.
waiting on the highway for the appear
snce OF the band wagon, and il this IA
nous vehicle bears the Taft banner,
they will joyously climb aboard and
make the Presidents victory all the
more certain.
The outcome OF a situation which
changes with kaleidoscope rapidity can
not always be accurately predicted. 1t
looks, however. as if President Taft
would be nominated, thus preserving in
unbroken fashion the precedents OF the
past 1t has been a hard fight for the
President, and one that he has had to
bear almost alone. Upon him the brunt
Of the campaign has fallen, and man
Of less powerful physique and endur-
ance would have collapsed under the
strain and the fatigue He has been
condemned, of course. because he in
dulged in personalities in his contest
with Roosevelt There are many who
would have preferred to see him qui-
eScent, no matter how great the provo
catiOn. The fact IS. however. that he
was between the devil and the deep
sea. An attitude OF holy resignation
would have been accepted as proof OF
The weakness and indecision with which
he was charged, and he would have
suffered thereby. When he manifested
a righteous resentment he invited the
criticism of those who believe that the
Office Of President ought to be envel-
oped in sanctifed dignity. As he could
not possibly do anything which would
meet with universal commendation. he
decided upon the course which seemed
to him most manly and appropriate,
and gave blow for blow
Perhaps the hypercritical were not
pleased, but certainly the President must
have experienced a feeling of, inward
satisfaction. At any rate, battle be-
, tween giants gave to the campaign a
unique favor