The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1912-03-08
DARK HORSE TALK
AT WASHINGTON
Neither Taft or Roosevelt MAY
Secure Nomination.

"douli lOu, MdICH o.-oOllc VI iuS
Taft men here see a situation develop
ing in the Republican party that may
lead TO the elimination of both Will
lam Fl. Taft and Theodore Roosevelt
as presidential candidates. Progress
sives contend and many regulars share
the view that the denomination of
President Taft would inevitably result
in the defeat Of the party.
On the other hand there are Repub-
lican regulars who entertain the belief
that Colonel Roosevelts nomination,
which can be effected only by an ex-
ceedingly bitter fight, might end in
party failure. Some Of these op-
ponents Of Roosevelt believe that pos
sibly third man can be found who
can defeat Roosevelt in the conven-
ton and who will be satisfactory to
the Taft supporters.
The present situation, it is declared,
is without parallel in the history. of
the Republican party. There are prac-
tically three factions busily working
at cross purposes. The regulars al
most to a man are supporting Presi-
dent Taft, although many of them
would be glad Of an excuse to switch
their allegiance if an opportunity was
presented to do SO. There are two pro-
gressipe candidates, Roosevelt and La
Toilette.
The Wisconsin senator and his i'm
mediate managers are hostile towards
Colonel Roosevelt, charging that he
was in part responsible for the with
drswal Of support from the La Fol-
lstts candidacy. Mr.. La Toilette in
tends to stay In the race until q nomi-
nation is made. As things now stand
there Ia no possibility OF Mr.. La Fol-
lette going over to the support of the
former president. The Taft men, so
far as il is in their power, are doing
everything they can to widen the
breach between the Roosevelt and La
Toilette forces. - -"
Supporters Lack Enthusiasm.
One OF the dificulties that the Taft
managers are meeting is lack of en-
thusiasm on the part of the presidents
supporters. 1t is conceded that most
OF the strength of the president comes
from those who are antagonistic 10 the
denomination Of Colonel Roosevelt.
The regulars are for Mr.. Taft because
there is no one at present available to
whom they can tie up. '..f. ,~ r..
The statement was made by con-
servatiye leader that majority OF the
delegates to the Chicago convention
would get to Chicago uninstructed.
Neither Taft nor Roosevelt; he said
twill be able to muster a majority
before the convention meets. 1t, will
not be known until after the conven-
ton has been called to order who is
to be the presidential candidate. The
cards cannot be stacked this year as,
they were in 1896, 1900, 1904 and 1908.
The convention will name the candi-
date without dictation from the
leaders. With the convention assem-
bling without any man having ma
jority of the delegates pledged to him,
/ expect to see dark horse run away
no one can with accuracy predict at
this time" -.
Doubt is expressed by those who
hold the view that Taft and Roosevelt
will be pushed aside that progress
sive can be named. 1t is known, how
ever, that friends Of Senator Cummins
believe that the Iowa leader stands a
better chance than either Taft or
Roosevelt. They insist that while Mr..
Cummins always has given his support
to progressive measures he is not OBJ
noxious to the regular leaders OF his
party. They declare that if Mr.. Taft
and Colonel Roosevelt are put out of
the race for any reason the fight will
then. resolve itself. into battle for
first honors between Associate Justice
Hughes and Senator Cummins. .u