New-York tribune., 1912-02-28
NEW YORK STATE FOR TAFT
Barnes Says Convention Will
Repudiate Roosevelt.

Washington Feb. Civilian Barnes, jr.,
chairman OF the New York Republican
State Committee, gave ont statement here
tonight, just before goua = the White
House to dine with Presided TAFT
Il want il made clear hat | gave out
this statement before ! went to the White
House" said Mr.. Barnes. The statement,
which concerns Colonel Rooseyelts speech
at Columbus, follows:
can only say this: It has seemed 10
me that homogeniety of opinion within the
Republican party has been threatened FOR
long time, and that a dehhition of funds-
mental principles was therefore absolutelT
necessary. IN order that the party might
endure as the preservative force in the ma
'tion's life
The speech Of Mr. Roosevelt al Colum-
bus is a violation Of Republicanism. When
casually read it would seem to contain a
formulation Of doctrine, but, coupled as II
Immediately was with declaration OF the
authors candidacy for the nomination 10
the Presidency, Il acquired Virility, but
lost that dispassionate devotion 10 prin-
Ciple which would have given II whatever
quality II might have possessed. In other
words. this exposition at Columbus was to
preface a candidacy, rather than to main
tain a principle, and a candidacy which
had been by it's progenitor distinctly re
pudiated.
This seems So clear TO me that. although
II Is impossible for me 10 subscribe 10 the
doctrine Of the Columbus speech, ] would
feel that If were one who could sub
scribe 10 that doctrine my feet were on
slippery ground.
Regarding the situation I'm the state Of
New York, delegates from each Congress
district Will be elected al a primary cleo
ton on March 2S by the direct vote OF
nearly one half million enrolled Repuhli-
cans IN the whole state 10 the national
convention to he held at Chicago and a.
the state convention to he held at Roches.
ter on April four delegates-at-large will
he chosen by the vote Of majority of
tho delegates elected to the state conven-
ton at the same primary.
There IS no doubt whatsoever that the
best Judgment OF the Republican elector.
of New York viii be expressed at that
primary, and that that convention, which
will assemble in Rochester as result OF
that primary. will reaff1rrn those princi-
piles of the Republican party which have
made Il in the past the medium through
which the thoughtful and patriotic people
Of the country have rested In security that
their government VIII be representative
farsghted and tenacious OF the rights of
every individual. whether his opinions coin
eide with the majority or whether they dc
not.
The Republicans Of the State .of New
York can no more be swerved from their
obvious duty now than they were in 1895
when that state with others united TO hold
the party firm in resistance to the crazed
ideas Of that hour.
Mr.. Barness arrival was apparently un-
expected except at the White House, where
he dined with President Taft and Secretary
Hiles. His appearance gave rise 10 all
sorts Of rumors. but the one which re-
ceivcd most credence was that he would
take direct management OF President Tafts S
candidacy in New York state.
Among those who learned of Mr.. Barnes S
views and WHO said they were familiar with
his purpose II was stated that he undoubt-
edly had urged the President to insist on a
strong platform in so far as It reaffirmed
Republican principles and 10 hold out
against recent doctrines as expressed by
the more radical of the Progressiyes.