Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1912-01-27
ROOSEVELT CHOICE
IN WEST VIRGINIA
Governor GIasscoek's Statement Gre
ates Sensation In West Virginia
Taft Men viii Fight.

II aft Men VIII Ft9Ht'
Charleston, w. Va, jan. 22.--Gov-
ernor Glasscock's declaration for
Theodore Roosevelt for President OF
the United States has been the poll
teal sensation Of the state for the
week, and in fact for many months
There has been some Roosevelt sen-
timent crystalizing in West Virginia
since the Oyster Bay citizen relieved
himself of that interview anent the
Government suit against the steel
trust. but the break was hardly ex-
pected yet. Now that it has been
started developments are expected the
next few weeks.
Governor Glasscock has several
times since his induction into office
declared his endorsement Of the Taft
administration. Recently he reiterat-
ed that endorsement. He is ready at
any time to defend the administra-
ton as successful He is a personal
friend of the President. His state
ment issued within the week does not
attempt to put the mark OF failure
uron Taft or his administration. But
as Governor Glasscock says in his
statement he believes that majority
OF the republican voters OF the state
are for Roosevelt. He makes it strong
end declares they are almost unani-
nous Believing that, he takes the
stand that the people should speak
out and make their preferences
known They should go further, he
says, and see to it that the delegates
from West Virginia to the republican
national convention are instructed ac-
cordingly.
Could Carry West Virginia.
Wnilo Governor Glasscock refuses
absolutely to talk ON this phase of his
interview. it is believed that the Gov
ernor has some definite word from
Oyster Bay as to the respective TO
clivities of the former President.
Roosevelt will not accept simply for
the purpose of holding Office for his
own sake" says the Governor. hut
when he is drafted for service by the
free people of great and progressive
country he will lay aside his habili-
ment of private citizenship and once
more put on the mantle of public Of
fee"
The Executive predicts that Roose-
welt cam carry this state by over 30'
600 plurality. He carried it in 1904
by 31,749 Taft carried 1T in 1908 by
26,451. The Governor states: 'Roose-
welt does not want the office, but the
people want Roosevelt, and this Is
bad time to trifle With the honest
convictions of the honest yeomanry
OF this country"
With many other republicans, judg
Glasscock has some fear of the result
in the coming election. He believes
that Roosevelt win get practically all
the republican votes and many from
democrats. With him as candidate
the Governor is confident OF success
at the polls.
The statement given out by Gov
ornor Glasscock bespeaks in effect the
views of al the other republican state
officials. The Governor, being recog-
rizod as the titular head Of the party.
felt called upon to speak first. The
others will declare themselves from
time to time.
Roosevelt Organization.
The Roosevelt movement in the
state will start to organize soon. Adj
jrtant General Charles d. Elliott has
been and win continue to be active
In the movement. He has definitely
decided to abandon the idea of be-
coming a candidate for Congress il
the Fourth Congressional district,
leaving that district to Judge Hunter
II. Moss, unless other candidates an
nounce. Instead General Elliott will
devote his spare time to boosting
Roosevelt.
The effect Of the Governors state
nent Will begin to show soon. The
members of the republican state com
mittee are not declaring themselves
as yet. When the committee met last
there was no thought of a Roosevelt
campaign it being taken for granted
that the West Virginia delegation
would be given to Taft without fight
Now it looks like there might be a
lively time in the state delegate con-
yention at Huntington May 16. State
Chairman Virgil L. Highland is ex-
pected to stand by Taft, In West
Virginia matters he is consulted by
the President. In fact no President
ever recognized West Virginia as has
Taft. In return he has been assured
at various times by state leaders that
the West Virginia delegation is with
in his vest pocket.
The republican side OF state politics
is becoming muddled. Dr. H. D. Ha-
field declares that he has made only
tentative" announcement for the re-
publican nomination for governor and
that personally he would rather prac-
tice his profession than mako tha