Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-08-29
HARLAN BEGINS
ATTACKS ON 7. R.
Says Colonel Is First Man Ia
Call Successful Opponent
a Thief"
WOULD NOT USE SUCH WORD
Shows That Founder of Ananias
Club Cannot Be Expected to
Become a Member of
Famous Body.
WOULD NOT USE SUCH WORD

Proctor, Aug %-An enthusiastic ine ct
ing endorsing the republican ticket was
held tonight at the village hall. Several
hundred persons were present and heart
lily applauded the speakers who were c,
c. Fits of Brattleboro and John NJ. Har-
| Ian of Chicago. The latter reviewed the
| administration of Mr. Taft, showed the
| magnificent results of his administration
and then. In direct and effective fashion.
paid his compliments to Colonel Roosc-
welt.
Until Mr.. Roosevet's love for power
lured him to violate his word and seek the
honor of a third term which Was hington
and Jefferson declined. no defeated can
didate for n presidential nomination, with
in my recollection or reading, ever found
| 1t fitting to use the terms thief or re-
ceiver of stolen goods in reference to
his successful rival, whether he were the
president of the United States. an ex-
president. or any other private citizen
who had been nominated for the presi-
dency OF the United States and have no
intention of calling any one either a thief
or "A receiver of stolen goods.
But | do say know that Mr.. Taft
as Mr.. Roosevelt himself has said is not
a politician. that he does not know how
to play politics. that he is not apt to
be in touch with political manipula tions
even when they are in his own interest.
know on the other hand chat Theodore
Roosevelt Is IN adroit politician, per-
haps the most adriot we have ever had.
know also that he is now daily show
ing himself as the most autocratic and
selfseeling of bosses. | know. too, that
II is inconceivable that he is not faini-
liar with, and did not direct, the pcli-
tical manpulatio IN his interest from
the address of the seven governors
calling upon him to stand for the re-
publican nomination down to the runn
convention at Orchs stra hall that nom-
mated him for the presidency as tho can
didate of the third party after he had
been defeated for the republican nom-
nation And thus knowing these men,
William Howard Taft and Theodore
Roosevelt, | say to you that If the term
thief or 'rcceiver of stolen goods or
'would-be receiver of stolen goods may
properly be applied to either man, that
man is not William Howard Taft
THE king can do no wrong And since
he has given himself the full benefe OF
| that ancient maxim with which kings
privilege themselves. Every now. and then
some well meaning man, heretofore re
spected among his fellows, finds himself
lcatapulted. meteor-like, through the air
and when h, comes to earth rubs his eyes
and looks about him. Breathing hard and
bewildered he finds himself in the
Ananas club house founded and built by
Theodore Roosevelt as final abiding
place for those who are indscreet enough
to mention facts that he wishes to for
get and to have others forget. OF course.
Mr., Roosevelt never can be a member
himself of that club because he founded
! II only for those whom he wished to brand
las liars. as the easiest method of side
stepping in convenient or unpleasant
truths or course. Mr.. Roosevelt being
the universal exception cannot himself
lie.
You ask me whether think Mr.
Roosevelt knew of the sl0100O contribu-
tion made by the Standard OIL company
to his campaign fund in 1904? Frankly
] do not wish to make up my mind until
Mr. Roosevelt in reply to this charge, and
it is a grave charge, shall file his plea of
defense. This defense was promised for
last Monday. then for to-day. and it is
now promised, believe for next Monday
or some such subsequent date as may
suit Mr. Roosevelt, When this plea of
defense Is filed, I wish to hear or read all
the evidence. Mr. Roosevelt unlike any
other former president OF the United
States of whom | have heard. or OF whom
I M