The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-03-02
CAN'T COME BACK.


chance of capturing the big delegations
from the Atlantic states. The Kansas
men who are for Taft have had word
from many sources that reasSure them
as to his certain nomination at Chi
cago. After the Roosevelt announce
ment the administration supporters
FASTENED to take stock of the damage
done. They now declare that the COL
onel is not SO strong as he was before
he followed his hat into the ring. They
declare that his Columbus speech hurt
him. They assert that his determine
ton to get in the fight hurt still more.
He would have done better, they de-
clare had he remained silent or merely
agreed to accept the nomination if it
was offered to him. And not only Taft
men make this assertion, but Roosevelt
men as well.
1t is a great mixup with a campaign
ahead that has not been equalled since
the good old days of Blaine and Conk-
ling. One mans guess is as good as an
others prediction. Interviews secured
today from politicians and business
men of Topeka of all parties and all
factions regarding the Roosevelt fac
ton make interesting reading. Here
are a few opinions of men who are sup
posed to be in touch with a good many
people or who have influence in their
party:
East Is for Taft.
j. D. NJ. Hamilton, CLAIM. agent for
the Santa Fe. has just returned from
a trip east. He visited in New York,
Boston, Philadelphia and Washington
81 talked to great many people," he
said, after the Roosevelt announce
ment. 1 was in Boston the day the
news was made public. / found the
sentiment strong throughout the east,
even among friends of Roosevelt, for
Taft for president They denounee the
Columbus speech in strong terms as an
assault upon the constitution and the
courts. They do not approve Of ROOSe-
Welt being a candidate. Further, the
papers of the eastern cities are not
supporting him. I really believe that
Taft will receive a large majority of
the vote cast at the Chicago convention.
| found one man who did not believe
that Roosevelt's name would even go
sbefore the convention. I believe that
Taft will be the strongest candidate the
Republicans nominate to go before the
people in November
j. c. Holland, Of Topeka, who travels
a good deal, has just returned from a
trip through western Kansas. He
found sentiment out there strongly in
favor of Taft. People that heard
express themselves he said, seemed
to believe that Roosevelt should not
have come out for a third term. The
sentiment is for Taft for denomination.
I found this true on the trains. All
things considered I think that Taft
ought 10 DC ISuOuA4udIOO. O6ll6NS
that after Roosevelt declared himself
as opposed to a third term that he was
either wrong then or he is wrong now.
The people generally are against a
third term proposition"
E. B. Merriam of Topeka, well
known in business and real estate cir
cIes, said: IT have not yet made up
my mind what effect the colonel's an
nounceInent will have on the political
situation this year. have felt that
have DreftV good times under
President Taft He is a good, safe
man. However, Roosevelt has a ire
mendous following with the people,
Oppose Third Term Idea.
Several other Topeka men who trav-
Ell around over the state a good deal