Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-01-04

politics the trend of sentiment has interest for all peo
pie That sensitive thing called public confidence is peculiarly
susceptible to presidential influences and while we have our own
nevertheless it possible for chief executive of the United
States to bcgc lack confidence and thus prepare TIE field for
the sowing of tares with the wheat
Those of who party adherens naturally believe that
our principles should prevail the possibility that the other
fellow win leads to constantly and carefully scan the
camp of the adversary well to note the movements OF our
forces.
The personal equation is naturally paramount in presiden-
tial politics although occasionally great ssne or pressing
publican circles is divided between President Taft cxrcsdent
Roosevelt and Senator La Toilette All of these are pro-
gressve republicans with individual variations that as mat
ter Of fact the situation hinges largely the personal eao
and the application of minor principles
Senator La Toilette have already shown has aienated
some support that might otherwise have been his particularly
through the espous of the recall of judges of courts
Fix President Roosevelt has into conflict with some
of his party followers connection with the proposed arba
ton treaties and the third term opponents
President Taft criticised by his party because
he has enforced the antitrust law vigorously.
nder these circumstances what liable to happen per-
maps likely 10 occur at the nest national convention?
Assuming to be true for The time being that Mr. Roose,
veil is DESTROYS of entering the White House again charged
by people. several things plain In the first place
he would rather have President Taft another than to
selected who might retain the office eight
In the second place ne would not favor La Toilette in particular
because of the laers assumption be the leader of the ultra
% wing o" the party to say nothing of his long es"b
Continuing to that Mr. Roosevelt is looking toward
he White House again it safe that if he found he could
moi secure the nomination for himself he would swing his
strength to Taft.
slpposOn Mr. Roosevelts friends doing everything
sible promote the Roosevelt brand
trased with that of President Taft At the time they
holding the LA Toilette boom in cheek that shall forge
ahead of that of their CHAMPION
The cfusa Of the progressive republican Of Ohio
to endorse La Toilette forccfu illustration of this whole
situation The Garfield Of the Buckeye republicans
has been assumed oppose the President refuses
dorse the only other republican who has
avowed candidate for the republican presi
dency In other words while these claim Mr..
Taft they not ready declare for any substitute
In the that Senator La Toilette O Ohio
for the Of counting the
the party the refusal of Buckeye rogresSves declare
themselves be taken direct Stub for Wisconsin
dlatc.
1t is easy of situation with three possibilities
in the field whereby demand for the nomination Of Justice
Hughes might if he has said that he would take
the nomination. the only would be for the national
ton place his head of the ticket without his
risky thing that does often happen national
ventions much people might wish for the consummaon
As the situation stands the present expect that
the followers of Mr. Roosevelt will holding the
for their favoe far possible but if they should that
there danger of La Toilette winning the nomination from
the President they would throw their myth Mr.. Taft.
In other words the nomination the national
ton is likely lie between Taft and Roosevelt the
the President rivals pefclrng him any other
candidate.
In the meantime it worthy Of that national
do knowingly nominate losing candidate. and much
will depend upon developments between this time and next
June
If President Taft continues to gain strength he has dur
past weeks the situation likely be comparatively
clear when the convention assemblies in Chicago next June.