New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-10-22


iltical morals, James II. Nugent of
Philadelphia, provided the final sur
prise by turning the light on the
roosevelt pre-Convention campaign as
it existed before Colonel Roosevelt had
become an avOwed candidate.
Mr.. Nugent, who has been active in
politics in Philadelphia for many years,
was campaigning for Roosevelt. ac-
cording to his testimony, before Boss
William Finn had identified himself
with the cause. He produced a letter
written by Colonel Roosevelt from
THE Outlook" office asking him TO
come to New York, and testified that
after the conference he was referred
to William i. Ward to discuss the
question of finances to carry on the
campaign.
At that time. according to Nugent
Ward appeared to be anxious to secure
the support Of f. A. Van Valkenburg
and THE Philadelphia North Ameri-
can" AT the same time" the wit
ness added, Ward said they had given
Penrose a chance to come with them.
After taking ten days to consider the
proposition Penrose said he would
stand by the organization, and Ward
said, Wen have to go after Pen
rose"
All this happened early in February,
before Colonel Roosevelt had consented
TO become a candidate, before the
seven little Governors had issued
their petition urging him to do so and
partly before the La Toilette boom had
come to an abrupt end with his speech
at the American Publishers Associa-
tion dinner in Philadelphia.
Colonel Roosevelt didn't tell me he
would become a candidate" said Nu-
gent, but there was no doubt in my
mind that he would"
Took Finn When Penrose Declined.
1t was not until afterward, according
to the witness that Senator Finn came
into the Roosevelt fold.
IF Penrose had accepted Wards IN
vitation," he said, Film would never
have been heard Of in connection with
this campaign. 1t didn't look to me
very much like a square deal for PEN
rose"
Robert Haight, also Of Philadelphia,
who took part in the conference with
Ward at the Manhattan Hotel on Feb
ruary 6, on "the question Of finances
corroborated Nugent's testimony, and
added that Ward had practically
agreed to raise $4,000 to start the
Roosevelt movement in Philadelphia.
The money was not Forthcoming, how
ever, and soon afterward Van Nalken-
burg and Finn We're placed at the
helm.
To what extent the Democratic party
owes its existence to Thomas F. Ryan.
who was the first witness at to-day's
session, was indicated in his own testi-
mony. Although opposed to Parker,
the New York fnancier gave $450OOO
to the campaign OF 1904. OF this
amount, S3JO,OO0 was contributed when
the Democratic organization was fac
ing dissolution and was used to cover
its debts.
II did not give the money to try to
elect Parker" said Mr.. Ryan. II
merely wanted 10 preserve the Demo-
cratic organization"
Mr.. Ryan also said that he had given
between S75. 900 and $4,000 to the Har-
mon pre-convention campaign Of The
present year, and more than $4,000
TO the Underwood campaign. Il was
not asked to aid Mr.. Wilson or Mr..
Clark" he added later, showing that
he had no inclination TO discriminate
among the candidates, but l would
have given them assistance If 1 had
been requested"
Perkins Lectures Senators.
In decided contrast TO Mr.. Ryan, who