The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-01-26
MANAGER FOR TAFT
IS NEEDED BADLY
Time for Campaigning to Start,
and No One to Start
MUST HAVE LEADER SOON
Many Willing to Fight for Prcsi-
dent When He Gives
the Word.

Washington, January 25.-Senators
and Representatives who favor the re-
nomination of President Taft declare
that information coming to them from
their respective constituencies shows
that the time la ripe for the Presi-
dents friends to begin practical and
vigorous work In his behalf. tighten
Ing UP their lines and assuring in
structed delegations.
They say that favorable Taft senti-
ment Is generally existent, but that 1t
needs to be crystallized. and I'M
mediately. They point to the absence
of personal leadership and direction In
his campaign and dcpioro that condl-
ton. They contrast 1t with the stu
alton At this stage of the game four
years ago. when a practical and active
propaganda, under definite direction.
was In progress to secure Taft dele
gates.
They point out that while there is
q general impression that certain men
are at the head OF tho movement to
renominate President Taft. there iB no
one man. nor even group OF men,
who can be regarded as authoritative
campaign managers, with whom the
local leaders in the States can COM
municate, and whose decision will be
authoritative and final
They say that what Is needed ut
this time. and. indeed, impcratively de-
manded. is a director. or a staff of d.
rectors, who can be relied upon to
represent the President and to stand
by the action which may DO taken In
his behalf by his friends at large. Us
well as to assist In shaping such at-
tion in aggressive form.
Need Publicity Bureau.
1t Is nlso intimated that the admin
!s,ration would do well to provide en-
larged facilities for publicity-that Is
TO say, mako II easier for the news
paper correspondents, who at least are
independent and disposed to give
everybody a fair show. as well as
those aflirmativcly for the Presidents
candidacy, to obtain informa ton accu-
rate and authoritative about tho state
of the Taft campaign.
Among Senators and Representatives
of the Republican faith, emitting $he
avowed insurgents and hackers of SEN
ator La Toilette, there IL general pref
erence for President Tafts renomina-
tion, but 1t Is said that there Is danger
OF case OF whats evcrybody's bust
ness is nohody's business arising.
wherein valuable opportunities will be
lost for lack of direction
This situation has been the subject !
OF much discussion in the past few
days. and, ii might be said. of some /
complaint and cause of apprehension !
Republicans who have been associated |
with the "old guard faction, so-called.
have hcsitated about pushing them
selves forward AS active sponsors OF
the Presidents campaign without being
asked. and yet il requires only a mo- I
ments reelection to show that most Of !
the potential leaders and managers
of the Republican party are included /
In this category. /
All OF them. 1t Is declared, will glad |
iy turn to and nelp the campaign along
at an intiination from the President |
that their public connection with his ,
political fortunes Is acceptable 10 him |
and if they can have an organization
to work VITA.
Convention Gives Concern.
Some Of taeae Republican politicians |
think that Il very dangerous situation. |
will arise al Chicugo IL the convention |
ASSEMBLIES without President Taft hav-
ing majority OF Instructed del sgates !
They say II VIII afford encouragement |
TO his opponents to resort to stampede |
methods aud ~ least occasion oppor- |
iGnity for discussion of the possibility |
OF lie noluiEatiOn Of another
What these friends OF the President
want is an instructed majority which
Will preclude possibility OF Il stampede, !,
and then 10 devote their attention to
placating warning factions in the
party TO bring about as much harmony
possible.
But they all say that the first step
In his direction should DO taken i'm
mediately-the selection of Il definite
head or organization of heads to di- I
rect the campaign and to do things and !
say things which the Presidents
serTe of delcacy might forbid him to
undertake.
To put 1t more bluntly, they want a !
campaign manager with plenipotentiaryl
powers. Somebody we can tie to-
they say. They are content that it
snail be MI Hilles or any one the
President will stand by, but they must
have somebody and have him SOON