The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-01-04
NOTHING BUT DEATH
CAN STOP HIM NOW
Taft an Avowed Candidate for denomination
and Will Not Quit Fighting Till Ballots Are
Cast in Convention,

Washington, January 3.-"NnthinE
| but death can keep me out Of the fight
now"
President Taft is reported to have
made this statement TO White House
callers to-day. and to have added that
he had no objection to the statement
being made public.
II undoubtedly was intended 10 set
at rest all reports that Mr. Taft might
withdraw from the race for the Ro-
publican nomination for President in
favor OF Colonel Theodore Roosevelt
The President Is said to be thor
oughly aroused to the gravity of the
situation In the Republican party and
determined to LEI his attitude be gem
orally understood. He has decla red
that under no circumstances will ne
withdraw his name from consideration
by the Chicago convention next June,
and has asserted that his position with
respect to the nomination has not
changed in any particular since he first
entered the White House.
Mr.. Taft has told friends and marty
leaders from the first that II ne should
be calted upon 10 stand for re- election
he would he glad to do so: that he felt
under obligations 10 the party for hav-
Ing made him President, and was will
ing to abide Its decision in the con
vention He adheres to this position.
according to announcement to-day, and
Will not quit the race until the nomi-
mating ballots are cant at Chicago.
Signal for Active Campaign
The President was urged by a num-
Der Of his closest friends to make a
definite statement as to hts position,
agreed to do So and did so in the
language quoted abovs. with this
statement as their Inspiration. it Is
said, the Taft supporters will begin an
! active campaign in his behalf at once
II was stated to-day that some OF
Mr.. Taft's friends have gone so far
lately as to advise him TO openly break
with Colonel Roosevelt and to chal-
lengc the latter 10 make plain his in
tentions. The President has declined
to do this The White House has been
fairly flooded with callers lately. who
have brought word to President Taft
that Colonel Roosevelt so far has de-
clincd to say that ne would not accept
The nomination If II were rendered to
him. 1t also has been reported to tho
White House that Colonel Roosevelt
believes an organized effort is being
made to Smoke him out" and that
he declines to be Smoked" by either
the Taft or La Toilette forces.
The President has listened to all Of
these reports with an indulgent smile,
but has refused to indicate whether or
not he believes Thorn. Tt Is vehemently
denied at the White House however,
that Mr.. Taft has sent any "messen-
gers to Mr. Roosevelt ION any subject
Whatsoever
The President has been urged FOR
weeks to make a more progressive cam
paign in his own behalf He has re-
Piled that he dill not think political
activity comported with presidential
dignity. lie now has consented that
his friends shall carry forward the
fight as vigorously as they desire. and
he will lend what assistance ne prop
erly can.
Renssurcd by FrIendx.
The President heard many friendly
and warm greetings to-day Senator
Bradley, OF Kentucky. told him he
would get every one Of the delegates
trom kentucky. while talleing over the
situation In that State.
"phess Rsed he mo deuas az 10 Ksn-
q L. z,