Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-06-07
CAN THE STEAM
ROLLER SAVE TAFT2

ROLLER SAVE IAFIP
That ingenious political device known "the
steamroller" was never perhaps used so Justify and
with such remarkable results yesterday in the
Republican state convention of Ohio. Time and
again the steam-roler has overcome obstreperous
minorities but in this instance apparently it went
even further and bore down the majority itself
In the preferential primary, Ohio went for Roose-
Welt by a majority of some thirty thousand votes;
yet in the convention the states six delegatesat-
large were awarded President Taft. BY just what
manpulations this accomplished, the reports fail
to make clear. 1t is evident, however, that the
"roller-not of the numbering, putting type, but
a particularly deadly and welloiled machine-was
employed Not only were the six delegates-at-large
delivered to Mr.. Taft, but there also pressed
through resolution heartily commencing his admin
stration In short, the convention, though by slim
majority did precisely the of what the people
at the polls had done
If it is to such methods that President Tafts
hopes Of denomination must be entrusted, his
is, indeed, a desperate one. The most that such
means can be expected to accomplish is the defeat of
Roosevelt. The Taft forces may succeed at Chicago
in preventing the nomination of the Colonel" but
in so doing they will render virtually impossible the
nomination Of their own choice.
Weeks ago it became apparent that Roosevelt
would enter the national convention with formida-
bic following The New York Herald now credits
him with four hundred and ffty-two delegates and
Mr.. Taft with four hundred and lightweight. The
Sun gives Roosevelt four hundred and fty-eght and
Taft five hundred and twentysix. The Tribune
accords Roosevelt four hundred and ifty-eght and
half and Taft four hundred and eighty-nine and
half. None of these newspapers are supporters of
the Colonel; of them openly hostile to him,
though all of them are doubtless trying to give
accurate figures as they can.
With only twenty-five delegates yet to be chosen,
it evident that the contest between present
the former president for leadership in 1912 is
ceedngly close; it is close that is to say if all the
delegates stand where they have been placed 1t is just
there however, that the rub will come. For hun
dred and seventyfve delegates places to be
tested by Roosevelt and thirty-three by Taft If
eliminate all possible contests, the record stands
thus for Taft three hundred and seventy-one, for
Roosevelt four hundred and twenty-nine Five hun
dred and forty votes are required to nominate.
Clearly, therefore, the control of the convention
machinery will prove vital if decisive factor.
If the steamroer is piled for Mr.. Taft eectualy
at Chicago as it was at Columbus, Roosevelt's
chances will be pulverized. But can it be? Will the
presidents partisan supporters dare to employ
methods that would inevitably prejudice, if not lose
his case before the rank and file of his party?
1t is believed in some quarters that at the telling
moment of the convention there will be violent
swing of the hesitating delegates to the Roose-
welt standard. Others of the opinion that from
the bitter struggle third candidate will emerge and
that, perhaps he will be Justice Hughes, formerly
governor of New York. But few neutral observers
predict the nomination of Mr. Taft
The situation is certainly Of the most inter-
esting that has ever arisen in, national politics
Whatever its outcome, it will leave a breach in the
Republican party and will open for the Democrats
opportunity which, though negative in character
can be turned to triumphant account, if the Demo
Gratis themselves choose a leader who deserves and
who can inspire the countrys confidence