Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-26
The Primaries Obstacle.

Taking up the last consideration first,
this means that Roosevelt's initial strug-
gle will be to secure the selection OF dele
gates to the national convention by pri-
mary election, and 1t is right here nc
will encounter the first obstacle.
The method Of electing delegates to the
national convention was prescribed In out
line by the national committee, and vests
in the state and district committees large
discretion as to the details of the selec-
ton. In some states there are laws for
primary elections, but outside OF Ohio
and even there the delegates at large will
be chosen in convention-primaries are
not obligatory in states which send large
delegations to the national convention.
This means that Roosevelt's appeal for
country wide primaries will fall for the
most part upon the ears Of state and dis
trict managers and local organizations
who are in sympathy with the admins
tration. The politicians do not expect to
witness any revolution in this respect.
Mr.. Taft's Heaviest Asset.
Probably the heaviest asset counted
upon by the Taft men is the support OF
the conservative property and business
element. They were vastly encouraged
In this expectation by the expressions OF
disapproval of Roosevelt's Columbus
policy by some OF the colonePs warmest
friends. Many of them who would have
followed the white plume Of Navarro as
a personal leader could not stand his
populistic policies.
From this time on the attention Of the
country will be kept riveted on the is
sue between conservative progressiyism
and populism, and the arguments of 1896
will be repeated.
The considerations OF treachery to
Taft and violation of the third-term prin-
ciple including RoOseyelts self-stultifica-
ton in the face Of his solemn adherence
to that principle, are regarded as senti-
mental rather than practical, but counted
upon to have a certain amount Of weight.
Possibility Of "Bolt."
Another question Of deep practical sig
nificance which is causing concern to the
politicians is whether Roosevelt will
abide by the decision Of the Chicago con-
vention. He made no intimation Of his
intention on that score in his announce
ment last night.
VIII he bolt and set up third party
him? Is the question on every ones lips
today. II the convention adopts a plat
form more conservative than he advo-
Gates and dominates Taft, will he stay
In the republican party and ask his fol-
lowers to give the ticket and platform
loyal support? The practical politicians
hereabouts would like to hear from
Roosevelt on those questions, but confess
they have little hope Of getting definite
declaration from him.
Another phase Of the situation which
FUCKERS the browS OF the politicians In
tent upon the integrity Of their party
and its prospects at the polls is the iikeli-
hood, almost the certainty. Of the cam
paign for the nomination developing per-
sonar bitterness among republicans that
will leave dangerous wounds.
Political Passions Expected to Rise.
The personal element Is bound to enter
into the contest. they say, because OF the
charges which will be made against
Roosevelt Of perndy. treachery. uncon-
scionable personal ambition, vanity and
greed Of ONCE and power.
Political passion Is expected to rise to
white heat before the convention. being
famed by the bitter rows at the primaries
and in conventions prior thereto. This
prospect Is the cause OF profound sorrow
and regret to politicians OF both factions.
Naturally the democrats look with salts
faction upon this situation in the camps
OF their enemy. They hope that the bit
ternees will become so intense that