The Newport plain talk. (Newport, Tenn.) 1909-1939, 1912-02-29
Formally Announces Candi-
dacy for Republican
Nomination.
FOLLOWED HAT into RING
Announcement Creates Much In
terest in Washington and the
Fight is Now on in Earnest
Position of Cabinet Members
Will Be Noted With Great
Interest.

Heeding the demand made upon
him by seven Republican governors,
and the general popularity shown in
the straw vote taken in various parts
of the country, Former President Theo-
dore Roosevelt Sunday night announce
ed that he would take the Republican
nomination were it rendered him and
that he will adhere to that decision
until the convention at Chicago Shall
have shown it's preference.
The statement from Col. Roosevelt
was not unexpected. He had made
some bold statements in Ohio last
week and had stated tnat his hat was
in the ring, and had forecasted his an
nouncement. The amusement howev-
er had never been expected by Presi-
dent Taft, who had contended from
the very first that his old friend would
not oppose him at this time.
The announcement of Col. Roosevelt
will nece ssarily put damper on the
ambition OF LaFollette and Cummings,
for their fight will be overlooked in
the great battle which is forecasted.
The position of the members of the
Presidents cabinet will be ascertained
with much interest. Already it is be-
ing discussed. 1t is generally conced-
ed that Postmaster General Hitchcock
holds more power of delegates than
any other man, threw his position as
postmaster general and it remains TO
be seen whether he will use his stregth
in favor of his new or his old chief
The announcement means probably
that the republicans of Tennessee will
get into the fight. 1t means that the
Tay Hovk Republicans will probab-
ly begin fight for Roosevelt delegates.
The first District has selected it's dele
gates to the National Convention and
they are instructed for Taft, both fac
lions here making the instructions.
Governor Hooper's advocacy of the
candidacy of Roosevelt has been re-
ferred to print but no statement has
come from the state house as to same.
One of the first announcements in
connection with the Roosevelt candi-
dacy is the positive assertion that there
will be no third party formed if the
former president does not land the
nomination at Chicago.
Washington, Feb. 26.-The an
nouncment of Former President Roose-
velt's candidacy created great excite
ment in Washington and even his close
friends were not prepared for the terse
terms used in his announcement.
President Taft was given copy of
his predecessors letter but he would
make no comment. White house offic-
ials were also reticent, but they made
no attempt to disguise their interest.
The Taft campaign headquarters was
dark, Director Mckinley having
left Washington at noon for Chicago.
The only remark emanating from the
President during the day that at all
bore upon the tense political situation
was made TO a senator who asked that
his name be not used. 1t was this
~ know we are right and am con-
lident that we will he successful"
1t has been only in the last fortnight
tha! President Taft has been willing to
admit to his closest friends that he be-
lieved Colonel Roosevelt would enter
the race against him for the nomina-
tion. IT. is doubted whether up to the
last minute he was fully convinced
that any announcement coming from
his predecessor would be without a
string attached.
That President Taft was deeply hurt
to learn that from now OH he must en-
gage in an open contest against the
man under whom he had serted for
many years, became known soon after
the Roosevelt letter was made public
The relations between Colonel Roose.
Welt and Mr.. Taft when the latter
served as secretary of war were excep
tionally close. For months President
Taft refused 10 believe that Colonel