The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1912-06-04
ROOSEVELT WILL
OPPOSE ROOT AS
CHAIRMAN
Senator, He Says, Represents
Re.actiOnaries and Bosses
BARNES THE REAL H FAD
Exponent Of the Worst Kind Of Poll
tics in Control Of National
Committee
BARNES THE REAL HEAD


Former President Roosevelt decid-
ed last night to oppose with all his
strength the seating of Senator Root
as chairman of the national republi-
can convention and issued a call to
all his Supporters to stand by him.
Col ROoseyelts statement is so con
structed as to make the issue a clear
one between himself and his oppon-
ents.
Col. Roosevelt declares that Mr.
Root has ranged himself against the
men who stand for progressive prin-
ciples within the republican party"
But it is William Barnes, Jr., OF New
York. he says, who is to be the real
head of the Taft canvass at Chicago.
Characterizing Mr. Barnes as the
representative OF the very worst
form OF bossism in politics. he as
serts that no progressive delegate
can afford to vote for any man pro-
of the republican party" Col Roose-
velts asserts, " have unequivocally
repudiated Mr.. Taft" The conven-
ton, if left TO itself, he says, will be
heavily against Mr. Taft whose
whole chance of winning depends
upon his hopes and plans for secur-
ing improper action by the national
committee"
Col Roosevelt's decision to make
square isue of the seating of Mr.
Root was reached after long consul
tation with several of his advisers
After Mr.. Roosevelt had completed
his statement, he brought up the
question of whether he is to go to
the Chicago convention. After, hear
ing what the men have seen today
have to say, he said. my impression
is that | will not go. may reach
a different decision, if any strong
arm tactics are attempted His
statement in part follows
in the past Mr.. Root has rendered
distinguished service as secretary OF
state and secretary of war But in
this contest Mr.. Root ranged himself
against the men who stand for pro
gressive principles within the repub
lican party, that is, against the mer
who stand for making the republican
party in relation to the issues Of
the present day what it was In the
days of Abraham Lincoln. He stands
as the representative of the men anC
policies of reaction. He is put for
ward by the bosses and the represen
tatives of special privileges.
What has recently come to my
knowledge makes it clear that it is
question of the absolute duty Of
every progressive republican to op
pose the selection as temporary
chairman at Chicago of any man pu
forward in the interests of the sup
porters of Mr.. Taft in this contest
have before me a copy of the fol
lowing telegram sent to Roosevelt
delegate from Pennsylvania, Philil
X. Barber
The national committee has select
ed Senator Root of New York TO
temporary chairman of the conven
ton OF the convention at Chicago. |
is reported that the Roosevelt force
will oppose the action of the com
mittee. | am wiring you in behalf o
the New York delegation with the ex
ception of very few, to ask you
support for Senator Root for temper
airy chairman. We believe this con
test is the most serious one whicl
has afflicted the republican party
and that the attempt to nominate MI
Roosevelt can lead only TO disaster
The doctrines which he has advocaI
ed we declared in our platform at tn
Rochester convention to be subvel
sive of our form of government. Wi
you please wire to me to New Yor
city, collect, whether we can rely o
your support for Senator Root TO
temporary chairman?
William Barnes. Jr.
kilograms like this have bee
sent to a great number of the DELE
gates, apparently to great majorit
OF them. This telegram makes III
issue perfectly clear. II is one c
principles, not persons. Mr.. Barne
demands Mr.. Roots selection as tn
sign OF reputation of the principle
, for which stand and as an indors'
ment of the doctrines enunciated @
the Rochester convention. doctrine
not merely reactionary but Of such
character that no party professin
them could carry a single state
this Union.
. "These doctrines are so bourbo
and reactionary that In every ope
primary In every northern stat
since the Rochester convention wa
held. after full discussion the poop
, have overwhelmingly repudiate
, them This telegram OF Mr.. BarnC
shows that the plan announced
the press is true, and that the lea
or and real head of Mr.. Taft's ca
yass az Chicago is to be Mr. Barne
whom Mr.. Taft and his manager
have chosen to represent and embot
the principles for which Mr.. Ia
stands. a choice which casts an illur
mating light on Mr. Taft's relation
, both to the bosses In politics and
special interests In the buslne
world.
Mr.. Roots personality becomes u
important in view of Mr.. Barne
. telegram. Mr. Barnes stands as q
!. representative of the very wor
! forms of bossism In politics. No p
gressive delegates can afiord to vo
for any man proposed by Mr. Barn
and his allies, for any such vote Ia
vote against popular rule and again
the basic principles not merely