The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-06-15
Sole Topic of Conversation

Cn1cagO, June l4-COiOnei fOOSeNelt' s actual start from New York this after noon to inject his own personality into the situation surrounding the battle for delegstes 10 the republican national con, vention was practically the only topic of conversation after the fact became known here
 To the Taft leaders the announcement of Colonel Roosevelt's s coming was in the nature of "a red rag to bull.' Director Mckinley of the Taft campaign manage ment issued statement soon after MT. Roosevelts starting became known. in which he declared unequivocaly that the certain Taft strength was 594 delegates 54 more than enough for a nomination. He and all the other Taft leaders de- clared Roosevelt's coming was the surest possible indication of desperation. He asserted that at conference of the Roosevelt people held Thursday afternoon their optimistic figuring showed Roose- welt total of IS votes short of the neces- sary $40.
 Statement Is Significant
 More significant, however. was the ta- bles of delegate figures which accom- panied MT. McKinleys statement. the 594 delegates which he listed in the Taft column included all of the contested dele gations. 64 in number, from Texas. yir- ginia and Washington, upon whose cases the national committee has still to pass.
 About the same time rumors were cur rent everywhere that the Taft majority on the committee had decided definitely to give Taft every remaining vote within their power from the contests still pend ing before the committee. Early in the \evening it was expected that a more or Jess formal caucus of the majority would be held before the night was over to adopt this as a definite policy.
 With the increasing definiteness of these rumors came an even more definite de- oreaee of such peace talk as had soft ened the situation to some extent during the Irecedng 2i hours. Expressions on both sides were distinctly truculent.
 No "Triumphal Entry"
 Some of the more exuberant adherents proposed ''triumphal entry for their candidate, but it was instantly discour- aged by senator Dixon and others of the more experienced politicians among the Roosevelt leaders. They expressed the opinion that such procedure would be unwise and probably would have effects quite the opposite Of those intended by its proposers. These councils prevailed.
 Arrangements lad been made for a mass meeting to be held next Monday evening the night before the convention in the great Aadtoriu;n theatre in RooseveIt's 's behalf. with list of well known speak, CTS. It was said tonight that MT. Roose- welt would be tie cnfy speaker on that occasion.
 Whether he will be given opportunity before the convection depends altogether upon whether he desires to do. Even his bitterest opponents here concede tonight that so distinguished a republican, former President of the United States. must he welcomed by the national convention of his party to 6 place cn the platform. It was not known tonight whether Colonel Roosevelt would think it expedient to at- tend the convention in person.
 As for MT, Taft, his principal rival for tile nomination, fobody here has serious thought that he Wi come to Chicago un- der any conceivable conditions. In fact. 1t has been positively announced by the President that under no circumstances viii he com. to thc convention.
 Causes Sensation
 Whatever their views on the subject of Colonel Roosevelts coming to the cor- xention. there can be no doubt that fl has caused a profound sensation on the part not only Of the leaders of all tho candidacies, but of the delegates in the rank and file. All other talk subsided while all hands talked about MT Roose- velf's coming to Chicago.
 One thing that happened during the ereIing interrupted even the talk about Rooseveltts trip That was the issue from the Roosevelt headquarters of what purported to be a letter to Director Me- Kinley of the Taft campaign from <~-~--~--~--~s~-->-~---~~-~ ~->~->..
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