The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-06-04
POLITICAL FORTUNE
MAY DEPEND ON FIGHT
Roosevelt Has Determined to Oppose Seating of
Root as Temporary Chairman of
Republican Convention

Oyster Bay. N Y, June 3.-Upon
the selection of the temporary chair
man of the Republican convention may
hang the political fortunes of ex-
President Roosevelt. He decided to-
night to oppose with all his strength
the seating OF Senator Root. and issued
a call to all his supporters to stand
by him. Colonel Roosevelt declares
that "Mr. Root has ranged himself
against men who have stood for pro-
gressive principles in the Republican
party" and says it is William Barnes,
Ir.. OF New York. who is to be the
raj head OF tho Taft canvass at Chi
cago.
The Coloners decision to make a
square issue of the seating Of Mr.
Root was reached after a long con-
sultation with advisers. AT Sycamore
Hill today were Senator Dixon, Gif-
ford piuchot William l.. Ward New
New York; George w. Perkins. New
York; Frank B. Kellogg and Andrew
RAIN both of whom are from Mime
sofa. and Truxton Beale. delegate
from California.
After Colonel Roosevelt had com
pleted his statement. he brought out
the question of whether ne Ia to go
TO the Chicago convention.
May Go to Chicago.
After hearing what the men
have seen to-day have TO say" he
said. my impression is that l will
not go. 1 may reach a different de-
cision II any strong arm tactics are
attempted"
Following in part is Colonel Roose-
velt's statement:
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, again=t the men
who stand for making the Republican
party in relation to the issues OF the
present day what 1t was In the days or
Abraham Lincoln. He stands as the
representative of the men and policies
OF reaction. He is put forward by the
bosses and the representatives, OF spe-
cial privileges.
What has recently come to my
knowledge makes it clear that it Is
a question of the absolute duty OF
every progressive Republican to OPP
! pose the selection as temporary chair
man at Chicago of any man put for
ward in the interests of the support
ers OF Mr.. Taft in this contest"
Colonel Roosevelt then quotes from
| telegram sent to a Roosevelt dele
gate in Pennsylvania by william
Barnes, asking for the formers sup
port Of Senator Root for temporary
| chairman:
I'VE believe this contest" said Mr..
Barnes in his telegram, lis the most
| serious one which has afflicted the Re
publican party, and that the attempt
| to nominate Mr.. Roosevelt can only
lead to disaster. The doctrines which
he has advocated we declared in our
platform at Rochester to be subVer-
| sive of our form OF government
Makes Issue Clear.
.'Telesrams like this have been sent to a
great number OF the delegates. apparently
| 10 q great majority OF them. This telegram
| makes the Issue perfectly clear. 1t Is one
| mands Mr.. Roots selection as the sign OF
| reputation OF the principles for which l
| stand. as an an indorsement OF the doc
| trines enounciated at the Rochester conven-
| ton. doctrines not merely reactionary. but
| OF such a character that no party profess
ing them could carry single State in this
Union. These doctrines arc so bourbon and
| r4actionary that In every open primary in
| every Northern State since the Rochester
convention was held. after full discussion
the people have overwhelmingly repudiated
| them. Mr.. Roots personality becomes un-
| important in view Of Mr.. Barness telegram
Mr.. Barnes stands as the representative o.
! the very worst forms OF bossisra in politics "
Colonel Roosevelt then declares that the
present fight 10 one between the people and
: the bosses with back OF the latter THE
|! great sinister special Interests which are en-.
deavori1s to sustain the cause OF privile &c
! by pcrpetuat!ns the combination between
crooked politics and crooked business"
| IA. pre far n . IN
primaries that have been held In the vari-
Gus States. and says: Tho great major
lily of tho Republican party have unequivo.
cally repudiated Mr.. Taft. II the wishes
/ OF the Republican voters could be given fnir
expression, Mr.. TAFT would have out a