Omaha daily bee., 1912-04-01
Republican Issues
Peril Of Third Term and xadi-
eaiism which ths Party Faces
ct the Chicago Convention

President JACOB Gould Scnurtnah u Nof-
nell university. discussing the republican
presidential nomination in the New York
Independent. says:
In accordance with the general custom
of the republican party. TO say nothing
OF the special ground of a merttorious
administration. President Taft Is entitled
to denomination for a second term. There
are, however. some republicans who OPP
pose this Just and natural contamination
and who are endeavoring TO prevent It
BY bringing about for third term the
nomination OF ex-President Roosevelt.
To this startling alternative there are
objections OF the greatest weight. The
people today are frankly discussing them
and the republican convention to assem-
BILE in Chicago will be compelled to con-
slider and appraise them. II is OF the
utmost Consequence not only to the party.
but also to the nation that a right deci-
sion should be reached.
The aducation Of public opinion in the
meanwhile Is the one sure way Of bring
Ing about that result. II is a time for
every citizen OF the republican party. TO
say what he thinks. We want the full
light OF public opinion at its maximum
intensity Of illumination. The ostrich
policy would be fatal. As Bishop Butler
used to say. things are what they are
and the consequences will be what they
will be; why then should We wish to
deceive ourselves?
Things are what they are" On the
sth Of November, 1894, President Roose-
Welt, under memorable circumstances,
solemnly made this announcement to the
American people and TO the world
Under no circumstances will I be
candidate for or accept another nomina-
ton"
On the 18th Of February. 1912, ex-Presi-
dent Roosevelt said:
Il will accept the nomination for presi-
dent II II Is rendered to me-"
The latter statement is In absolute con-
tradictlon with the former. But apollo
gists have arisen who tell US that Presi-
dent Rooseyelts pledge refers only to q
consecutive" third term. and that when
a man declines a third cup OF coffee he
Is sull free to take It tomorrow or the
day after. But tho main point Is con-
cealed under this wrctched sophistry and
juggling with words Millions of men
who refuse to drink more than two cups
OF coffee today take another cup on q
subsequent day. And to decline third
cup OF coffee this evening does not even
suggest To ANYBODY that YOU will not
take II tomorrow or the day after. No
one lie deceived by your refusal. In
deed. II concerns nobody but yourself
II Is different with the presidency. That
concerns 100000 people. And as no
mortal has ever been president OF the
who on his election for a second term
voluntarily and solemnly proclaimed
that under no circumstances would he
accept another nomination" morally
estopped himself, in the understanding
and expectation of all mankind, from
ever consenting to break the third-term
tradition. And the peoples belief in
President Roosevelt's self-eliminatlon
from future presidential candidates.
gave him tremendous leverage during
his second term. materially helped him
10 control the republican national con-
ventien OF 1905. and brought him uni
versal praise (which Senator Lodge, the
presiding officer, eloquently voiced TO
that convention for his unseiflsh pstri-
otism In following in the footsteps Of
Washington and jefferson.