Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-01-06
President Gets Assurances as
to RooseveIt's Position.
DIRECT FROM OYSTER BAY
Belief Expressed by Congressional
Callers at White House.
OPTIMISM GENERALLY SHOWN
Reports Of Increase Of Taft Senti.
ment in Various States-Pro-
test Of Tea Importers.

Two prominent congressman who have
talked intimately with ex-President
Theodore Roosevelt within the last ten
days were at the White House today and
expressed in the most positive terms their
belief that the sage Of Oyster Bay has
not the slightest purpose Of opposing
President Taft for the republican NOM
ination. and that at the proper time he
will make an announcement that will be
of far more weight and benefit to Mr.
Taft than If it, should be made now.
Both these men asked that their names
be not used, as they did not wish to irri-
tate Col. Roosevelt by anticipating a
move he may make in his own good time
They declared that the ex-President is
already fretting over the attitude Of sup
posed intimate friends in making state.
ments as to his purposes and plans. Both
of the men asserted Of their direct knowl.
edge that Col. Roosevelt had spoken most
kindly Of the President, although reserv-
ing the ght to oppose his policies when.
ever he saw fit.
The colonel felt, they said, that he was
not to be regarded as an adjunct OF the
Taft administration. and recognized the
wish Of President Taft to keep clear of
the appearance that he was under the
direction and advice of the former Presi-
dent. Each man wishes to preserve his
own indepedence Of view and right of
action along whatever lines he desires tt
follow. This apparent independence each
of the other has resulted in meddling
friends carrying tales calculated to create
continued friction and bring about an
open split between two men formerly ex-
ceedingly close to each other.
10 crnnd orYth ~ 4vp <1,A
ment that better understanding. per-
sonally, at least, Is certain to follow
some efforts now being made to clear
up an apparent misunderstanding. This
those close to the President and Col.
Roosevelt. and is not directed by au-
thority of either.
Optimism Of Presidents Friends.
President Taft's many callers today
were optimistic as to conditions favoring
his denomination. Representative Hum.
phrey Of Washington said he had told
the President that most favorable advices
were coming from that state. 81 have
heard from many men throughout the
state" said Mr.. Humphrey, land they
indicated clearly that the delegates from
Washington will be for President Taft.
Sentiment for the President has changed
in a marvellous manner. and seems des-
November election
1--WE are going right ahead to nomi-
nate President Taft" said Lloyd C. Girls.
com of New York. former republican
county chairman there and an intimate
friend of Col Roosevelt, who made Mr..
Grisoom ambassador to Italy. Nobody
Lob Povs kvA, Ia Rva
The President, too, will carry that state
next November"
Ex-Representative Gaines Of West Vir-
ginia also told the President that the
delegates from that state will be for him
to a man. Il do not take any stock in
stories that Col. Roosevelt will seek the
nomination." said Mr.. Gaines. I'm the
first place the colonel knows that the
anti-third term sentiment in the United
States would probably operate against
follow q bitter fight against Taft should
Mr.. Roosevelt be nominated. Somebody
is turning out lot Of erroneous stuff
as to Roosevelt. anyway. C. w. Dillon,
West Virginia. was recently quoted as
saying Roosevelt would get the delegates
from that state. Mr.. Dillon told me he
did not say anything Of the kind"
x-Representative Powers Of Massa-
chusetts declared that every delegate
from Massachusetts would be for Taft
There will not be the slightest trouble
about a solid delegation for the President
In my state" said Mr.. Powers. 1.-The
good thing about it, too. Is that the Presi-
dent will make q good vote getter in
Massachusetts. where he is held in high
esteem
The President received a telegram from
Huron, S. D., announcing that prominent
republicans. in mass meeting there.
have heartily Endorsed the President
and his administration, and will sup
port him in the national convention.
Smallest Man Promises Vote.
The President has had one vote added
to the number he will get In November.
He was promised this vote today by the
smallest man in the world" The
visitor was L. r. Roberts, twenty-five
years old. thirty inches high. The Presi-
dent had to stoop way down when he
grasped the hand OF the midget
well, / am going to cast my first
vote for you," said the midget, as he
showed his little hand far up toward
the man who weighs ten times more