The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-02-27
HE is FOR TAFT
Ex-Lieutenant Governor Trout
man Tells Where He Stands.
Leaves LaFOlIette to Support
President for Reelection.

James A. Troutman, former lieuten-
ant governor and one of the progress
I've leaders, has announced that he
will support President Taft for re-
election, as LaFoliette is out of the
race He says:
/ do not know how many progress
i've Republicans can jump from La
Toilette, over Roosevelt, to Taft. But
know of one who spanned the dis
lance, and landed on his feet, while
reading Roosevelt's letter to the Amer
lean people, via seven governors. The
seven governors say that Roosevelt
didn't want to be a candidate But
every intelligent citizen except the
seven governors, knew better all the
THE talk about Roosevelt's reluct-
ance to enter the contest is the sub
llmated quintessence of 1apdoodle. He
mas been an adroit, scheming, agrees
I've candidate, for six months. His an
nounced candidacy is a challenge to
the fairness and the integrity of the
Republican party. There is no doubt
about his tremendous popularity, and
his commanding strength among the
people. He may be nominated, but
there are a good many sincere and
sensible Republicans who think he
ought not to be. My personal attitude
is of no consequence; 1 no longer at
huence in Kansas politics. But I still
have pretty firm grip on one Aus
tralian ballot, and that shall be for
Taft as against Roosevelt
Long a Progressive.
Within the narrow limits of my in
fiuence and power, have aided the
progressive cause in Kansas for six
years In its infancy the insurgent
cause rallied around LaFollette.
Roosevelt embraced every opportun-
ity. in those days, to show his con-
tempt for LaFollette, and the things
for which he stood.
Insurgency is popular now, and the
man who said Cruelty him. six years
ago, cries 'Hosannah' today. LaFol-
lette is not in the fight, in Kansas lat
least, and the campaign for delegates
to the national convention will be a
distinct issue between Taft and Roose-
welt.
''I have contributed my share of
criticism of President Taft-have crit
icised a few things that he has done,
and more things that he has said.
ular things upon issues that the people
already favor. He is the ShrewdeSt
politician, in this respect, that ever
played the game.
ut takes no courage to make a great
speech. now. in support of progressive
principles. Mr.. Taft has been singular
ly unfortunate in some of his public ut
terances, but when you weigh the ac-
cOmpliShmentS of his three years ser
vice, you will observe remarkable pro-
gress. honestly believe that the cause
of progressive legislation will be sub
served better in the reelection of Taft
than in the success of Roosevelt.
Taft Is Sincere.
THE situation is anomalous Every
body comedies the integrity IF Taft's
purposes, the purity of his motives, and
the patriotism of his desires. Thousands
of people distrust Roosevelt as to all of
these essential attributes.
f'Taft's nomination and election will
be a deserved tribute to an honest, con-
scientious public servant. It will unity
the Republican party, and result in the
splendid fruition Of progressive policies
The spectacular element will be lacking,
but real progress will be made. The
welfare of the Republican party de-
rnands his nomination. Common graft
tude demands it.
Il do not know whether Taft can he
or elected, or not, but
know just as much about it as lot of
hamboyant spring prophets who are
telling the people what is going to hap
pen in the fall. 1 have not lost faith
in the good sense anc fairness of the
Republican party. Every Republican
the consequences follow To turn Taft
down, at Chicago, is to repudiate the
party. and go back on the many good
things that have come from his admin
stration. Incidentally, it would, Also /
be a condemnation Of Roosevelt for |
making Taft a presidential possibility. /
I'd rather have a president with a big /
brain and a big heart, than one with a |
Dig brain and a big stick