The Washington times., 1913-09-24
TALK OF ROOSEVELT
ST|RS UP LEADERS
Nomination of the Colonel in
1916 Brings Out Diversity
of Opinions.

VIII the Republican party seek to
come back with Col. Theodore
Roosevelt as its standard bearer in
1918?
Political Washington has banded the
query back and forth since the former
President was rrmentioned' week ago
and there are today a half dozen differ
ent answers to- the question. The gos-
sip, of course, is irrespective OF the
views of Mr. Roosevelt. who hasn't said
anything about 1916 except that the
Progress:ves were in the fight to stay.
but that doesn't keep Republicans, Pro-
gressives and Democrats from doing
bit of advance figuring.
Diversity of Opinion.
Inquiry among politicians of all be-
liefs shows there is a diversity OF
opinion regarding the various angles of
the question. For instance:
Certain regular Republicans say the
Republican party and Col. Roosevelt
are divorced for good and there will
be no reconciliation.
Others, growing more forgiving under
irlIsome Democratic rue, talk meaningiy
of political expediency" and amalga-
nation.
Certain Progresives, as determined
now as ever 10 maintain an independ-
cnt party, assert no amalgamaton Is
POSSIBLE unless the Republican party
comes over boots and baggage to the
Bull Moose camp.
things are possible in politics and that
great changes may be wrought IN three
years -.
Democrats, without exception. nope
the Republicans and Progress1ves VIII
stay apart, foE division among the pro-
tect.onists of the country means con-
tfuued Democratic sway. ~
Saw Talk is Premature.
Republicans and Progressives are
agreed that talk of 1916 is premature.
The Democratic tariff bill, which Re-
publicanism expects to unmake Democ-
racy, is not vet on the statute books.
II 1t is q failure, the average view is
that there will be discomfort through
out. the country, and an amalgameton
OF the Progressive and Republican pro-
tectionists, no matter what the leaders
may say
Congressman Kahn of California is
opposed to Colonel Roosevelt as the
Republican nominee in 1916, but he
thinks the G. o. P. will be swept back
ito power through Democratic tariff
mistakes. Congressman Payne, arthor
OF the present tariff law, soon to be
repealed. is counting upon the same
thing. He says it's, too early to talk of
1916, but he hopes the Republican party
will nominate a Republican. Roosevelt
says he is a Progressive
The question of Roosevelt and the Re-
publican party and 1916 was discussed
by several members of Congress today
One of them, Congressman Kelly. a
Pennsyivania Progressive, said Colonel
Roosevelt had recently declined to an
swer categorica1ly a question as to
whether he would accept the Republican
nomination IL rendered him.
Says Talk Is Buncombe.
The question was put to Colonel
Roosevelt pointblank." said Mr.. Kelly
today he gave his visitor every as
surance that such an event was most
improbable, that II was preposterous
that 1t would be offered to him. but he
did not make categorical answer.
Il believe, Kelly added. that the
Republicans is buncombe. merely an at
tempt odistort the issue between the
Republicans and Progress;ves. and a
shrewd Republican plan to disrupt, as
Tar as possible. the cohesiveness Of the
Progressives. In any event the loss of
Roosevelt even would not destroy the
Progressive party. 1t is a party of prin-
cipie, and not upon one mans person.
atty
Another liberal Republican stated
tip that Roosevelt is getting ready to
turn Republican"
Call Roosevelt a Traitor.
Without permitting themselves to be
quoted, prominent Republicans here
stated the political story is silly" de-
nouncing Roosevelt as a traitor and
party wrecker."
Senator Weeks of Massachusetts, said:
Il do not see how Mr.. Roosevelt could
become the Republican nominee in view
OF his statement in the past few days
that there could be no compromise be.
tween Republicans and Progressives."
All these stories are meaningless,
with nomination three years away"
said Senator Bristow of Kansas, pro-
gressive Republican.
Congressman Mondell of Wyoming,
Republican national committeeman. and
fnplscable foe of Roosevelt last fall,
said:
It's rather early for the Republican