Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1914-12-17

IN 1916 This morning turn to the republican side of the
picture in study of the political situation.
1t is to be noted at the outset that republicans in general
extremely confident of their ability to win the next
dential struggle which already casting it's shadow before
The striking feature of this situation is that the
most conspicuousy in the public eye connection al
most without exception would not have suggested themselves
to the political observer year pres
dental possibilities in 1916 Probably every thinking man
in the country would have named William Taft last
likely to be seriously considered possible candidate
election to his former place in the White House, but
dictated by quotations in these columns few papers
gardng him probability In the light of the series of
presidential ups and downs through which Grover Cleveland
passed. almost anything be expected of the American
electorate regards shifting of presidential popularity
The three men who are being most prominently discuss
cd at the present time however possible republican
dates for the presidency in 1916 Whitman
of New York former Ambassador Myron Herrick of Ohio
who Just returned to this country from France and Uni
ted States Senator Borah of Idaho and these
order their actual strength appears at the pres
en time Governor Whitman looms large mostly because of
his possibilities rather than account Of the development
of qualifications that have already been exempfed He
has shown rare courage in the face of great obstacles
district attorney of Manhattan and loyalty the
law and order and decency which commended him to all
right thinking people, but his ability
to be demonstrated Many people confident he will
make good that they already dscountng his work and
naming him for the presidency but the political student knows
that mere breath at Albany may blast all his hopes If
Mr. Whitman should succeed splendidy every par
tcular far the public yet
anagonzes the Barnes organization he might still be far
from the support of his party in his the
the presidency.
Former Ambassador Herick of Ohio, which seems to
have succeeded Virginia the Mother Of Presidents" has
advantage Mr. Whitman in that whatever ability he
possesses as an executive has actually been demonstrated
of his State while diplomat his honors are al
ready Won In other words he has gathered the fruit well
gored in the lowered promise of fruitage He won
good record of the Buckeye State but his SER
vice did not make him loom large presidential possibility
and it remained for his later period diplomatic service in
Paris as result of the European bring him conspc
uously into the public eve.
Senator Borah of Idaho hand has not only
demonstrated the possession of qualities and qualifications
for public service that have put him the the
list of probable presidential candidates but he has also
joyed abiding popularity which presden
tal availability Borah great constitutional lawyer such
as was our own George F. Edmund and John Temple Graves
the well known Washington correspondent for democratic
newspaper has paid this tribute to his strength "A mag
ncent debaor rugged fearless and honest
sat in republican councils the senator from Idaho holds
place in public life that may envy. He is sound
statesman rather than partisan when ne speaks the
Senate and the country listen"
We believe Borah would make a great president as well
as strong candidate for the Republican party On the
other hand realize that he will suffer convention as
Vermonts distinguished have in presidential
situations coming from small State and not doubtful
State like big New York the party needs
The most formidable handicap which Borah will suffer
is the fact that he is member United States Senate
have sought in vain to reach the White House Webster CLAW
Blaine and host Of lesser lights found their careers in the
senate an obstacle to presidential preeent and whether
this situation results largely from consideration of the re
tons with the Senate which would prevail in sena
tor made president well antagonsms that
body between Blaine and Conkng of New York or in
part due to condition Of mind the people as
whole thu fact remains that membership the Senate is re-
garded almost nsumourtabe obstacle the path to
the White House.
Congressman Mann, the republican floor leader in the
House. is seriously discussed in Washington possible
didate and while Borah is the stronger of the in
public estimation. Mann would have the advantage of hail
ing from the popular branch Of Congress- did Mckinley
Former Governor Hadey of Missouri is also being considered
but not conpicuousy formerly although he halls
State which might be needed by both parties there
fore factor not to be ignored
The great hope of the Republican party is
the country business stability which nation invariably
spells prosperity. In spite Of all the good things Will
has done his peserous mosquito taxes singing the Am
erican people at turn have antagonzed many
supported him and the republicans only be enough
To o6opt