Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-09-01

made in July disclosed the fact that the
other men mentioned for the Presidency
were second and third in the popular run
ming. A New York leader said that Root
could have the delegation from that State
for the asking.
Mr.. Root, however, is not a candidate. He
announced in the Senate a short time before
his term expired that he had no expectation
OF holding another office. He was too old
and hoped to spend the remaining years of
his life in honorable retirement; and when
ever the subject of the Presidency has been
mentioned to him he has dismissed 1t with
the remark that the suggestion that he run
was preposterous.
No Intention to Make Popular Appeal
Yet two weeks ago William Barnes said
that Mr.. Root could be nominated without
any EFFORT on his part His Albany speech
has convinced many observers that 1t will
be exceedingly difficult, IL not impossible, for
him to prevent his nomination. The political
value Of the speech lies in the absence of any
intention to make a popular appeal for sup
port. The nation knows Mr.. Roots desires.
1t Is aware that he hopes to go back to the
college hill in Clinton where he was born
and devote himself to rest and reflection in
well-earned leisure. He has lived 70 years
and has been connected with great affairs
and has held high office. 1t was out of the
fullness of his experience that he uttered
his protest against the continuance of ''in-
visible government" and called upon his fell
low-delegates In the CONSTITUTIONAL C,onven-
tion to be true to their oath to follow their
consciences In voting for a fundamental law
that would make 1t easier for the people 10
rule and more difficult for the bosses to frus-
trate their will.
The speech is a platform on which all fac
tions Of Republicans can unite, whether he
be the head Of the ticket or not. In It all
the unrest and dissatisfaction with political
methods became vocal And when Root com
pared. the system with that under which
Walpole controlled the British Government
by bribery and said that it could be re-
formed as the British system has been re-
formed. he uttered the hope that has inspired
patriotic citizens for many years
Not even Mr. Roots political opponents
deny his fitness for the Presidency. His
great abilities are admitted. He Is one of
the most distinguished lawyers In America
Although the late William G. Whitnev's
compliment has been turned into an attack
by his enemies, II is. nevertheless hish
praise Mr. Whitney. It will be recalled
said that he had employed many LAWYERS
who could tell him there was no wav 10 Az
what he wanted TO do. but that Mr.. Root
was the first lawyer he had found who could
tell him how to do that which he sought 10
accomplish. Instead OF hunting for oh
s'aeies' MT Root found way around them.
Points the Way to Reform
He is exercising the same faculty IN m.
constitutional Convention when he is telling
the delegates that the first step toward put-
tlng the control OF the Government OF New
YORK In the hands Of the people Is tha adop
uon q the short ballot and the concentra-
uon OF executive power In the hands OF the
Governor and one or two other eIeetea oe-
ncers.
whitney vAs Democrat Rosssvslr.