New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-09-28

which has been far from a success, as
the present big Treasury deficit shows;
there will also be the seamen's law,
which has done more than any other
piece OF legislation to destroy what
little merchant marine flew the Ameri-
can flag.
But the question OF national defence
at present seems to he the subject
which will have farreaching effect
next year. because, as understood here.
our lack OF preparedness has caused
the belhRerents TO ignore our protests
against interference with our rights.
They knew the nation could not back
up its rights.
Democrats Split on Defences.
So far as the Democrats are con-
cernCd, their task In handling the de
fence question az the coming session
Of Congress is a prccarious one. Not
alone IS the party split on the question
~ larger army and navy, but even Il
s.. were not. the funds 20 provide any
increase arc not In sight. Democratic
Senator's and Representatives from the
Middle West, whore most of the peace
81 any price people live, are outspoken
against any increase.
The question Of national defence,
therefore, viii have a prominent part
IN the campaign next year It's vitality
is now indicated on All sides and men
Of prominence are setting out views I'M
possible TO down.
But. N addition to discussing issues.
leaders here are discussing candidates
as well. President Wilson's renomina-
ton is taken as @ matter Of course, so
that the Democrats have no worries on
that score. Republican candidates are
beginning 70 excite interest, and from
the indications New York State will be
called upon TO supply the standard
bearer next year.
The man most talked of in these days
Of notes and international controversies
is ex-senator Root. Of New York The
discussion of Senator Roots name is
widespread among Republicans and
among the Democrats as we'll and il
has the peculiar significance that no
one knows whether Senator Root will
allow his name TO be mentioned for the
nomination. The sentiment in his favor
is growing, and once Empire State dele
gates are pledged q capitalization OF
sentiment viii likely follow hard on
other candidates.
Hughes Also Considered.
Mr.. Root, however, is not the only
New Yorker mentioned as a Presiden-
tial candidate. Justice Charles f.
Hughes Of the supreme Court has
large number Of supporters who feel
that he would be an ideal candidate de-
spite his determined opposition.
There is also some discussion Of OK
D-.-rIa-4 D.--z..-1. a..
made many friends here, and they are
urging his nomination next year. Gov
ernor Whitman Is also mentioned as
possible candidate
Aside from Empire State sons, the
only men at present taken seriously as
possibilities are ex-senator Burton, OF
Ohio, and Senator Weeks, Of Massachu-
sets. Senator Burton is. next 10 eX-
Senator Root. perhaps the best in
formed man on statecraft IN the coun-
try. He has given particular study 10
international problems and was an es-
pecially strong member Of the Senate
Committee on Foreign Relations. There
has been talk that Senator Burton
might not have unanimous Ohio dele
cation because Of aspirations of Myron
T. Herrck, eX-AmbassadOr to France,
and Governor Willis. Neither of these,
however, is considered seriously.
Senator Weeks is particularly at
tractive candidate. He makes friends
everywhere and is deep student Of
government affairs, particularly Of
the navy. Senator Weeks was q cadet
at Annapolis. and consequently needs
very little coaching on national defence.
lie is an outspoken advocate of an in
creased army and navy, and this. it is
believed. will do much TO bring him TO
the front Reports from Massachusetts
are that Senator Weeks has an excellent
chance Of a solid delegation and in all
probability the support OF all the New
England States.