Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1915-11-18

preSlQenClal movement
own The latest development in the presidential field in
wolves the suggestion of other possibility by former
favorte if not present favorite few days ago Sem
ator Borah of daho regarded by the most prom
nent star in the western armament said that Charles e.
Hughes unquestionaby the whom the republ-
and progressives could unite
Former President Taft declares that GAS citizen 1
may say without qualification that Elhu Root of New York
is who to the requirements of the time for
the presidency Mr. Taft looks for republican victory in
1916 but he undoubtedly correct in saying that the ver
dict would be decisive it would have been had not
the European interviewed.
The most surprising development in presidential poll
TICS however, which usually mentioned behind ones
hand under the BREATH but it is nevertheless distinct
factor well known student of politics says that the Incl
dents attending the Forthcoming marriage of President Will
son will lose him thousands of One said for
ample, "Ny wife had think President Wilson was
quite but the way which his marriage is being
plotted has turned her from him completely
Now having in mind the way in which presidential
marriage strength Cleveland would have
looked for similar development in connection with Pres
dent Wilson's marriage This seems to strike people en-
tirey different We have desire to discuss this
delicate matter except far to set it forth
the in connection with the presidential
pagn which the student of politics must take into account
in estimating influences at work in shaping the situation
We may against the influencing of the campaign
by women but whether they to vote not pot
cal observer realizes that their opinion far under
present conditions shape campaigns and mold the destiny
of and of nation This has been the
expect that history will continue repeat ITSELF especially
in these days of deservedy increased influence of the fair
sex in public affairs.
We predict however, that unless the retentiveness of
the composite mind of the fair far marked than
that of the serner the matrimonial factor will be large
V forgotten by the time the next democratic national
venton is held least year from when the national
election takes place.
Taking up the subject first named last believe Sena-
tor Borah has given the public correct diagnosis of
the public than has former President Taft Mr. Taft
always admitted that he politician and in 1912 the
majority of the American people took him at his word
Much admire his many excellent qualities, must
question his judgment political expert acting ad-
visory capacity for the American people
His opinion that Mr. Root is the for the time may
be correct but if the people think so though
Root not the for the times The decisive vote of
half million by which the voters of New York reject
ed Roots chief handwor in the proposed State constitution
would lead the political to question serious
H whether under the shadow of that Root could
carry his State.
Now it is customary for the political generals in a
tonal convention to shape the ticket possible with refer
to the carrying Of large doubtful States We cannot
conceive of republican national convention, for example,
nominating candidate for the presidency from New York
whom they did not believe could carry the Empire State.
But if New York for Mr. Root the fact that
the great Western States do not take kindly him would
national convention think than twice be-
fore putting him at the head Of national ticket In view
of the attitude of the West and the way which the people
of New York rejected the views of Mr. Root written into
proposed fundamental law it will require political miracle
to make Mr.. Root available candidate.
When you discuss various republican possibilities with
the average Vermont voter he doubtful in direction
another and finds ground for possible objection this
and that matter whether be Root Roosevelt
Weeks or Mccall or Borah and
When you mention Hughes however, he is likely to
claim: "Ah! there is who could be elected hands
down. If he would take the nomination. The only way for
the convention to do is ahead and nominate him. We
have heard this opinion expressed many times in slightly
varying forms by different republicans and progressives
that have not the slightest doubt this the
tment of the composite voter of Vermont.
When you stop to think of it, the average voter is right
when he the only get Hughes to ahead and
nominate him. The former governor is member Of
the Supreme Court of the United States In the light the
experience of Chief Justice Chase conceive of
member Of that exalted tribunal actively seeking the
nation of any political party for the presidency of the
United States.
Justice Hughes is unquestionaby correct in his position
that ne cannot be candidate for the presidency If the
publican national convention should nominate him, how
ever and ask him to be its candidate he could hardly refuse
the honor and the opportunity for genuine service thus