The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1915-04-15
REPUBLICANS GETTING READY

NET UOLlOHNS " iINu nEHUI
Speculation as to Col. Roosevelt's
plans in connection with the presidential
campaign of 1916 is always interesting.
1t Is now reported that he will make a
trip through Canada to the Pacific coast
during the summer, and that opportu-
mites will be afforded him on the way
back to make speeches, participate in
local fights" and reestablish cordial
relations with old-line Republicans.
Many observers think they see a ten
dencY on the Colonel's part to let BY
cones be by-gones, to make up with
Barnes and Penrose and to concentrate
his fire upon the Wilson administration
rather than upon his former political
associates.
Col. Roosevelt strayed a long, long
way from the fold in 1912. and it is a
long, long way back. He may intend
to return to the party without attempt
ing the audacious feat of securing the
nomination for president. No one can
prevent him from being a Republican
again. But if the Colonel should be
true to form, and should hit the back
trail for the purpose of resuming leader
ship of the Republican party, he would
find the trail lined with as choice an
assortment of ambuscades, submarine
mines and masked batteries as his
belligerent soul could desire.
No doubt an attempt by Col. Roose-
welt to capture the Republican nomina-
ton would overshadow the campaigns
made in behalf of other available men,
However, Republicans are assuming
that the Colonel is out of running, and
they are considering the qualifications
of other men. EIihu Root is often dis
cussed. notwithstanding his positive
statement that he must not be consider
ed. His recent address to the New
York constitutional convention have
confirmed the favorable opinion of men
of clear perception as to his notable
qualifications. He has struck a respons-
i've chord in his appeal for the preserva-
ton of old liberties, and unquestionably
a strong section of the party will favor
his nomination, in spite of the reason
he gives for refusing to become a can
didate.
A few names are beginning to appear
prominently in connection with the Re-
publican nomination. Senator John W.
Weeks, of Massachusetts, attracts much
attention, and the more he is consider
ed the more readily his availability is
admitted. Philander C. Knox, of
Pennsylvania, is discussed most favor
ably. His conspicuous ability, his resi-
dence in the Republican stronghold
his popularity among Republicans of
widely varying views are all points in
his favor. Ohio offers two good men in
former Senator Burton and former Am
bassador Herrick, with Gov. Willis in
the background as further proof of
Ohio's inexhaustible resources. Mr..
Fairbanks, of Indiana. is being groom
ed for the race, and farther westward
Senator Sherman and James r. Mann
OF Illinois. are attracting a share of
the preliminary lightning flashes. The
middle West, with Senator Cummlns,
and far west, with Senator Borah, are
sure to be heard from.
In casting about for material Repub-
hcans often return to New York and
speculate upon the possibility of NOM
mating and electing Justice Charles E.
Hughes.
In addition to this glittering galaxy.
there is big field of local celebrities
whose families are sure they would be
chosen for President, if only the public
knew.of their great abilities. Maybe
the little-kuown ones will come to the
front. There is time for lot of history
to be made before nomination day. In
some respects 1916 will be good year
for dark horses. Some Republicans
even goiso far as to predict that it will
be "vellow-dog year" The ambitious
ones who feel in their hearts that they
are ideal presidential timbers have
every reason to indulge in pleasant
dreams snds throw out their modest
hints. They can bear in mind that
Abraham Lincoln was not the most
commanding figure in his party when
ne was chosen. If they do their best
to initiate Abraham Lincoln, they will
J not gogastray, [even if their party fails
to reward their merit by nominating
, them for President.