Evening star., 1915-03-15
Potential Boss of New York
Splits With Governor Over
1916 Nomination.
SENATOR OBJECTS, CITING
AGE AND PROGRESSIvES
Friends Agree That All Factions
Should Unite-Favorite Sons
Who Seek Preferment.


much interested today In dispatches
from Albany dealing with gossip about
the republican presidential nomfna-
ton. The reports went on to say that
William Barnes. jr., potential. though
not titular, republican boss" OF New
York, had fallen out with Gov. Whit
man, some of whose friends want him
to have the support of New York for
the presidential nomination.
1t is alleged that Mr.. Barnes favors
former Senator Elihu Root as the
choice OF the republicans of New York
for the nomination. and that he is
against Whitman in all events. Other
of Mr.. Whitman's friends are said to
be advising him to give his attention
to the duties Of governorship and let
politics take their course in regard to
the presidential candidacy.
The dispatches further state that Mr..
Root is not keen for the nomination
himself. feeling that two objections
would be urged against his candidacy
first, his age. which is past seventy,
and next, but not less in Importance,
the fact that he is likely to be regard
ed by progressive republicans as the
personifcation of the ultra 'stand-pat'
faction of the party. which will be
sought to be eliminated from control
ling influence in the next national con-
vention.
1t Is said that Mr.. Roots only poIiti-
cal ambition is to be Secretary or
State in republican administration. in
order that he may devote himself to
Latin American affairs. in which he has
taken deep interest, and to the ratth-
cation of a number of pending treaties
about which he is deeply concerned.
Agree With Mr.. Root.
Republican politicians in Washing
ton readily acquiesce in Mr. Roots
purported views as to the handicap he
would suffer. from the charge at least,
of his pronounced Conservatism" to
use a polite word. 1t is thoroughly
understood that there Is widespread
determination among republicans Of
both wings of the party to select a
standard bearer who, while being of
conservative nature such as would
make him acceptable to the business
interests of the country, shall not at
the same time be pronounced stand
patter.''
Otherwise. they agree among them
selves. it will be useless to expect re-
conciliation between the factions
which spit. at the polls in the last pres
idential election No objection thus
far has been raised against Mr.. Whit
man, although the more experienced re-
publicans regard him as not so strong
as some other men whose names are
mentioned as possibilities. If he can
get the support of the New York dele
cation, he will be welcomed in the
race, to take his chances with the other
candidates.
1t is regarded as certain, however.
: that he will have to "see Mr. Barnes''
when 1t comes to soliciting the sup
port of New York republicans. and that
is what makes the report OF Mr..
Barnes opposition interesting at this
time.
ALI republicans OF influence in the
party councils and management agree
that 1t L. to be free-for-au contest in
the convention. Indeed. steps will be
taken to make it SO. and entries in
vited.
"Favorite sons to the front and the
more the merrier'' will be the watch
word.
Leading Favorites Discussed.
The leading favorites are under dis
cussion every day, and all the repub-
lican leaders are in correspondence and
conference as opportunity presents.
Here are some of the men who are
being talked about:
Ohio-Myron T. Herrick. former Sem
ator Burton and Gov. Willis.
IIlinois-James r Mann and Senator
Sherman.
sachusetts-Senator ]. W. Weeks.
New York-Justice Charles E. Hughes
and Gov. Whitman
Indiana-Charles w. Fairbanks and
James r. Watson.
Iowa-Senator Cummins
Idaho-Senator Borah-
The report current a few days ago
that former President Taft may enter
the field is said to have originated out
of the activities of National Chairman
Hilles in getting together a number OF
business men in financial conference,
but the report is not thought to be
P1,,