The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1915-12-11
ROOT LIKELY TO
BE IN THE RACE

lican politics may be completely
changed by the virtual consent of
Elihu Root to become a candidate for
the presidential nomination next year.
According to information through the
inner circle of politics, Senator Root
has virtually yielded to the tremend-
Gus pressure that is being brought to
bear upon him to become the party
leader and is now said to be in mood
to permit the use of his name and 10
accept the leadership that is being
urged upon him, in the event of it
becoming apparent that there is de-
mand for him in the country. Mr..
Root is understood to have received
recently such unmistakable evidences
of the existence of such a demand as
ohave given the advocates of his can
didacy more encouragement to begin
a movement looking toward his nomi-
nation.
While there is no ground for stating
that the ex-senator is on the point of
formally announcing his candidacy,
which would be entirely contrary to
his sensibilities and old-school atti-
tude on public Office seeking. least of
all the presidency. there is ample rea-
son for believing that the Republican
leaders of New England are exceed
inglv interested in the important "big
medicine" that is understood to be in
process of making now in New York.
1t is believed here that developments
within the next few daysmay COM
pletely change the existing status of
things in the Republican party and
clarity the political atmosphere.
Intimation that Senator Root is a
receptive candidate for the nomination
next year would be likely to have an
electric effect in New England, where
he is regarded as the leading Repub-
lican statesman of the day. He could
count more surely upon obtaining the
delegates of these six States than any
other regular Republican with the
possible exception of Justice Hughes
In the event of Mr.. Root permitting
the use of his name. it is exceedingly
probable that Senator John w, Weeks
the New England man who has been
mentioned most prominently in con-
nection with the nomination would
promptly decline to be considered in
that connection, and would immedia-
tely announce his support of the for
mer New York Senator for whom he
is known to have the highest admira-
ton as man and a statesman. What
ever strength Weeks may have in New
England, and this is very largely true
with respect to those Western States
where Weeks sentiment has been
strongest, would naturally go to Root
1t is practically certain that if Mr.
Root permits himself to become the
rallying point of the party, New Eng
land will present no favorite son to
the convention.
1t is apparent that in political cir
cles some definite intimation as to Mr
Roots feelings in the matter is ex-
pected very shortly. The question as
to the attitude the Progressives and
former Progressives would assume
toward his candidacy is, of course,
most important one. If Mr.. Roose-
velt's grudge were forgotten and he
should indicate his willingness to see
Root become the instrument for GUST
ing Mr.. Wilson from the White House,
it is likely that the rank and file of the
Bull Moose would be as WILLING to
support him as they were in Massa-
chusetts recently to support Samuel
W. Mccall, who is essentially a man of
the Root type. But Mr.. Roosevelt's
influence in debating or influencing
the next Republican nomination is not
underestimate in New England
where his hold on the people is still
growing.
Senator Lodges announcement of
his support Of Senator Weeks for the