Omaha daily bee., 1916-02-09
Pointing Toward Hughes



THRoUeH Acknowledged leaders Of the prosres-
sve party Il has been announced % that no
'reaotionary" ticket nominated by the repub-
Iican convention. at Chicago in June would be ao-
ceptabe to those who rebeed against the republican
ticket OF 1872 and who still acting Independently
OF their old political affiliations and az that te
nomination of Theodore Roosevelt Charles Evans
Hughes. by the republican party. would bring them
back to the fold. Nobody is qualified authorized,
TO speak authoritatively for the republican party In
this connection. and nobody Of prominence has un-
dertaken 10 do 20, but many whose opinions have
weight in the counsels OF that organization have
commented what may regarded pro-
gressive peace proposal
At the close Of the campaign or four years ago.
proposition involving reconciliation with the Roosevelt
element would have been spurned by republicans II s
exaggeration 20 say that late az two years ago
an attempt, the part OF the progressives, 20 lay
down terms agreement to the regular organization
would have met with chilling reception. Democratic
trumphs however due 70 republican division. and the
certainty that these triumphs will be continued
less the breach is closed have brought the leaders IN
both factions to modify their views. The remarkable
thing about the progressive proposal Of Roosevelt
leadership in 1915. not its failure 20
thlsasm in the regular ranks. but the calmness and
the seriousness with which It has been considered
by the standpat element This consideration TO
have resulted in two conclusions the republican
side First, that even Theodore Roosevelt would lie
preferable 70 Woodrow Wilson; second that IL party
unity can be re-established through acceptance o;
the prOBreshtNe anerhabNes inc NhinB 10 90 II 10
nominate Charles Evans Hughes whose candidacy,
while acceptable to the great body Of progressivos.
would offend considerable number OF republicans.
The chairman Of the republican national committee
Charles ID. Hies. only give expression TO his
personal views the matter under discussion, but
his personal views have extraordinary weight by
Of his OFFICIAL position and the careful student of
the situation il. think. justified In attaching sig
nlficsnoe 70 OF his utterances in Chicago
Doubtless. he reflects the conservative opinion of
the national committee when. instead OF haughty
declaring that Theodore Roosevelt would not do,
he sklfully shifts responsibility for the elimination
of that distinguished citizen "Ali the information
have the subject" he II represented TO have told
the reporters is to the effect that Colonel
In not candidate Cor the republican nomination
president He has declined TO permit his name to
the primary ballot in the only three states
from which invitations hsYe come Minnesota, Me-
braska and Michigan" Then Mr. Hnies. having
crossed this ditch gracefully proceeds shift some
moro responsibility I'm the statement issued by
Chairman Perkins the progressive executive com.
mittee.' he adds, III was made plain that any
sonable satisfactory would be acceptable as the
republican nominee. They insisted that they meant
Just what they said. and will the statement
at its face value I think shall be able 10 nomi-
nate who will be satisfactory to all elements
OF the party. and that candidate will be elected
The interesting question. OF course is who Is this
man3 In attempting 20 find a satisfactory answer
the most we can do is 20 weigh indications measure
tendencies and draw differences. In this respect
Chairman Hilles will be helpful US again He turns
promptly. and It would SEEM naturally and Willingly
from Colonel Roosevelt 10 the second choice of the
progressves. I'm regard 20 Justice Hughes" says
there is man big enough the presidency
In opinion" Evidently. Mr.. Hiiles ana his asso-
ciates are undisturbed to what Justice Hughes
would do IL the Chicago nomination were offered
him in the right way. And II is fully as evident
judging from the general tone OF remark and COM
ment. that. among the thousands who are hoping 20
him the standard bearer OF reunited republican
party. the conviction 10 firm that Charles Evans
Hughes IL too hg refuse 20 lay aside his
personal wishes or TO sacrifice his personal comfort
In the interest Of what important element among
his fellow eitEens conceive to be the countrys good