The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1916-02-17
ROOT SPEECH STIRS
CONGRESS- LEADERS
Highest Praise From Republi.
cans. Bitter Words From
Democrats.
WILSON TO KEEP SILENT

WARRINGTON. Feb. l6.-Elihu Roots
speech before the Republican state con-
vention In New York caused a stir
among political leaders in Washing
ton. 1t was generally acclaimed nv
Republicans regardless of faction as
outlining In part the declaration OF
principles that will be drawn up at the
Republican national convention In Chi
cago In June.
Mr.. Roots attack upon the foreign
policy Of the Wilson Administration
evoked bitter expressions from Demo-
cratic leaders. Senator Stone of Mis-
souri,. chairman OF the Senate Commit
tee on Foreign Relations. will reply TO
Mr.. Roots criticism OF the Presidents
foreign policy. 1t In altogether likely
that MIR. stones response will touch the
match to the l~iveliest debate In the
Senate on the subject OF the relations
Of the United States with European bel
ligsrents that has been staged In that
body since the beginning OF the war.
Despite action OF the convention In
refusing to indorse Mr.. Root as a Presl-
Dental candidate the belief obtains
among leaders that the speech OF the
former senator. regarded as one OF
the ablest political declarations Of his
career. aiSlin brings him forward ~ q
strong possibility for first honors.
Wilson to Keep silent.
II was said at the White House to.
day that President Wilson will make
no reply to Mr.. Roots speech. ON
Gals Of the Administration appear to
be OF the opinion that the Root speech
will help the President among German
Americans. In commenting IN the
speech Tonight Senator Stone said
MIR. Root seems TO have devoted him
self chiefly to a criticism Of the Admin
istration's foreign policy. All ] have
10 say now In that I am surprised that
a man Of Senator Roots standing.
around whose Jovian brow some have
sought to weave a halo. should descend
to SUCH petty politics. think his
speech IL not only capable OF "A complete
answer but absolute demolition
IL the Republicans want TO make
their campaign on President Wilson's
conduct Of foreign affairs ! will be will
ing TO contribute to their campaign
fund. not much. but I would gi"e 800
to encourage them"
Representative Gardner. Massachu-
sets. Republican. said
THAT was a grand. strong speech 81
Mr., Roots. ! wish more people had his
pluck. I liked especially the part in
which he pointed out that the Lusitania
crisis. which began with the shocking
and contemptuous murder Of Americans.
has ended In a miserable haggle.
Now q, Ia up Ia the Republican party
to show that II stands for n real Euro
pean foreign policy. not n policy which
rhi(ta uHtth Nar MIND NNH Rantlhlt-
cans have been all RICH, about Mexico.
Now L., US stand up and show the same
vigor In our denunc!ation ~ PRESIDENT
Wilson's weak kneed German policy.
There is just one Presidential possible
,ty who nts Roots speech. and his name
IN Theodore Roosevelt"
speech DisttnctiS American.
Senator Harding. OHIO. Republican.
said
ITS q great speech. lis more dis
tinctiy a great American speech tina n
partisanly Republican speech. However.
we have to expect the highest express
sions Of Americanism from those who
proclaim Republican policies.
senator Roots speech is the sevcrest
Indictment Of the Wilson fiasco In Mex
leo which any American has uttered.
In the discussion Of our relations to III"
warning nations 81 Europe Mr.. Root
has given suc expression OF lofy
statesmanship az will bring both the
country and the present Administration
to the soberest second thought"
senator sherman. Illinois, Republic
can, said
Senator Roots speech II q very
strong presentation Of the Republican
position. lie has rendered "A public SER
vice. not merely n partisan one
HE states the issues AS ! believe
them to be-" said Representative Long
worth. Ohio. sOn-in-iaw Of Col. Roose-
welt. Il agree with him In his reference
10 the Mexican policy"
Representative Martin. Louisiana,
listed as an independent. said ~
sounds the keynote Of the Republican
party In the coming campaign"
James X. Mann. minority leader OF the
House, said he had not yet had time tn
read and digest the speech. Other lead
ing Republican members made the same
statement.