Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1916-06-02
(By Morning Journal Special Leased Wire.)

Washington, June I.-Politieian,
I mere are discussing with interest today
conferences that were held in this
city Saturday nght---conferences
winch may have the effect of reducing
the republican national convention 10
a ratification meeting.
These conferences were In the ma
ture of an attempt by the favorlte
son combine" TO make Hughes their
cholee even before the convention
meets. The Journal all along has had
the news of the favorite son confer
ences, which heretofore have had as
their object the welding together OF
the faVorite son strength into "A man.
ageahle whole. The plan originated
with the Burton, Weeks, Fairbanks
and Sherman men.
Cummins Not In on Combine.
Cummlns was not taken into the
llrst combination, because IL was not
believed that he could control his
strength in the states Of Nebraska and
Minnesota. Whether he is In the lat
est combination Is also in doubt, but
there is no doubt that the first four
named are in IT,
The plan of the favorite sons now il
not to prolong the struggle by clint
mating first one ana then another Of
their number, but to throw then
whole strength to Hughes on the STRAIT
esle ballot and thus put him over.
This is of course, merely an admission
mat they could not take their whole
block OF votes from one faVUrite son
to another and a confession that
Hughes probably would get them any
way. If this were the pure admission,
the favorite sons could hardly expeet
amy compensation for thclr votes
Complete Slate Made.
But Saturdays conference brought
in a new clement---B Ballinger ana some
of the leaders of the old guard They
We're there to Influence the faVorite
sons toward a course which would
free them from the nomination OF
Roosevelt. They are said to have
suggested ana the favorite sons to
have agreed tentatively to this division
)f the principal Offices
For president, Charles t. Hughes,
New York; for vice president, Charles
w. Fairbanks, Indiana, secretary of
state, Elihu Root, New York. secre-
larry OF war or chief OF the council
IF national defense. General Leonard
Wood; secretary Of the navy, Senator
Iohn w Weeks. Massachusetts,; sec
'etary of the treasury. Theodore Il.
Burton, Ohio.
Proposed Cabinet Believed Strong.
The question that might naturally
20 asked is whether Justice Hughes
las agreed TO handpicked cabinet to |
ie bestowed on him in case of his !
election. The answer would be mo" !
lie Is free to select his own cabinet |
'ut these are the men TO whom he |
yves his leadership ana they are an |
Ncellent men for the positions sug /
tested. Senator Weeks is a former /
fficer of the navy, "A business man
nd legislator Of rare accomplish /
nents. Theodore r. Burton has been
ifered the treasury by republican
PRESIDENTS before ana is hardly less
ligible now when he has votes at his
ommand. No republican president
ut would be glad 10 have Elihp Root
[ the head Of his cabinet.
Thus the atmosphere of coercion is
emoved hy a showing that ideal men
ave been suggested for each place.
Compensation for Roosevelt.
Saturdays was the first of several
differences 10 be held in the week
receding the convention and which
nay result in the whole business be-
lg settled In advance even TO the
latform. The first conference did
OF make clear what was to be done
bout Roosevelt. There was a sugges-
on Of placatinF him in the naming I
( his particular friend, Leonard
Vood, for a place In the cabinet or
qually high. There was also talk !
nat he would get his compensation in