New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-13

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: Although the Republican National
Convention is more than two months Of. the
situation concerning candidates has been
very much clarified.
Senator Root has practically eliminated
himself from the contest. although he IS oN-
,remely popular in many parts Of the country
and his ability is universally conceded. Inc
bush league" candidates Weeks, Mccall,
brumbaugh, Burton, Fairbanks, Sherman
Cummins, La Toilette and Borah are consid-
cred merely as names which will receive hon
orable mention. No one seriously considers
the nomination OF any one OF them as wlthin
the range of possibility. Estabrook and Gen
era! du Pont, Ormsby McHargs personal ~
promoted candidates, will receive about the
same vote that Frederick Douglass was in the
habit of receiving in Republican conventions
from one to three votes.
Holly contested primaries for the selection
Of delegates have been the exception and the
Republican National Convention will assem-
bic freighted with the hope and expectations
Of the great majority Of Republicans that 1t
will select a man Of national and interna-
tional size. With Senator Root self-cllmi-
rated, public interest will focus upon the two
remaining men who arc by universal consent
recognized as men of big calibre Theodore
Roosevelt and Justice Hughes.
Both are splendid Americans. and each in
his own sphere Of activity will continue to
render great service 70 his country as long as
he lives. But Justice Hughes has rendered
his greatest public service on the bench OF
the Supreme Court Without dIsparagement
OF the ability Of his associates. he is gener-
ally regarded as the strongest man IN that
great court. In these days of broadening
o.. To-. f..s
distinguished public service may be greater
than have come to any jurist since the days
Of John Marshall. As ages are measured on
the bench Of the Supreme Court. he is still
a young man in fact. the youngest member
Of the court. with long judicial career be
fore him. In all probability he Is destined to
become the Chief Justice OF that court within
few years.
During the six years he has served on the
bench he has shown "A most scrupulous regard
for the best traditions Of the bench. Mind
fui Of his high judicial position. he has held
himself religiously aloof from any discussion
savoring Of political or partisan character.
The American people revere these qualities
in Justice Hughes and do not expect or de
sire from him any exposition of his views on
the vital political problems of the day. except
where such declaration may be necessary
in the rendering of judicial opinion. Jus
tice Hughes in every way represents the jul
dicial type which the American people delight
to honor.
Colonel Roosevelt. on the other hand. rep
resents the executive type, as distinguished
from the judicial type. His best work in a
wonderful career has been as an executive
and As party leader. To-day in the public
mind he IS universally recognized as the log
ical exponent and champion OF adequate pre-
paredness and peace with honor lie COM
mands the respect Of every foreign nation.
Of the American people and to utilize an
aroused national sentiment in the accom-
plishment Of practical programme Of ma
tiona defence is conceded. I'm the eyes Of the
world he stands out clearly as the foremost
living American. His elevation to the Presi-
dcncy Of itself would do much toward re
storing respect for our country IN the family
OF nations.
These two strong men are available for
efficient and eminent public service one in
the Judicial arm of the government. to which
he has consecrated his finest legal scholar
ship and superlatiyc professional abilities;
the other as the Chief Executive Of his coun.
try in what may b" the storm and stress"
period Of our national history. Each has his
own peculiar talents and each has demon
stratcd his intrinsic worth But why rob the
Supreme Court Of its best talent and discard
the potential services Of Colonel Roosevelt
The past four years have not produced a
plethor. Of able public men. On the contrarys
there Is a dcarth of men Of first class ability