New Britain herald., 1916-06-05
PARTY PILOTS AT WITS END BECAUSE
 0F HUGHES BOOM
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cago, visiting various points of inter- est and becoming acquainted with other representatives from various parts of the country.
 Chairman J. Henry Roraback has called a special meeting of the Con- necticut delegation for Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock, two hours be- fore the big convention assemblies. At this meeting the delegates will devise plans for concerted action.
 Hughes Boom Grows.
 The movement for the nominaton of Justice Hughes today took on the aspects of a genuine boom. Arriving delegations brought evidences of sen- timent in favor of the jurist and men who have been identified with the Old Guard of the republican party declared that many delegates instruct ed for others were ready to turn their votes to him after the first ballot.
 The lack of controlling leadership by the men who have composed the Old Guard is emphasized on every hand They express themselves as not favoring Justice Hughes for any reason of personality, but, because the delegates bringing first hand re- ports of sentiment from the states, believe he can be the harmonizer who can rehabilitate the party and bring the progressive strength On every hand explanations are sought for the failure of expected sentiment for Col. Roosevelt to crystalline. A week ago those who opposed the nomination of Roosevelt were fearful of a stampede to him, but now it is said that is inn possible. Many cannot understand what brought this change about.
 Roosevelt Weak.
 Republican leaders after canvass today declared that Col. RoOseVelt's ultimate strength would not be more than 200 delegates at the outside and they believe the number would be nearer 150. It is asserted that the re- maining 75O or 800 delegates would not vote for him under any circum- stances.
 It was pointed out that when state delegations were selected it was known that Roosevelt would be a strong factor and probably a can- didate. Men were chosen who were believed to be for harmony, winch leaders say is not synonymous with Roosevelt, and are regarded there fore, as not of the stampedab ble type.
 
 uninstructed and are counted on to vote for any man who can bring majority of the progressives to the republican fold.
 Hughes to Remain Silent All talk of demanding a pre-cDn- vention statement from Justice Hughes as a candidate of his nomi- nation has practically been aban- doned.
 It was talked of last night, but to- day it has been eliminated from the discussions. It is generally agreed that the justice vii continue to pre- serve his Hence while he occupies a place on the supreme court bench, but if nominated he will immediately make a satisfactory statement Of his position on national questions which ! will be an issue in the campaign.
 Tn discouraging proposals of a pre- nomination statement from Justice Hughes, his supporters point out that so far as his position on national issues is concerned, addresses made tefore he went on the bench show him to be for preparedness and sound from a party point of view on all of the more important issues. It is be- ing argued that lack of information regarding MT. Hughes declarations is l wholly responsible for the charge that 1 he is a mystery candidate.' No Sanction From Hughes. Word has gone out from Governor Whitmans quarters that it is futile