Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-06-11
IhirarnS Hrn,lIIC,S

IT is. We believe, utterly immatcrial whether
l Theodore Roosevelt nominated by the Pro-
grosSiyeS FOR a third term President of the
United States, retiroS i'll favor OF Charles'Evans
Hughes nominated Ivy the Republicans or
continues contender. The result will he
exactly the same Whether the race be three
oornered or two-cornered, Woodrow Wilson
will he reelected
There would he differences Of detail. as a
natter OF course. So far as electoral votes
arc concerned Wilson probably would
ceivc greater number with both hughes and
Roosevelt in the field. hut he would receive 4
larger popular vote with the Sage OF Oyster
Bay out OF the RUNNING The only effect Of
the triple candidacy would he To make as
suranoe douhy sure Ii is already sure
enough
Various shrewd observers expect Roosevelt,
10 retire Even he, however firm his CON
fdenCo in his star. Will scarcely be able To
believe he stands a chance OF victory as the
candidate of the Progressives He is too
shrewd politician, il is said. 10 lead another
fororn hope and sign his own political
death warrant His eyes are turned 10 1920.
and perhaps TO 1928 and 1925. In the wholly
improbable event OF Hughes victory at the
polls, Roosevelt would ind it possible to dis
credit Hughes jus, he did Tait-and then
collect the profits
But it doesn't matter Roosevelt cannot
deliver his following 20 the supreme Court
Justice. and his support would drive many
from the Hughes standard. As We said in this
place Yesterday one cleGlent OF the Repuhli-
can party prefers Wilson 20 Hughes. just as
another element prefers Wilson TO Roosevelt
Republican interuecne differences. far as
they are honest, 20 too deep 10 ne healed by
any ointment OF political maneuver and bar
gain.
Political campaigns have become largely
contests OF men rather than OF measures
Save for some abuse Of the executive. there
is nothing in the Republican platform. GER
tanly. TO excite enthusiasm in the most rabid
Republican breast This tsht that nears will
he between men. and why on earth should
independents whose votes will decide the
issue. prefer Charles Evans Hughes TO Wood
row Wilson? They will not
Justice Hughes is al able and anlable gen.
tIenan. with ar excellent public record. He
came into the public eye in the insurance in
vestigations. and lie was q good Governor OF
New York He has been capable. but not
particularly brilliant, occupant OF the Sill
preme Bench
Contrasted with the long list OF accom-
piishmeurs in the public interests that stands
10 the credit OF Woodrow Wilson. the record
Of Justice Hughes loses its luster Through
period Of unparalleled stress and strain
Wilson has preserved the countrys faith
maintained -Ee country's prosperity and kept
ina g'3G's. OUT Of war me country Will
know low TO reward him as history will
know how to honor him
III ms letter of acceptance. addressed 10 the
Republican convention. Justice Hughes makes
an attack on the Presidents Mexican policy
and q wuch less bitter attack on the Presi-
dents European policy. II is a concession
70 The lingo forces that Roosevelt sought to
lead, and II heightens the probability that
Roosevelt VIII retire in favor OF Hughes II
Is just wor1s-and weasel words at that
There are no specacations--no suggestion OF
y whs- manner Justice Hughes. had he
heen President, would have departed from
the course this administration mas followed
The announcement, il it means what il seems
90 mean. probably will cost Hughes the
Germ American vote That vote will no,
20 to Inc Democratic candidate, but, so far
energies q all. viii be cast for the
soel..s. o. the hopeless nominee OF some
atavr minor party. That vote is Republican.
h7waTe- and The Republicans not The Demo
c-.,s. VIII miss it when the ballots are
couAtel