The sun., 1919-01-07
ROOSEVELT BOOM
FOR 1920 WAS ON
John 7. King Of Connecticut
Long Had Been at Work
on Movement.

II he had lived and retained his bod
lily vigor Col. Theodore Roosevelt
w,u.1 / ave been the Republican nomi-
ice for President in 1920. in the opin-
ion not only OF many Of his friends but
OF many of his enemies as well.
1t may be stated on the highest nu-
, thority that the Colonel had no inten-
ton OF issuing a statement declaring
himself out of consideration. as was
asserted in story from Washington
yesterday. Quite the contrary, as re-
cantly as last Friday he had long
talk with John T. King. member OF the
Republican National Committee from
Connecticut. and at that time went
over matters bearing upon the next
Presidential campaign.
Undoubtedly, and I speak advised
ly," said Mr., King yesterday. "Col.
Roosevelt would have been nominated
for the Presidency in the Republican
National Convention in 1920"
At the time Of Mr. Kings visit the
Colonel said that aside from the pain
caused by the rheumatism he was feel
ing in good shape. He confidently ex-
pected to conquer that trouble within
a shor; time. and was ready to lead the
Republican party in 1920.
1t was soon after the election OF Presi-
dent Wilson in 1916 tina; a group Of Re
publican leaders met 10 discuss the fu-
ture OF the party and to lay plans for
1890. This group decided that because
Of the international complications that
had arisen as a result of the European
war Col. Roosevelt was the man to iead.
At that time John I. King. who mad
long been an admirer of the Colone |,
undertook to lead the fight for aim.
Since that time ne has been one OF the
Colonels closest political advisers.
Working quietly. Mr.. King has built
up an organization for the nominat on
Of the Colonel which his friends assert
would have insured his nomination he
yond doubt Political leaders were ask
ing last night whether MIR. King would
remain in the game and whether the
organization which ne had constructed
would he preserved intact for some
other man. Friends OF Mr.. King say
that for "A long time he has wished tc
retire from polttica, work ard get bach
20 his business.
. Late In December. 1916, occurred M
meeting OF the executive committee o.
, the National Committee, a. which tim,
John T. Adams Of Iowa, was made vice
, chairman Of the National Committee. /
was then that George W Perkins, EV
erett Colby OF New Jersey and othe
leaders who had been influential or th'
, Progressive movement issued a protes
against the rcvcrsiuu Of the orgau..I
j ton back to "Old Guard" control.
Although nothing developed on tn
surface during tha year Mr. King VII
exceedingly busy. Early in 1918 William
!. Il. Wilcox resigned at National Chair
y man and the question arose as to VIII
: should succeed him. Mr.. King wa
mentioned for the place He realized
however. that to hold this post woul
make it impossible to continue his per
: sonal work for the Colonel. He too
himself out OF the race and Joined i
:, the movement led by Mr.. Perkins an
J. others to elect VIII Ii. Hays OF Indiana
i II was the Roosevelt influence at tn
y ST. Louis meeting of the National Com
mittee that finally compelled the cleo
/ ton of Mr.. HAYS.
At that very time. when the Natlona
II Committee was in session. tho ColoaC
' was in the Roosevelt Hospital In thl
l city, suffering from all affection Of hi
ear. Long before he was released froy
u confinement, however. he was able I
d see Mr.. King and other political leaders
I Men prominent in Republican circles I
various parts OF the country who har
pened to be in New York talked wit
him there.
After that Illness some of the Colonel
e friends expressed the feeling that he ia
,' lost some of his old stamina. But N
Colonel himself insisted that he woul
=, be- able 10 carry out the programme.
Is not unlikely that the strain put o
him by the many talks with polite:
leaders and a tremendous correspond
~ ence placed on him a burden that WI
. hey ond his strength.