Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-28
Denies Gen. Wood Boom
Was Idea of Roosevelt
70 the Editor Of The Star:

To the Editor OF The star:
The wisdom Of the choice Of Gen.
John ]. Pershing to command the
American Expeditionary Forces in the
World War has abundantly been DEM
onstrated. President Wilson and Sec
rotary Of War Baker, in the handling
of q difflcult situation devolving upon
them and reaching correct solution,
stand completely indicated. Maj. Gen.
Peyton G. March, U. s. A. CretireO ,
then chief Of staff, in giving to the
world important facts in the case and
revealing q confidential memoranda
sent to him from overseas, renders a
real service to the Army and his coun-
tryman. The evidence produced Is
conclusive and convincing and should
forever close controversy on the sub
ject. This may be freely admitted with
out modifying ones admiration OF Gen.
Leonard Wood or appreciation Of his
Inherent greatness as q soldier and q
man. His failure to be given COM
handing part in the hostilitieS in
France was the tragedy of his Illus
trious life that remained with him unto
death.
But Gen. March, who cannot reason
ably be expected to be as well versed
in political history as in Army data ana
details, errs, unwittingly, in discussing
activities on behalf Of Gen. Wood, when
he says that Col. Theodore Roosevelt
suarestAd his friends nomination for
President In the Republican National
Convention Of 1915.
Roosevelt himself, as o matter OF
fact, was Q candidate before that con-
vention and had Q substantial follow
ing led by Senator Albert B. Fall, who
formally placed him in nomination.
Many former so-called standpatters
were won over to the support Of the ex-
President, but the majority OF the dele
gates, while realizing that his aid was
absolutely essential to party success IN
opposed his nomination because OF his
bolt in 1912. Justice Charles z. Hughes
was clearly the choice, but the con-
vention held the final ballot in allegiance
and appointed q committee to wait upon
Roosevelt and ascertain his choice.
On the morning Of the third day he
communicated with the convention.
Had he indicated that he would sup
port Elihu Root, who had an influential
following, including part OF the Empire
State delegation, that eminent states
man might have been nominated, even
at that late hour. Had he expressed o
desire to see Gen. Leonard Wood be-
come the standard-bearer, probably the
convention would have taken another
recess TO consider the proposition. But
he did neither. Instead. he proposed
Henry Cabot Lodge. The convention
was wholly unresponsive. It could not
See the availability Of the Bay State
Senator and thereupon pE0eeeded to
take the third and Anal ballot, nominal
ing Hughes, and adjourned.
Roosevelt 1t Is easily recalled, In
dorsed Hughes, and realigned himself
with his party In the Inflated contest
ensuing.
That he was embittered toward the
Wilson administration on account OF its
refusal to permit Gen. Wood to go
overseas is undeniable. But that he
favored or suggested the general for
President in 1916 IS lacking in proof.
Certainly he gave no outward sign OF It..
Gen. Wood had the nucleus OF an or
ganization but was not sponsored by
r. r.
Once, in personal conversation. prior
to the breach Of 1912, Roosevelt con-
traSted Taft and Wood in these words:
will Taft is q man who will go
straight ahead and do his duty, regard
less of the effect of duty-doing upon
his personal or political fortunes. Leon
ard Wood Is like type of man, but
with this difference: He constantly has
in mind the effect Of duty-doing upon
his personal and political fortunes"
T. r. was keenly aware OF the some
times overweening ambition Of his able
and brilliant friend.
SCOTT c. BONE.