Evening star., 1942-12-06
Taft Eliminates Self
From Consideration
In Presidential Race
Senator Throws Support
To Gov. Brieker, Who
Backed Him in 1910
BY GOULD LINCOLN,
Star Staff Correspondent.


ST. LOUIS, Dec. 5.-Senator
Taft of Ohio has definitely elimi-
mated himself as a candidate for
the Republican presidential NOM
ination in 1914 and has thrown
his support to Gov. John Bricker
of Ohio.
The Senator also has expressed a
hope that Gov. Bricker would re-
ceive the support of the Ohio dele
cation in the next COP national
convention.
AS they began arriving here to-
day for their meeting Monday to
select a new Republican National
Chairman to succeed Representative
Martin, who.is reAgning. Republican
National Committeeman expressed
the opinion Senator Taft's with
drawal has greatly strengthened
Gov. Bricker's chances for the NOM
ination in 1914.
With Gov ELECT Thomas E. Dewey
already having declared that he de-
sired to serve his full four-year term
in Albany, and with Wendell l.. Will
kie, 1910 presidential nominee, now
in the bad graces of many Repubh-
cans, Gov. Brickers chances for the
nomination appeared to them to be
immeasurably improved. they said.
Senator Taft's statement on his
future political plans was contained
in letter to Bert Long, chairman
Of the Republican Executive Com
mittee of Hamilton County, which
includes Cincinnati, Senator Taft's
home city. The Senator said he in
tended to become a candidate for
denomination to the Senate.
Senator Taft's letter was in re-
sponse to request from Mr.. Long
that he state his plans regarding
1914. Mr.. Longs letter was dated
November % and Senator Tafts re-
ply was made December 4.
Bears on Chairmanship.
Whether or not 1t was intended
to have an effect on the selection of
the new Republican national chair
man in st. Louis tomorrow, Sena-
tor Taft's announcement came at
psychological moment. The name
of John B. Hollister, former Repre-
sentative from Cincinnati, is being
considered for the Craftsmanship.
The fact that Mr.. Hollister is law
partner Of Senator Taft, had the
latter continued to be an aspirant
for the presidential nomination,
might have initiated against the
formers chances for election as
national chairman.
Committee members who regarded
Gov Bricker's chances as frightened
by Senator Taft's statement, tenn
pered their views by reminding that
when the party holds its 1914 con-
vention. there is always chance the
demand for Gov. Dewey might sweep
away his own desires to continue in
the governorship.
They reminded, also, that he could
make the presidential race and re-
tain the governorsnlp and continue
as Chief Executive of his State If
he were defeated for President.
The possibility that in another
year Mr.. Willkie might be in a
much stronger position to make a
bid for the nomination also was con-
ceded.
Text Of Taft Letter.
Senator Taft's letter to Mr.. Long
follows:
Il have received your letter of
November 28th, inquiring as to my
own plans for 1914. and offering the
support Of the Republican Executive
Committee OF Hamilton County. I
am glad to have this opportunity to
express again the tremendous graft
tude I feel to the committee for the
backing they gave me in 1898 and
1910. 1t is source of constant salts
faction to know that the Republi-
cans OF my own home city under
stand the position I have taken and
the work which I have been trying
to do.
you inquire as to whether in
tend to be candidate for the Re-
publican nomination for the presi-
dency in 1914. My definite reply is