The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1908. AMERICAN POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2223, 22 June 1908, Page 2

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. MONDAY, JUNE 22, 1908. AMERICAN POLITICS.

Tha Americans have just settled one of ihe issues in connection with the j Kvhcoiniug Presidential election by accepting Air. Taft as the Republican Party.'s nominee. The Convention which took place it Chicago last week resulted in a. distinct great personal triumph for President . Roosevelt, whose wishes were given effect to ill an extraordinary degree. The Republican party, generally speaking, represents Conservative interests in the Unitod States, and it can, therefore, bo readily understood that an important section of that organisation by no means relished the vigorous campaign which President Roosevelt has been waging against the lawbreaking Trusts. These gigantic corporations still reign supremo ill the United States, but their power has been materially curtailed by the magnificent work so feirlossly undertaken and persistently pursued by America’s greatest citizen. If is almost needless to add that lie has an a do many enemies thereby. Thus it was that specious attempts were made by the financial magnates at the hack of the Trusts and t-hoir journalistic -allies to put the -blame upon Roosevelt for the recent monetary crisis. No pains have boon spared to poison the minds of the people against their great President, who has been charged with usurping the power of the legislature, and with robbing-the States-of their special privileges. No clement of possible discord but lias been utilised to the full, and one influential journal, “Harper’s Weekly,” has for months been declaring upon every conceivable opportunity that the reason for Mr. Roosevelt not seeking another term- of office was that he would not risk the defeat which would surely await him. It must have been very galling, particularly for one of Roosevelt’s fighting temperament,, for any man to listen to such taunts a 3 this without accepting the implied challenge, but the President lias never wavered in his adherence to the promise made in 1901 that he would not accept another term. -His friends, who certainly are not less enthusiastic thin his enemies are unscrupulous and vindictive, have to the last hoped that he would, at the eleventh hour, accede to the popular wish, and the demonstration made to that end at the recent Convention evoked a series of cheers and yells that, we are told, lasted for fully -1() minutes. Finding that Roosevelt would not yield to the clamor for “four yens more,” the delegates proceeded to elect-his nominee. Governor Taft, and the handsome majority accorded that candidate provides- a gratifying indication that the Rooseveltian policy is entirely acceptable to the bulk of the Republican party, and that the President-’fl choice of a successor has been well made. At one time it was thought that Mr. Hughes, who so decisively defeated the millionaire newspaper proprietor, Mr. Ilearst, for the Governorship of New York State, and who was backed by the Wall street magnates, would block the way to Air. Taft’s nomination, but events have shown that, although supported by the delegates of his own State, which controls more votes than those of any other, -his opposition was not a serious factor at the Convention. Air. Taft is not gifted with the brilliant personality of a Roosevelt, but lie is generally consideried a strong man, and one thoroughly capable of filling the duties attaching to his high office with dignity and credit. During Mf. Roosevelt's term of

oflico Mr. Tuft has been singled out lor vory important missions, notably the charge of the Philippines and a diplomatic visit to Japan, uud the initiation of the Panama Canal work, and in all ho luis acquitted lrimself in such a manner to suggest that lie is thoroughly competent to undertake the still more responsible duties of guiding the political destinies of a great nation. Ju one respeet hie tusk if elected .President is made easier than would otherwise bo the o.iso inasmuch as tho policy liq is expected by the mandate of tho rank and file of his party to carry out Ims hoi'ii clearly laid down by his predecessor, and it will ho for him to give effect to it as speedily as may Impossible. Of cotii.su, if must not be forgotten that the Presidential contest is by no means decided yet. Next months the Democrats hold their Convention at Dcnvor, when it is more than piob tide that Mr. Wmi. Bryan, the “silver-tongued orator,” from Nebraska, who was so badly “turned down” in 1004 in favor of a- more conferva, tivo nominee, will, on this oceas- ! ion. bo selected b.v a largo majority. From that peHiod oil tho Presidential battle will he waged in earnest between the .supporters of Me.s,rs Taft md Bryan, for although the Popul.st, I i lochtlist, and Prohibition parties will also select candidates, the issue, will really bo narrowed down to the names a Irondy mentioned.