The first real blow has been struck in the Presidential campaign and the result is a notably victory for M Taft. Primaries have been held thirty-six counties in Ohio and Taft delegates have been selected in every case, This, too, in a State where it was supposed opposition would be particularly strong. The main objection to Mr, Taft as the next president was Roosevelt's support. Many feared that the genial secretary was to be foisted upon them and the idea that the out-going president could appoint his successor was repugnant to the American people, who fear the institution of w dynasty without the glamour that usually surrounds a throne. Since Mr. Roosevelt realized this feeling he has never lost a chance of showing that Mr. Taft stands upon his own feet, and no statement is more sare of obtaining a rous contradiction than one affirming that underground influences are being exerted in Mr. Taft's favour. A vehement denial of such charges has just been issued by Mr. Roosevelt in the form of an open letter. A leading newspaper had charged him with using federal patronage to secure the desired nomination of his favourite and " former civil service commissioner had taken up the charges, hence the opportunity afforded the president. Mr. Ronsevelt begins by pointing out that these same charges were brought two months ago, only then he was accused of pulling wires to further his own renomination. He then goes on to deal more specifically with the attacks. Since Congress adjourned, excluding army and navy officers, scientific and health experts and members of the revenue cutter service thirteen hundred and fifty appointments have been made. The president publishes the figures and the politics of the appointees and 80 proves that more democrats than republicans have been placed upon the roll. His system has been to retain, whenever possible, the men previously holding office, failing this to take the suggestions of Congressmen and senators, insisting for his own part, that the men chosen shall come up to a certain standard of character and capacity. "Not an appointment has been made that would not have been made had a pre. sidential campaign not been in view," ends Mr. Roosevelt with some indigna-
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.