The Fairmont West Virginian

COMMENTS OF LEADING NEWSPAPERS

ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS.

REPUBLICANS AND

VICE PRESIDENCY

Washington Star.

If the Republicans are to find their Presidential candidate west of the Alleghenies—and that at present seems to be the idea—they must find his running mate east of that line.

The geographical question is an important one in the construction of a national ticket. For years the national conventions of both parties have wrestled with it; and more than once it has been settled very happily.

Strong as Mr. Tilden was in 1876, the yoking of Mr. Hendricks with him went far to explain the large vote polled for the ticket; and it is much to be doubted if Mr. Cleveland could have carried Indiana in 1884 with any other running mate than Indiana's favorite son. The strongest man in the first place needs the assistance of a strong man in the second place; and in the distribution of honors sections should be considered.

So far there has been no speculation as to the tail of the next Republican ticket. Both New York and New Jersey have claims. One thinks of them instantly after assigning first place to Indiana, Ohio, Illinois or Wisconsin. The one is the great center of business interests and activities, extending throughout the country, and the other is a sort of suburb of New York, where the same influences prevail. Mr. Hobart proved a tower of strength in 1896 because of his large connections in the two States, while Mr. Roosevelt, four years later, was of equal, if not greater, value to Mr. McKinley.

In New York there is Mr. Sherman, who has just set about carrying the next House. If he succeeds in that he will advance himself materially in party importance. Then there is Governor Higgins, who should be re-elected in November will be very powerful in the New York organization. Nor should Charles E. Hughes be forgotten. He shows no desire to enter state politics, but in certain circumstances his would be a good name to conjure in the national field.