Root, he told me,
was pro-British to the last degree and Hays, he said, was cajoled
by the great international bankers who trembled at the delay of
peace.
"If such men are to lead the Republican Party," he declared, "the
sooner it is destroyed the better." Of course, he did not take the
stump. He has failed so often to carry out his threats of rebellion
that they no longer inspire the fear they once did. Although he has
repeatedly turned against the organization he has managed to escape
being an outlaw. This singular trait of political conservatism came
conspicuously into play in 1912 when Roosevelt turned upon the
machine. All through the stormy days of that stormy Chicago
convention Senator Borah could be found at the side of that one
leader for whom he had a consistent regard. He was with him up to
the very last moment before the die was cast. He was almost
successful at the eleventh hour in inducing Mr. Roosevelt to
abandon his mad project. They were closeted together on the evening
of the clamorous meeting of the progressives in a hotel across the
street.
"We have come to the parting of the ways, Colonel," Borah said to
his chief. "This far I have gone with you. I can go no further." He
urged Roosevelt not to take the step which would mean the
disruption of the party and defeat. Roosevelt wavered. But before
he could reach the decision Borah sought a committee from the
outlaw meeting, burst into the room, and enthusiastically announced
that the stage was set for the demonstration that was to mark a new
political era.
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