ongress does. Taft may
redeem himself. He was fairly strong at the end of the last session, but
went off lamentably on account of his wavering and shillyshallying on so
many matters during his speaking trip. His speeches generally hurt
him, and rarely benefit him. But it is possible that the Democrats in
Congress may play the fool, and give him the chance to appear as the
strong leader, the man who must be accepted to oppose them."

This was what Roosevelt at the end, of December sincerely believed would
be the situation as time went on. But he underestimated the strength and
the volume of the tide that was rising.

The crucial decision was made on the 18th of January. I was in the
closest possible touch with Roosevelt in those pregnant days, and I
know, as well as any but the man himself could know, how his mind was
working. An entry in my diary on that date shows the origin of the
letter of the seven governors:

"Senator Beveridge called on T. R. to urge him to make a public
statement soon. T. R. impressed by his arguments and by letters just
received from three Governors, Hadley, Glasscock, and Bass. Practically
determined to ask these Governors, and Stubbs and Osborne, to send him a
joint letter asking him to make a public statement to the effect that
if there is a genuine popular demand for his nomination he will not
refuse-in other words to say to him in a joint letter for publication
just what they have each said to him in private letters. Such joint
action would give him a proper reason--or occasion--for making a public
declaration. T. R. telegraphed Frank Knox, Republican State Chairman of
Michigan and former member of his regiment, to come down, with intention
of asking him to see the various governors. H. H., at Ernest Abbott's
suggestion, asked him not to make final decision till he has had
conference--already arranged--with editorial staff. T. R. agrees, but
the inevitableness of the matter is evident."

After that day, things moved rapidly. Two days later the diary contains
this record: "Everett Colby, William Fellowes Morgan, and Mark
Sullivan call on T. R. All inclined to agree that time for statement is
practically here. T. R.--The time to use a man is when the people want
to use him." M. S.--"The time to set a hen is when the hen wants to
set." Frank Knox comes in response to telegram. Nat Wright also present
at interview where Knox is informed of the job proposed for him. Gifford
Pinchot also pres