Roosevelt nodded. “I’ll do that, of course. What is your other condition?”
“It’s this,” said the Senator, “never call me ‘old man’ again.”
Then he shook hands. He did more; on his part he promised that if Roosevelt kept his word, and if he retained McKinley’s cabinet and other appointments, he would have Hanna’s support at the next National Convention.
It was a compact that neither man forgot. Before many months were over rumour reported a conspiracy on Hanna’s part and Roosevelt unhesitatingly repeated this to him.
“You are carrying out your part of the bargain,” said the Senator, “as long as you continue to do so, I’ll carry out mine.”
When Hanna died, the machine that he had controlled fell for a time into disuse and Roosevelt, taking advantage of the temporary absence of a machine-bred leader, assumed leadership, not as the head of the old machine, but by virtue of his position as President. He did not recognize the machine leaders of the various states, nor did they stand behind him, but he used his power to name Taft as his successor.
Chief Justice Taft has himself described to me how Roosevelt coached him for the fight. When he called at the White House, the President asked him:
“Now, then, what are you doing about your campaign?”
“I’ve prepared some speeches,” Taft answered.
“What are they about?”