An unexpected interview between Mr. Taft and Mr. Roose- velt
took place, apparently at Mr. Roosevelt's request, at New Haven, Connecticut, on Monday. It has led to more speculation than ever as to their relations. The Washington correspondent of the Times records the report that Mr. Taft reiterated his sympathy with Mr. Roosevelt's struggle against
bossism " in New York State. But the interview has caused a contrary rumour that Mr. Taft reproached Mr. Roosevelt for weakening the Republican Party by his recent speeches, and that there is a definite political estrangement between them. It seems to us that as Mr. Roosevelt is concerned at the moment, to the exclusion of all other ideas, with the purification of political life, he hopes to do this by bringing the whole Republican Party bodily over to Progressive Republicaniam. Rather than fail in the object of his life, he would, no doubt, consent to the temporary disruption of his party. But we feel sure that disruption is no part of his policy as such. He would rather see the Republican Party, with Mr. Taft at its head, killing off " the Old Guard " at once than be forced to wait for that achievement till the Republican Party has passed through the fire, and has possibly yielded its place temporarily to the Democrats.
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