National Republican., 1881-09-15
Whose Proxy Is Mcclure /?

MI Aleck Mcclure, editor ofthe Phila-
delphia Times, appears just now to be cut
ting an especially wide swath in Penn
sylvania politics. He appears to be in
charge of the interests not only of all
parties, but to be sort of honorary mem
Der of the Cabinet, or perhaps proxy
for one or more of its members. He
claims to have information that there is
treachery in the Cabinet against the Re
publican party Of Pennsylvania. He mas
been disporting himself at Long Branch
since the Presidents removal thither, and
the following speciaF to his paper from
that place dated the 18th is evidently
from his pen or written under his in
spiration;
Much interest Is felt here in political circles
about the bolt of the Pennsylvania Independents,
led by Representative Wolfe. The serious inter
nal party troubles in both New York aud Penn
sylvania are freely discussed by the politicians
from those states who drop down at the impro-
ylsed capital All are in doubt as TO the probable
following Wolfe will have. Secretary Blaine dis
cussed the situation in Pennsylvania very fully
with one of his close Pennsylvania friends just be-
fore leaving Long Branch He was cautious In
expressing any positive opinion for or against
Wolfe In the contest but 1t is evident that ho has
strong desire to see n more Independent
tone pervade the Republicanism Of his ma.
tive State, and no member of the party Is
likely to incur his dspleasure, or the displeasure
of the Administration, because OF his independ-
ence Attorney General MacVengh is also eau
tious about expressing himself but he thinks that
the Pennsylvania leaders greatly underestimate
Wofe's probable strength. MacVeagh Is an lnde-
pendent himself and one of the bOldest type, and
oInn M m
ofthe Independent Republican sentiment of the
State than his brother -ln-aw, or any Of the other
machine leaders. So far us the politics of Penn.
sylyania may be influenced by the two members
ofthe Cabinet who are specially interested in the
State It is certain that the Independents can fight
their own battles in their own way this year, with
out fear Of official dspleasure.
The insinuaton that Mr.. Blaine is whis-
pering around that he is Indifferent to the
success Of his party in Pennsylvania, and
that "no member Of the party is likely to
incur his displeasure or the displeasure OF
the Administration because of his indie.
pendence," is one of those ISLANDERS that
hurts, and it should be speedily met. II
is a charge Of party treason against one
of the most conspicuous party leaders by
a man who affects to have familiar rela
tions with him. So reckless paper as
the Times is not good authority for any
thing, but ii is likely that under the cir
cumstances Secretary Blaine may take
occasion to neutralize the injurious state
ment of that paper, which seeks to harm
the Republican party in his name.
As 10 the use made of Mr.. MacVeagh,
name in the same connection, it is of less
consequence, He is not generally recog
nized as a party man, and it would re
qure no stretch of the imagination to be
lieve that he would hitch on to any dis
turbing element. His influence is no
great, and what little he has would natu
rally be found arrayed against the part!
under which he holds Office The Repub
leans of Pennsylvania will vote for tn,
worthy nominee for treasurer "withou
fear of official displeasure," and the vote
for Wolfe will be returned scattering
even though the bold MacYeagh shoulC
be found among them.