Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-10-29
THE POLITICAL CAMPAIGN.
Looking at the Situation From DEM
Ocratic Standpoint-Congre Nc
Millin's Views.

Representative McMillin, Of Tennessee re-
turned to Washington last night to attend a
meeting, held at the Capitol to-day, of the joint
committee to investigate the tunnel-aqueduct
frauds.
A STAR reporter met Mr.. McMillin at the
Riggs House to-day and asked his opinion of
the political situation. He replied that he had
been making speeches in New York and Con-
necticut, and that he found the democracy
thoroughly organized and confident in those
states.
"The leaders express confidence" suggested
The STAR reporter, "but may not that be for
effect?'
$50 far as my observation goes from consul
tation with them can say that their confidence
in Cleveland's reelection is entirely sim
cere. They feel just as they talk.
All the reports of the speakers and workers go
to show that we are much stronger than in
1884, and for myself, 1 have no doubt of demo-
cratic success in New York, New Jersey, and
Connecticut Where have spoken we have
had very large audiences. and the enthusiasm
manifested has been most gratifying. The
audiences have been very largely composed of
workingmen, and they have been among the
most attentive listeners. The working people
are not scared by the cry of free trade"
THE WEST LETTER.
"Did the letter of Lord Sackville West have
any influence adverse to the democracy?'' asked
the reporter.
81 should say not" replied Mr.. McMillin
'T was at Syracuse when the letter was made
public, and 1 inquired of our friends, the demo-
cratic leaders there, if it was necessary for me
to refer to it in my speech. They unanimously
agreed that it was not of sufficient Importance
to touch upon. l went up to Saratoga
and back to Albany. Meantime, Mr.. Blaine
had Illuminated on the subject, but by advice
of the demOcratic leaders there T ionorad fba
whole matter. In New York l conferred with
the democratic leaders and on last Saturday
night 1 spoke in New Haven. At the latter
place our democratic friends advised me that
the West letter had done no harm, and that
it was not worth discussing. Why" continued
Mr.. McMillin, ''the simple proposition is
enough. The American people, as mass, are
tricked. Here is the whole matter
in nutshell: Five rascals concoct
a letter to fool and elicit reply marked pri-
vate.' The conduct Of the schemers was SO
base that they have not dared to confess the
authorship of the letter. But it was promul-
gated through a man who, in regard to his
ow n correspondence, had written burn this
letter. The intelligent voters of this country
are not to be misled by such transparent
trick"
From his canvass in New York and Connecti-
cut and confidential conversations with the ma
tional democratic managers Mr.. McMillin is
confident of democratic success. As soon as
he can obtain temporary release from his duties
in connection with the tunnel investigation Mr..
McMillin will proceed to Indiana, where he is
to make several speeches. He is regarded as
one of the most forcible speakers of the demo-
cratic party, and as an active and diligent
worker in the preparation of the tariff bill, he
is in demand to enlighten, from a democratic
standpoint, the voters on that important
subject.