Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-12-24

Some very interesting cabinet talk is being
INDUCED in by a select circle Of well-informed
politicians here. By them three things are re-
garded as practically assured. These are: that
MIR. Blaine will be Secretary Of State after the
4th of March, that Mckinley will be Secretary
of the Treasury, and that Wannamaker also
will be in the cabinet
THE BLAINE PROBLEM
has been one that has embarrassed Mr.. Harri-
son, not probably, because he does not desire
to appoint Mr.. Blaine so much as that he knows
there is a strong opposition to the appoint
ment. For some time report was tending
steadily to the impression that the Maine
statesman would not enter the cabinet. Since
more pilgrims have gone and returned from
Indianapolis this impression has been weaken
ing. Mr.. Harrison may not have told any one
what his intentions are, but in an indefina-
BILE way notion is formed that he has practi-
cally decided to offer Mr.. Blaine the State port
folio.
THE REASONS GIVEN BY MIR. BLAINE's FRIENDS
why he should be given this recognition are
believed to be too strong to be ignored. It has
been represented to Mr.. Harrison that to re-
fuse to recognize him is to discredit the candi.
date Of the party of four years ago. which is
to discredit the party. While some would GER
tainly be offended at the appointment more
IL.
The facts that the Plumed knight was the can
didate in "a; that he could have got the nom-
ination in '88; that he is regarded as the fore
most man of the party, and that he not only
worked with all his might to elect Mr.. Harri-
son, but that he got his friends-many of
whom were disposed to sulk-to take an active
hand and work with a will, are urged as reasons
not to be overlooked. To counteract all this
has been held up the bitter antagonism that
Mr.. Blaine has provoked.
Blaine's friends reply that if this antagonism
is not well founded he will vindicate himself in
a short time, overcoming it all. If he cannot
overcome it and make noble record for HIM
self in the State Department, then, it is urged,
MIR. Harrison has four years within which to
correct the error of the appointments; that Mr..
Blaine will readily and gracefully give way to
a successor at any time Mr. Harrison deems
such step advisable. He might, in fact re-
sign at the end OF ayear anyhow. Beyond this
another consideration is pointed out as affect
ing the interests Of the party.
MR.. BLAINE Is GOING TO LIVE IN WASHINGTON,
whether or not he goes into the cabinet, and
whether or not he is in the cabinet his clan
will gather around him, and he will be the
center OF magic circle, social and political.
He Is bound to be a central figure under any
circumstances but he will probably be stronger
asa private citizen than he would be in the
cabinet. There are bound to be many disap-
pointments at the opening of new adminis-
tratlon Necessarily more people will be dis
appointed than will have their ambitions salts
fed. All who fail to get what they want will
rush to Citizen" Blaine, whether he likes it or
not, and form about him sort Of opposition
to the administration. To conceal their per-
sonai chagrin they will charge their failures to
the administrations antagomism, not to them,
but to Mr.. Blaine. They will make him their
champion, against his will, and say that he was
left out and that they we're badly treated be-
cause they were friends of his This would
give them a cover for their disappointment and
an object about which to organize.
This is one of the very urgent party reasons
presented why Mr.. Blaine should be put into
the cabinet With him in the State depart
ment there would be no commanding center
around which to organize sentimental oppo-
sition.
MKINLEY AND wANAMAKER.
1t has for some time been regarded as proba-
BILE that Mr.. Wanamaker would 90 into the
cabinet. Since Mr.. Quays visit to. indianapolis
this impression has grown to almost a GER
tainty.
There are many reasons, aside from his emf
nent fitness for the place, given for crediting
the report that Mr.. Mckinley will be made
Secretary Of the Treasury. As long as Mr..
sherman was being considered in connection
with the State department it left the consider
alton OF another Ohio man for cabinet honors
out OF the question. but if Mr.. Blaine is to be
Secretary of State Mr.. Sherman, of course is
not. and at once the way is opened for Mr.
Mckinley.
The announcement that he is likely to be
given the appointment is credited by his assO-
clates In the House generally, and is received
with considerable satisfaction. 1t is generally
felt that it would be creditable selection. and
one thing may be depended upon all the other