Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1889-09-04
AranIas Smikp, Adviser &c.
LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT.
Plunkettsville. Aup. 10. l89I

Plunkettsville, Aug. 10, 1889.
Dear Ren-I got your letter asking me
what thought you had better do about
the muss in our party down here. Well, old
fellow, l was mighty mad st you for not
giving me the Staunton post Office or place
in your Cabinet, but since you have ex-
planned that you thought me too good a
man for postmaster, and that you thought
my morals would be ruined. by associating
with them if were in the Cabinet, I am
satisfied.
There is heap of truth in what you say
about the corrupting Influence of these
Republican politicians. Excuse me for
mentioning it, but haven't they had sort
e. of bad effect on you You know, old
fellow, you were never in the habit of going
fishing Susday until you came to Washing
ton ; you had better get Wanamaker to
take you to Sunday school few times and
make it all right again. 1 accept the posi-
tion of private adviser to the Administra-
tion SO kindly offered me. l also accept the
salary going with the office.
Things are looking very blue for Repub-
lican success this fall. We have got to do
something, and do it quick. The Democrats
have had their convention and have uomi-
mated ticket that will sweep the State, and
put US "in the SOUP for good, as far as vir-
ginia is concerned, unless we scotch them
someh1w their candidates are all good
men with clean records.
You know we haven't got many men of
that kind in our party and it places US in a
very embarrassing position. | don't know
what to do unless we nominate some fellow
that has never taken part in politics, and
nobody knows what. That kind of a ticket
will bring out the Office seekers and the
n
here, it will poll the full vote.
Can't you do something to keep the Ma
,jor quiet? He is snorting mad about that
compromise you and Malone fixed up, and
is kicking worse than Dennis Browns pet
mule. Every Democratic stump speaker in
the State is saving copy of his last paper
to use as a campaign document this fall. I
am afraid be is going over to the Demo-
Gratis, and if he does will take Jimmy Gan
non with him, the worst calamity that
could happen to our party. Jake is mad
because you wouldn't see him at Deer
Park. We are all mad more or less. There
is Just about as much harmony in our par
ty as there is in the average church choir.
These little difficulties ought to be patch
ed up until after the election, and then
little family fight would be fun for The
Democrats and wouldn't hurt US, and every
lnlng would De lOVely ana the goose haug-
ingg high" Couldn't you give Major II
post office. l think he would stop cavcrt-
ing around in that case. Mr.. Rawlings, IL
Prohibitionist from Albemarle, has Joined
our party. don't know how long he will
be with US. He is with US for the spoiIs,
as he has belonged to three political parties
in three years. think he is very uncer-
tain factor, nevertheless we gave him the
right hand of fellowship and promised him
an office, and l think that he will stay
with US until after the election.
You ought not to let John Wise sass you,
if you are afraid of him Jonn Noon or m7-
self will attend to his case.
Can't you make it convenient to come
down and pay. me visit; Sarah Jane, my
wife, has just put up new curtains In the
spare room. Bring Mrs Harrison with you
and we will have nice sotiable time.
There is great deal of advice could give
you about running the government thai
would be of incalculable benefit to you.
Hoping that may have the pleasure of
looking on your benevolent face in the city
of Plunkettsville very soon, am yours to
count Oh, ANANIAs SMIKE, ESQ.,,
Private Adviser of the Administration.