Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-02-11
STILL CABINET MAKING.
Has MT. Blaine Accepted the
 Premiership?
THE QUESTION STILL IN DOUBT.

he MAS be "altlhS to Learn Nno HIS
 Associates Shall Be Before Accepting
 the Portfolio-Mr. Platt Goes to Wash ington-More Cabinet Suggestions.
 WASHINGTON, Feb 11.-It is no longer question as to whether Gen. Harrison has rendered to Mir. Blaine the state portfolio. It is admitted that he has written to MT. Blaine letter which substantially made that offer. It is also accepted as fact that MT. Blaine replied in such manner as to indicate the probability of his acceptance, but still leaving room for the expression of uncer- tainty on the part of his nearest friends as to whether or not he would actually enter upon the duties of the office. It is moreover in- sisted that this element of doubt can exist without implying, as has been so generally asserted in press dispatches, that MT. Blaine requires to be informed who are to associate with him in the cabinet before giving ill his own unconditional acceptance.
 If Mr. Blaine should accept, his most en- thusiastic friends admit the necessity of plac- ing strong lawyer in the position of first assistant secretary of state Thoughtful Re publcans assert that if Mr. Blaine is to be secretary of state the question as to who is to be his chief assistant to give legal balance to the administration of affairs in the whirl of political complications which win surround the new administration is of far greater na- tional importance than the selection of any other cabinet officer.
 Still the work of amateur cabinet making goes on, and the latest additions to the self appointed cabinet ministers is John R. Thomas, of Illinois. The Illinois delegation will indorse Mr. Thomas if Gen. Harrison asks their opinion
 In regard to the treasury department, Ali son's friends are hopeful that the Iowa sena- tor may still be the man. His dsinclination has sufficiently made clear the fact that the office in the hands of Gen. Harrison is seeking him and not he the office. There are no poli- tcal necessities requiring Mir. Allisons con- hnued presence in the senate. He is not a strong debater, bnt simply a conscientious, hard working, well informed chairman of the committee on appropriations. Hale, of Maine could take his place in the senate tomorrow Strong partlsans are urging upon Allison that any man who looks forward to future honors from his party cannot afford to ig- nore imperative party calls. It is predicted that if MT. Harrison should now renew his tender ofthe treasury to Mir Allison he would be inlpelled to accept.
 
 cabinet office to be filled still rests in the hands of Mir. Cleveland and his attorney general. The bill making the department of agriculture an executive department reached the president Saturday, Feb. ,. It was sent to the attorney general for opinion Tues day, Feb. ,, and has not yet been returned The president has until Thursday next to either approve or veto it, and speculation is about equally divided as to which he will do The chief objections to the bill appear to be the extra expenditure it entails and the ap- parent absence of any executive" duties to be performed by the officer whom it Is thus proposed to create head of an additional ey- ccutive department.
 Ex-Senator Thomas C. Platt arrived in this city this morning, but has not yet been seen by the newspaper correspondents The na- ture of his business here at this time is there fore, simple con njecture.
 DETROIT, Feb. 1.-Senator-elect McMillan returned homo from his visit to lndianapolis. and soon after was cloSeted with Gen. Aleer The latter, i'll an interview, said he was not at liberty to say any thing about Mr. Mcaiil- lan's conversation with Gen. Harrison .So far as I know," said he, II am at peace with all the world. There has been some talk of differences between Senator Palmer and my. self and Senator Sherman and me, but thore is nothing ill these stories 50 far as I know.n
 It is generally believed here that the talk between Gen. Harrison and Mr. McNillau has resulted in the offer of the position of sec retary of war to Gen. Alger, and that he will accept the offer.
 INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 1l.-General Harrison attended services at the Methodist church, of which President Clevelands cousin is pastor.