Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1889-02-11

Has MIR. Blaine Accepted the
Premiership ?
THE QUESTION STILL IN DOUBT.

sze May BE Waiting 10 Learn who Hi
Associates shasl BE Before Accepting
she Porsfolio--sfr. Platt Goes TO wash
angton-more Cabinet Suggestions.
WASHINGTON, Feb. lit is no longer
question as to whether Gen. Harrison ha.
rendered to Mr.. Blaine the state portfolio
1t is admitted that he has written to Mr.
Blaine letter which substantially made that
offer. II is also accepted as a fact that Mr.
Blaine replied in such manner as to indicate
the probability Of his acceptance, but still
leaving room for the expression Of mcer-
tainty on the part Of his nearest friends as to
whether or not he would actually enter upon
the duties Of the office 1t is moreover in
sisted that this element Of doubt can exist
without implying, as has been 50 generally
asserted in press dispatches, that Mr.. Blaine
requires 10 be informed who are to associate
with him IN the cabinet before giving in his
own unconditional acceptance.
If Mr. Blaine should accept, his most en-
fhusiastic friends admit the necessity Of plac-
ing strong lawyer in the position Of first
assistant secretary Of state Thoughtful Re
publicans assert that If Mr.. Blaine Is TO be
secretary Of state the question as 10 who is to
be his chief assistant to give legal balance 10
the administration Of affairs in the whirl OF
political complications which viii surround
the new administration is of far greater ma
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 II.
Thomas, Of Illinois. The Illinois delegation
win indorse Mr., Thomas If Gen Harrison
asks their opinion
In regard TO the treasury department. ALI
sons friends are hopeful that the Iowa sena-
tor may still be the man. His dissemination
has sufficiently made clear the fact that the
Office IN the hands Of Gen. Harrison is seeking
BIN and not be the office There are no poll
sical necessities requiring Mr.. Allison's con-
tinned presence IN the senate He is not a
strong deoater, bnt simply conscientious,
hard working, well informed chairman OF the
committee on appropriations Hale OF Maine
could take bis place in the senate tomorrow
Strong partians are urging upon Allison
that any man who looks forward to future
honors from his party cannot afford to To-
more imperative party calls IL 4 predicted
that If Mr. Harrison should now renew his
tendes ofthe treasury TO MIR. Allison he would
be impelled 10 accept
Whether or not there viii be an eighth
cabinet Office 10 be filed still rests IN the
hands Of Mr. Cleveland and his attorney
general The bill making the department OF
agriculture an executive department reached
she president Saturday, Feb g Ii was sent
70 the attorney general for an opinion Tues
day, Feb 5, and has not yet been returned.
The president has until Thursday next 10
either approve or veto it, and speculation il
about equally divided as 10 which lac win do
The chief objections to the bin appear 10 be
che extra expenditure 1t entails and the an
parent absence OF any executive duties Ia
be performed by the officer whom 1t is thus
proposed 70 create head Of an additional ex-
ecutive department
Ex-senator Thomas G. Platt arrived IN This
city this morning, but has not yet been seen
NJ the newspaper correspondents The ma
hure of his business here at this time is. there
fore, simple conjecture.
DETROIT Feb. Standardized Mcmillan
returned home from his visit 70 Indianapolis
and soon after was coseted with Gen. Alper
The latter, IN an interview, said he was not
at liberty 10 say any thing about Mr.. McMil.
lan's conversation with Gen. Harrison. $50
Ear as 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 there
ds nothing IN these stories SO far as | know
IL is generally believed here that the talk
between Cen. Harrison and MIR. Mcmillan
has resulted IN the offer Of the position Of sec
Fetary Of war to Gen. Alger, and that he win
accept the offer.
INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 1l.-General Harrison
attended services at the Methodist church. of
which President Cleveland's cousin is pastor.