The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1889-03-29
SOME SPLENDID APPOINT
MENTS.

II is being generally remarked that no
president ever opened his administra-
ton with so many popular appoint
ments as has General Harrison. In the
list OF foreign ministers and consuls sub.
mitted to the senate yesterday the pres
ident has continued his happy faculty,
and there is among the number not one
but which will be recognized as appro-
pirate in the fitness and ability of the
appointed, as well as being satisfactory
in political sense.
In calling Robert T. Lincoln TO the
honorable position of minister to Eng
land the president has made selection
that cannot fail to have the endorsement
of unanimous public sentiment. Bob.
Lincoln has so modestly filed his trying
place as a son of an illustrious and be-
loved father that he has secured the add
miration of all his countrymen, and
there should be none prompted to
sheer at his new elevation as the result
of the prestige of his fathers name.
There is absolutely no ground for it, and
the intelligent portion of the country 80
understands. He has not been engaged
in politics, but studiously devoted him
self to the legal profession. in which he
has gained an honorable and high rank.
That he inherited much of his fathers
modesty, earnestness and ability, seems
to be certain. He has never sought any
honor or credit except that which he
earned by his own efforts. His appoint
ment to the position of secretary of war
by Garfield came entirely unsolicited
upon his part, and was entirely the ac-
ton of the murdered president. His
administration of the war department
was thoroughly business-lIke, and his
success was surprise to those who had
noticed that the war department had in
former administrations had more trouble
than others. 1t was common remark
among army officers that the conduct of
the department had never before been
so satisfactory. Mr.. Lincoln was the
only cabinet officer who served through
the term with Garfield and Arthur. He
had no part in the factional disturbances
of that time, but devoted himself to the
business of his department in a way to
commend himself to all. At the close of
President Arthur's administration, Mr..
Lincoln returned to Chicago and resum-
ed the practice of his profession, in
which he has been unusually successful.
There were suggestions of his name as a
presidential candidate early last year,
but he positively refused to be consider
ed and put his foot down peremptorily
upon the movement. There Is little
doubt he could have made formidable
if not a successful race for the nominal
ton.
Another commendable appointment
is that of the great editor, Murat Hal
stead, to be minister to Germany. The
new president has shown an apprecia-
ton of the value of the newspapers that
ls refreshing. Halstead is and ALWAYS
has been a fierce fighter, but his efforts
have always been sincere and III the
main for the good Of the Republican
party. Whether the rumored opposition
to his confirmation by the senate will
prove as formidable as reported is I'M
certain. The U. S. senate takes a good
deal upon itself when it opposes the
wishes of the president simply because
they do not happen to suit the personal
preferences of a few of its members.
Allen Thorndyke Rice is another re-
cognition of them literary fellers." He
is sent to st. Petersburg, and will NIL the
position with great dignity and ability.
Patrick Egan, the famous disclaimer
ian, goes to Chill, and another Irish
man from Kansas ~"Hd consulship.
The sons of the gI,~ noble
work in the campaign last ye..., -..
these recognitions are appropriate and
deserved.
President Harrison is doing more than
we'll in his appointments, and il gives
evidence that good, old-fashioned Re-
publican administration is again in
power.