The Monmouth inquirer., 1889-12-12
DAMON AND PYTHIAS.
EX. SENATOR SEWELL. OF NEW
JERSEY, HARRISON'S BOON
COMPANION.
OFTEN CALLED TO THE CAPITAL TO CONSULT
WITH THE PRESIDENT ON MATTERS OF
IMPORTANCE-A MEMBER OF
THE KITCHEN CABINET.

WITH THE PRESIDENT ON MATTERS OF
IMPoRTANCE-A MEMBER OF
THE KITCHEN CABINET.
Pittsburg. Pa, Dispatch.
President Harrison has confidential
adviser in the person OF ex-senator
Sewell, of New Jersey, who is said to
have more influence with him than any
memper of the Cabinet. Mr.. Sewell is
frequently summoned to the White
House for the purpose of consultation.
Tspe cial Telegram to the Dispatch.]
TRENTON, N. j.. Nov. 23-The trip
that ex-senator William j. Sewell, oi
this State, took with President Harrison
| last week when the latter went duck
shooting down in Maryland, has con-
firmed the report of Harrison's affection
for Sewell. Out of his political associ-
ates, the President selected the Jersey
man to go off on quiet little excursion
with him.
It is conceded by those close both to
Sewell and the administration that the
President bas made boon companion
and a confidential adviser of the ex-
Senator from this small Commonwealth.
The intimacy began when both men
were in the Senate. 1t continued after
both had left. It became firmer when
the Indiana politician was elected Presi
dent, ,land it has grown into the closest
and most confident relations during tie
months since Harrison became The oc-
cupant of the White House.
Sewell goes to the White House much
more frequent than is generally known.
For a while the Jerseyman's visit to
Washington were accorded no signfi-
canoe 1t was supposed he went merely
to consult about appointments for his
State. That the President had granite cd
the ex.Jersey Senator all his requests
for appointments has been understood
from the start, but it was not supposed
that the friendship extended beyond
local favors.
A CONFIDENTIAL ADVISER.
Last weeks trip, however. has
brought some interesting inside facts to
light. II William Joyce Sewell is not a
Pythias to Harrison as Damon, he be-
comes nightly near filing that role.
Sewell has been let into all the secrets
of the administration since the inaug-
uration of the President. He has been,
so to speak. an ex. oficio member of the
Cabinet. 1t is believed he knew of the
important appointments before the Cab
met did.
That he could have gone into the
Cabinet had he chosen, is the assertion
of those posted ou the subject. He has
been, and is, the father coufessor OF the
administration. Untold times has he
received message at his railroad office
in Camden late in the afternoon. A
few hours later he was flying toward
Washington, which he reached about
dawr. Occasionally he went to u hotel
and breakfasted but more often he
went to restaurant, where he Was un-
observed and unknown.
Before 10 o'clock he was closeted
with Harrison. and evening fonnd him
back in Camden as though nothing had
occurred. Sewell has obtained every
thing he sought, and he has sou ght
things that was not credited to him.
For instance. the naming of William
Walter Phelps as Minister to Germa ny
was not deemed pleasing to the Jerse y
Senator, owing to the antsgonism
known to exist between the men. As a
matter of fact,
SEwELL SECRETLY URGED
the selection. He wanted the brilliant
Congressman out of the way. He
blocked up his progress once in while
in controlling the politics of this State.
Since William Walter went abroad the
other William has had things all his own
way. Probably however. the Minister
to Germany did not begrudge his riva
when the result of the recent election
over here in Jersey was announced.
Why should Harrison pick out Sewel
among all the men in the nationi
What is there about the Jerseyman thai
makes him the object of esteem from
the Chief Magistrate? Both men are
alike in many respects. to begin with
Each is dignifed and reserved in man
I ner. They look serious and solemn or
all occasions, although in Sewell at leest
there is good deal OF latent humor.
. Both are fond OF good living in a quiet
way. While Sewell makes no pre-
tensions. he is really connoisseur oi
merit. This accounts for the socia
links that bind the men together.
When it comes to intellectual ability
and political sngacity, Sewell certainly
gives great deal moro than he gets.
1t is unquestionably because the Presi
dent saw how able his friend was thai
he concluded to make more than {
social companion of him. Ex-senator
Sewell does not impress one as a man o
big brain. You are only impressed
when you meet him by his dignity, and
possibly a certain degree of pomposisy
But when you have learned his record
and watch his movements in
BUSINESS AND POLITICS,
you discover his cleverness and shrewd
ness, He is natural politician. Az
the leader OF the Republican party in
New Jersey, he has broken down all
obstacle aud reigns supreme. He
never compromises. but always con
quers. He does the best be can with q
forlorn hope. lie might be more popu
lar were it not for his railroad conect
ions, but he could not be more power
full He is almost as reiicent as Genera
1 ~ hy1f J.,