St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-06-07
WILLIAM RUSH MERRIAM.

WILLIAM RUSH MERRIAM.
Among the names frequently men-
toned in connection with the Republl-
can nomination for governor of Mime
sofa is that of William R. Merriam,
who, by the way, at present occupies
the chair of the chief executive of the
state; and tits said by certain promi-
nent party men that no list of guber-
material aspirants would be complete
without his name. The GLOBES Gal
lery of Governors has contained no
avowed candidates for the office. and as
Mr. Merriam may be reckoned as of
this class, he is admitted to the proud
galaxy. No one has ever heard him
say he was a candidate. and though
very many events. recently TRANSFERRED,
were aScribed as in the interest of his
candidature, such baSty and unwar-
ranted conclusions have been promptly
and generously denied by him. He is
not candidate for the office. Ii his ad-
miniStratiOn requires an Endorsement;
il there is an overwhelming demand for
his denomination; if his friends are
clamorouS for his candidacy; if the pure
and holy elements of his party can be
appeased in no other way, and would
otherwise waste themselves in tears; II
the meek and lowly voters, crowdlng
selfish politicians to the rear, shall de-
clare in his favor; if. in short, the
whole state shall rise, as one man, and
demand his denomination, is he any
more a candidate? And can any one
blame him?
On the theory that Mr.. Merriam is OF
a candidate and would accept
partisan nomination only in the spirit
in which Cincinnatus left the pillow, he
is admitted to the ranks of available
timber and his qualities embalmed in
imperiShable print. In these days,
when patriots are scarce and self-seek-
ing politicians block the way in every
direction, it is a qualification to find a
man who is above his party-cn the
tariff question. Mr. Merriam is an
anti-Drotectionist and a tariff reformer.
Two years ago he was not, which shows
that he is also progressio mist. Though
not sailor, he has shown an ability to
trim his sails to popular breezeS that
would put an old salt to the blush. But
whether the popular young Mahomet
will draw the Republican mountain to
him on the tariff question, or whether
he will turn his back and, crab-like,
finally go to the mountain, must be
relegated to the ideS of July for settle
ment-the galaxy sculptor enjoying
honor in his own country and being no
prophet.
Gov. Merriam has, for some thing over
seventeen months, been drawing the
salary appertaining to governor of Min
nesota, and otherwise conducting what
his friends are pleased to denominate a
business administration" In the
meantime, the seasons have come and
gone with their accustomed regularity,
and peStilence has been unknown to
Minnesota. The ship of state has been
a little more Stylishly decked out than
under some of the older predecessors of
the present incumbent, but the latter is
young, enjoys life and himself, and as
long as the voyage is in summer there
is no fault to be found on that score.
The waters have been smooth and the
sailing generally pleasant so that no
opportunity has been offered, by tenn
pest or mutiny, to try the abilities of the
present commander. While the aver
ment has been made that the said COM
mander has made things little I'M
pleasant for some of his subordinates on
the ship of state, it is current that the
captains cabin has always been hoSpit-
ably opened to passengers, especially
influential, first cabin passengers, and
that the captains menu has been above
reproach. In these regards. the admin
istration of Gov. Merriam has been
shining success.
Personally considered, William Rush
Merriam is a charming type OF man.
He is young, rather good looking,
wealthy, away up in society and fond of
life. With him existence is a pleasure,
not merely duty, and he enjoys, though
perhaps unconsciously. the possession
of considerable aesthetic philosophy. If
he could eliminate one element of his
make-up-a Representatives, to news
paper criticiSm-hiS existence would be
one cycle sin den heltern regionen."
He has a charming domesticity spnd a
rational delight for legitimate sport.
The man who can one moment relieve
distress by discounting a doubtful note
and the next enjoy the eXhilaration of
pulling the ribbons over pair of thor
Oughbreds need never ask himself if life
is failure.
Politically, Mr.. Merriam has met but
one repulse. He has twice been elected
to the state Legislature, and was speak
er of the house in the session of 1887.
In 1883, in the face of public doubt of
his running abilities, he was elected
governor of the state. He was even
successful, in 1877 and 1878, In his cam
paign for treasurer of the board of edu-
cation. The one rebuff was when, i'll
1885, he eSSayed to run for mayor of st.
Paul; but what great man but has had
his reverses and triumphed over them?
He is now but in his forty-frst year,
and therefore a young man. With a
governor to be elected in 1S90-even
though not candidate-and senator
10 choose in 1898, who shall say William
Rush Merriam has not goal for his am
bition's widest dreams?