The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-12-17
CLAxKsoN on THE SITUATION,

Ii is always interesting 10 know the
opinions OF so practical a politician as Mr..
Clarkson, the late Assistant Postmaster
General. who, while filling that position,
made himself so notorious by his summary
removal Of many thousand Democratic
postmasters. Mr.. Clarks0n is man who
combines an unusual degree Of shrewdness
with an unusual degree OF INSCRIPTIONS
ness, but his opinions are not the less
worthy OF note for that reason. Without
appearing to obtrude himself upon the pub
lie. he Is often found in the popular mouth
in spite of his retirement from public office,
simply because he is very approachable by
interyiewers, being a journalist himself,
and because II is also known that whenever
ne consents TO talk on public questions he
always has something TO say which the
public wish TO hear, whether they agree
with him or not.
Mr.. Clarkson, a few days ago, submitted
20 long inter view with representative OF
tae Boston Journal, and his comments
covered the whole range OF politics, the
Tariff bill, the Force bill, free coinage, the
speakership, the next President, and
variety Of other equally important matters
Much ahat he said was remarkable as show
ing how little conviction as 10 the best policy
70 he pursued by the Republican party in
fiuences even 80 able man as himself,
when the consensus Of party opinions re-
commend the contrary course.
81 was In favor OF a general reduction OF
the tariff he said. on this occasion, "but
after the opposite was agreed upon as a
matter Of party judgment, there should be
no backward step. We have gone into the
light with the Mckinley bill, and we must
establish its popularity. We must attack
the family with the actual facts Of that bill
and must show them that ii will carry pros
perity everywhere"
When practical politician as keen and
able as Mr.. Clarkson proves himself 10 be
90 blind to-the lessons OF the last election,
what Is TO be expected Of the wisdom OF his
subordinates who have not had the opportu-
mites which he has enjoyed Of obtaining a
true insight into the general drift Of popular
sentiment!
Mr.. Clarkson endorsed in full the action
Il the Republican Senators with reference
20 the Election bill, and expressed himself
An relation 10 that bill with yigor which
revealed how much he had its passage at
heart.
at is Satanic impudence for the Demo
cratic party" he remarked, ''to say that
these ignorant. vicious voters In the large
cities OF the North shall vote, aud that our
honest, ignorant voters In the South shall
not be allowed 10 vote"
The juxtaposition of the words "honesp'
and ''vicious" 10 very fair example of
that species Of impudence 10 which he re-
ferred.
The views o. Mr.. Clarkson with regard 10
the Farmers Alliance ere Of great interest,
asitis q subject TO which he has evidently
given very careful thought. "The farm
ers,p he said, shave real grievance which
will have TO be settled before the Alliance
Disappears. The Alliance will remain
uutil seme modification or extension OF the
banking system is made."
In conclusion. he spoke very confidently
N 70 the success OF his party 10 the Presi-
dsptial election OF 1899. "we can elect a
maa from Maine or any other part OF the
cosntry. Our defeat has had the good re-
ssit Of stopping party qusrreling and per-