Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1891-12-25
ELEVATION OF Mr.. ELKlNS.

Mr.. Proctor, resigned. Following, as
it did, right on the nomination of
General Golf as United States Cir
cult Judge, it gives opportunity for
unlimited discussion Of political af-
fairs In West Virginia.
Senator Faulkner said IS to the in
fluence Of West Virginia politics OF
putting Elkins in the Cabinet and
Golf on the bench that it was no
doubt done with the expectation that
in this way West Virginia's electoral
votes could be captured by the Re
publicans next year, as an offset to
the six votes the Republicans were
sure to lose in Michigan. But" he
continued, with a good organiza-
ton and hard work the Democrats Of
West Virginia will be able to hold
the State against the Republicans
next year, as they have in previous
years, when the Republicans thought
they were going to capture it. There
is no Republican who can arouse the
enthusiasm of the party workers in
West Virginia as Blaine can. Harri-
son, on the other hand, is not popu-
lar with West Virginia Republicans.
The expectation is no doubt that by
placing Golf on the bench the party
in the State will be united under the
leadership of Elkins, who is given adj
ditional prestige by being made Sec
rotary of War. He will take TO the
national Republican convention next
wear Harrison delegation and will
be expected to carry the State for
Harrison. But Harrison's strength
in the State, reinforced by Elkins' in
fluencs, will not be as great as would
be that Of Blaine alone il Blaine were
the Republican nominee"
Senator Kenna also looked at the
nomination through political glasses.
He even went SO far as to put i'll the
field an unlooked-for presidential COM
bination. They're pooling the is
sues was his remark This nomi-
nation may possibly place Elkins on
the ticket with Harrison in 1892"
The Washington Post, in comment
ing on the appointments Of Mr.. Elkins,
SAYS that il was brought about in
this wise:
"Mr. Elkins was offered the war portfolio
last Spring at Cape May. He then declined
1t. Later in the summer, the President
again intimated his desire TO have Mr.. Ill
kins succeed Mr.. Proctor. Again the posi-
ton was refused. Mr.. Elkins stated that he
could not accept II while Mr.. Gof was un-
provided for, his reason being that Mr.. Gon
should be recognized for the time and money
spent by him In endeavoring to promote the
Interests OF the Republican party In west
Virginia.
"When few weeks ago Mr.. Elkins visited
Washington, and lunched with the President
at the White House, he WAS asked for the
third time to accept the place. With the
tender at this time was coupled the assurance
that Gen. Gor would be given one OF the
Circuit Court judgeships. Mr.. Elklns re-
piled that under these circumstances he
would consider the offer. He went al once
to call upon the Secretary OF state, with
whom he had a long and pleasant Interview
..'What effect asked Mr.. Elkins in the
course of the talk, would my appointment
have upon your Presidential chances next
year?
Absolutely none, was Mr.. Blsineb reply.
AS feel at present shall not be candl-
date for the nomination. II, however there
should come TO me from the Republican par
" an Overwhelming expression demanding
that accept the nomination., may feel con-
strained to put aside my personal feelings
and accept the nomination. In that case
Mr., Harrison will be for me, and there will
be no improperly in your being my FREUD,
also. On the other hand, should Mr.. Harri-
son be the nominee, will not be In the race,
and therefore, you will be his friend. l can
not see how your acceptance or declination
will change the situation in the slightest de-
gree, and would advise you TO accept the
appointment Whereupon Mr.. Elkins ac-
cepted.'
The REGISTER figures the matter
out about thi. way: President Har-
rson is working first for renomina-
ton. He appointed General Golf to
a judgeship in order to get West Vir-
ginia solid for him in the convention,
with the hope that Golf and Elkins
together ought to carry the State for
him next November. He made Mr..
Elkins a cabinet officer because he
gets into his official family shrewd
politician and gathers unto his bosom
one Of Blaine's staunchest supporters
in the past. Mr.. Elkins undoubtedly
sees that only miracle of healing
can make Mr.. Blaine fit for the next
presidential campaign, and he isquite
willing to transfer his political al
legiance from that shaky old gentle
man to the powers that be, when a
cabinet office is the inducemsnt. He
probably not so deeply devoted to
Mr.. Blaine as to prevent him from
making most sweet promises to Mr..
Harrison, and if that miracle should
be accomplished, and Mr.. Blaine
enters the field against Mr.. Harrison
next year, Mr.. Elkins could no doubt
trim his sails so as TO catch the breeze
from the most favorable direction.
He has played his cards well and wins
a fine prize, though we doubt if Pres
ident Harrison gets value received.
He will undoubtedly have a solid del
egation from West Virginia in the
nominating convention next year, but
he'll not get the electoral vote in No
vember-not by long shot.
Stephen b. Elkins was born in Per-
nv county, Ohio, September %, 1S41