Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-06
THE PRESIDENT AND CAMERON.

Apparently authenticated news from
Washington that the administration does
not want Senator Cameron reelected invests
the situation at Harrisburg with at least one
aspect like that OF 1882. Though not gener-
ally known, il is fact that the caucus bolt
in that year, which eventuated in the choice
of Mitchell for Senator. was in some part
owing to the privately expressed desire of
President Garfield to have Senator in SYM
pathy with his administration. He foresaw
the Stalwart antagonism which subsequently
eliminated in Mr. Conkling's resignation
and open fight in the Senate. What 1t is
that inspires President Harrison to desire
the retirement of Cameron can only be
guessed. Perhaps it is because the senior
Pennsylvania Senator has refused to stultify
his Judgment by shouting in favor of the
force bill fad, to which the President is OBJ
stinateiy committed. Or again, it may be
that President Harrison desires to further
the ambition of Postmaster General Wana-
maker to sit in the Senate. Or,posslbly,l 1t is
the taciturn personality of Cameron which
ofends the White House.
That there is something of method, con-
cert and design at the bottom is apparent,
though the movement for new Senator
seems to be belated. The sudden outcry In
various quarters against the senior Senator
because of his reported opposition to the
force bill-a measure upon which the Re-
publican press and party through both State
and country were divided-evidently covers
a move in practical" rather than merely
sentimental politics. The other charge that
Cameron is a silent man is not so new as it
is amusing. Ordinarily there would be
positive recommendation in this, at q time
when so much of men, S attention is taken up
with mere gabble.
The difficulty with the present opposition
to Cameron is that 1t comes too late to arouse
public sentiment Seven years ago when he
was the head of domineering political ma
chine which awoke continuous resentments
by its methods and policy, there was much
stronger ground to oust him. But since his
reelection he has taken but little part in
State affairs. These have fallen into the
hands of other managers. and in this par
ticular, at least. he has given little offense.
AS for his service in the Senate it has not
altered much in quality. His refusal to ad-
vocate the force bill has gained him as
much consideration from old opponents as
it has made opponents of old supporters;
and as for his habitual silence, there is so
much misdirected talk and undigested
twaddle in public affairs that silence has
almost become a virtue.
The administration will scarcely be able
to beat the Senator, or even severely check
him, though the announcement of its stand
has been thought of enough Importance by
his hackers to make them hurry up the
caucus. If the dissentient elements had
few strong and welLknown candidates to
spring in opposition, or if they were as
sured of the support. directly or indirectly,
of Senator Quay, they might still carry
their point but if Quay is committed to
Cameron in earnest, as seems to be the case,
the prospects for an effective bolt are not
specially encouraging-unless. indeed, there
is more originality, independence and vigor
in the Legislators at Harrisburg this winter
than has been found there since 1882.