The sun., 1891-11-28
"AYoWgDLY A CANDIDATE"

The ~. I,ouis Republic Suddenly discovers
the Trse Character or Grover Cieveiana
as a Prophet. asa Accuses Hi.s OF 1ss,f.
ference TO All but Selash Consideratious.
I,om he s.. Louis Hep,s,is Of Fos. 2s.
Mr.. Cleveland's announcement concerning
his attitude in the speakership contest was
wholly unnecessary. and. as is usual with his
public announcements. was drawn from him
by his enemies and not by his friends; but It
subserves one purpose very effectually. 1t
shows conclusively that he is himself candi.
date for public offlce. For year or more past
his Eastern friends have been posing Mr..
Cleveland as man who. II not actually pre-"
ferring to remain private citizen. was sitting
apart In calm indifference. refusing to say or
do anything designed to further his chances
Of becoming the Presidential nominee OF his
party. This veil. at all times rather diaph-
anous. has now been brushed aside by his
own hands. and the avowed Presidential can
didate stands disclosed.
For the superfluous announcement regard
ing his attitude in the speakership contest
only Of the success Of policy or . principle.
but Of a candidate anxious to propitiate infu-
ences that might stand in the way Of his own
advancement. No doubt Mr. Cleveland. as
. private citizen. feels and knows that the
cause OF tariI reform. Of which he has been
SO ardent an advocate. would be helped
enormously by tho election Of Mr.. Mills as
Speaker OF the House. and knowing this he
would. in his capacity as private citizen.
be working with other tariff reformers in be.
half OF Mr.. Mills and the issue for which lie
stands. But as Presidential candidate he
reminds himself that other speakership as
rirants have friends whose possible antago-
nism It is desirable for him to avoid. and SO.
at the risk Of seeing tariff reform subordi-
mated to some other issue. at the risk Of see-
ing the House organized SO as to face the
party backward or compel It simply to
mark time" on all progressive or reform
seeing his loyal friends thrust aside to make
place at the front for those who have been
and are his scarcely disguised enemies. he
steps forward at a critical moment with the
announcement that he wants to be considered
the friend Of whoever succeeds regardless Of
consequences. In other words. his eye is
fixed on the Presidency and not on the
Speakership.
As for Mr.. Mills. 1t Is sufficient to say that
neither he nor his friends are responsible
for the alleged public impression that his can
didacy was favored BY Mr.. Cleveland. II such
an impression is abroad. it grew naturally out
Of the popular conviction that the same con-
eiderations which pointed to Mr. Cleveland as
the Presidential nominee Of his party pointed
with equal conclusiveness to Mr. Mills as its
choice for Speaker. and that the logic OF tho
situation" demanded that the one should TO-
vor and support the other The utmost that
Mr.. Mills aud his friends tbeing better in
formed than the general public) expected Of
Mr.. Cleveland was the neutrality OF silence.
leaving the situation to work out its logical
results. Instead OF this they receive dash Of
cold water in the face just as the battle is
being Joined. -