The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-07-21
QUAY AND cLARKsoN.

Senator Quay, of Pennsylvania. finds him.
self in dilemma. Opposition to him ana els
methods in his own party is so strong that he
ia likely to be almost forced from his position
as chairman of the National Republican Com
mittee. aud Congressman-elect Robinson VINO
Ia o candidate as Quay's successor as presi-
dent Of the Republican State League OF Penn-
sylvania, has stated that he was about 10 step
down and out This. however. Quay Denies
and so he stands in the position OF man
hating between two opinions and
afraid TO move No doubt Quay,
remembering tho terrible and crushing
defeat Of his party last November. feels dis
heartened. and would like 30 get out Of the re-
sponsiblity OF another campaign, without the
attendant risk Of loss Of further pres
tige by further defeat For this rea-
son he would be glad TO resign but
should he do so. then he will be charged
with having been forced to retire by the pres
sure against him, and this charge he is es-
pecially anxious to avoid.
In case he takes this step he will probably
be succeeded by Clarkson. the late political
executioner of the Postofice Department. In
that event the Republican party will not bet
ter itself before the people Quay. 1t is well
known, carried the last Presidential election
for Harrison through the boldest and most
desperate acts Of corruption. The KepuDhcah
leaders applauded him when they saw the re-
suit. but when they saw that the general SEN
timent of the great mass of voters reoelied
against such questionable methods. they be-
gan to denounce him both as a political and
personal thief. Clarkson might not DO so bold
in the way of spending money, but there is no
reason TO doubt that he would not be less I'M
scrupulous than Quay. or any one else, i'll seek
ing TO achieve success for his party.
If. therefore. the people have become so
disguised with Quay as to make his remain
ing in Office as director-general OF the next
Republican campaign hazardous to his party,
it is not likely that the appointment OF Clark
son as bis successor would improve matters.
Clarkson has already shown his absolute dis
regard of law or public sentiment, for while
in charge Of the appointment bureau OF the
Postoffice Department he threw all pre-
tension Of civil service reform 70 the
winds and discharged men right and
left, for purely partisan reasons, until not
q Democrat was left in position. When
he had done all he could, and there were no
more Democrats to decapitate he retired but
so much did his violent and revolutionary
conduct please the ultra-radical element Of
his party, that "Me-Too" Plat, the Repubh-
can boss of New York, was led to exclaim
when speaking of him at recent Republican
banquet, I'VE love him for the heads no has
cut off,"
Should Quay remain. then. as head Of the
Republican National Committee, despite the
hot fire against him, the country may expect
to see renewal Of the fraud and corruption
which SO flagrantly characterized the conduct
of the Harrison campaign. But if he should
retire and Clarkson be appointed in his place,
while there might not be such shameless and
barefaced purchase of votes, there would still
be an utter disregard of all law and prece-
dent, and no means would be left untried to
gain success by fair means or foul. The voters
of all parties fully understand this and real
ize that as between Quay and Clarkson it is
simply question of you pays your money
and you takes your choice"