The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1891-12-18
Urged to Accept the Place by Secretary
Blaine, to Whom He Went for Advice.
Arizona and Oklahoma TO Be Admitted to the
Union-LuncheOn at the White House, Civ
en- By Mrs. Harrison and Mrs. Mckee.
THE ELKINs NOMINATION.
How II Came to De Made-Mr. Blaine's Ad

uao ueon scnt 10 tuc Scnatc uuTlng the pasG
ten years which attracted so much atten-
tion as that of Stephen B. Elkins, of West
Virginia. to be Secretary of War, received
at the Senate this afternoon. The nomina-
ti0n in itself was not so much of q surprise
or mystery as what was supposed to be
behind it. and the motives which were
presumed by many to have moved the
President in making the selection.
On every hand it was conceded
that Mr.. Elkins would make an
excellent Secretary of War. He is a man
of affairs; politically. great business sue
cess, and one of the most pleasing social
tendencies. The nomination was regarded
by many as having very strong bearing
on the presidential nomination next year.
While the intimate personal friends of Mr..
Elkins contend that 1t had no relation
whatever to the political purposes or possi-
bilities of Mr. Blaine, there was wide
spread feeling that it indicated an under
standing between the President and the
Secretary of State respecting the campaign
next year and also the presidential nomi-
nee.
Mr.. Ellins himself would not talk upon
the subject for publication. but to an init
mate friend ne talked freely before the
nomination was sent to the Senate. Mr..
Eikins stated that the war portfolio was
first rendered to him by President Harri-
son at Cape May last summer, when it was
known that Secretary Proctor intended to
resi- gn and succeed Senator Edmucds. MIR.
Elkins then declined to enter the Cabinet,
and he so stated to the President. Some
weeks ago the President again approached
Mr. Elkins and requested him to accept the
secretaryshIp of war, when the West Vir-
gnian said that he would do SO provided
General Goff, who had made great personal
sacrifices in the interest of the party in the
State. was given q position. President
Harrison did not at that time see his way
clear to give two important appointments
to a single State. cspeciallv one of the
dimensions OF West Virginia. About two
weeks ago Mr.. Elixins stated that he was
summoned to Washington, and was told
that it had been concluded to terder Gen.
Golf one of the new circuit jud geshlps, and
he was then asked what he would do re-
specting the sacretarys ship of war. Mr..
Elkins replied that Mr.. Goff having been
provided for, he would probably accept.
He then went to Mr.. Blaine and asked him
what effect his appointment would have
upon the presidential possibilities. as
affecting both President Harrison and him
self. Mr.. Blaine promptly replied: 1T will
have no effect whatever"
SECRETARY BLAINE's ADVICE
According to this statement. which comes
IN the third person from Mr.. Elkins. and
which can be relied upon, Mr.. Blaine con-
tinued: IF you want my advice as to
whether you should accept the War port
folio. would say it will be better for both
yourself and myself. personally. and the
Republican party at large, for you to enter
the Cabinet; it can have no poss bic
bearing upon my position in the
Republican party. As personal
friend and Republican worker l would
be very glad to see you come into the
Cabinet. If, under any possible condition
of circumstances, there should be demand
from the party that should become the
presidential candidate, it will be such a
demand and COME in such way that your
obligations as we'll as mine, as members Of
the Presidents official household, will not
be violated. If there should be a call from
neither be assisted by your outside efforts
nor silenced by your presence at the Csbi-
net table. should be compelled to accept
the nomination. you would, of course,
as Secretary OF War. support me, because
would not have the opposition of Preside
Harris on, for You must know the names of
Harrison and Blame will not be placed in
conflict before the next nominating con-
vention. Should President Harrison be the
choice of the party you certainly would
" in n m of
the Cabinet
After this frank expression Mr.. Elkins is
said to have gone directly TO the President
and fully accepted the proffered secretary
ship. Some of the Republican Senator'S, in
discussing the effect the nomination would
have upon the Republican party of the
country, said this afternon that it would
bring the two elements of the party closer
together, and would. more than any thin q
else. convince the party as body that an
understanding had been reached between
Mr. Blaine and the President whereby the
two would cooperate In the campaign next
year. II Is quite confidently believed that
Mr. Blaine will. ut the proper time and in
the proper manner. indicate his wishes re-
spectIng the nomination next year 1t
affects himself.
GOOD POLITICS.
Senator Faulkner. who is the most pro-
gresslve and probably the most prominent
Democrat from West Virginia. said of the
Elkins nomination this afternoon: ut is
the smartest piece of politics 1 have seen
emanate from the White House within
three years. 1t means that there will be
but one element in the Republican party
within my State hereafter The Elkins
element has absorbed the Golf following
and it is the intention of the ADM u istra-
tion 10 claim West Virginia as a Repub-
lcan State. Elkins has made more inroads
upon the Democrats in West Virginia than
have all his associates during the past eli ght {
years. Mr.. E!kins intends to come TO
the United States Senate. but AS the Demo
Gratis have all but two of the hold-over
State Senators it will be impossible for
him to succeed either myself or Senator
Kenna. at the expiration of our present
terms. i will say. however that believe
it is not improbable that, with the combina-
tion now forming, the Republicans may
capture West Virginia next year-that ls.
they may succeed in electing Republican
electors. Personally Mr.. Elkins is one of
the most popular men | ever saw. | some
times myself find bis magnetism almost ir-
resistible. and do not wonder that ne has
been able to hold so much more influence
than his party in our State. His coniirma-
tion will be prompt. i will tell you the Sc
cret of Elkins's political. as we'll as bust
ness. success He Is the stanchest friend
II