Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-01-31

GossiP 1T the Capitol rs to Secretary Win.
dom's Successor.

Gosaip 1t the Capitol rs to Secretary Win.
dom's Successor.
The question Of the succession in the Treas
ury Department is being discussed in political
circles with unusual interest. II IL conceded
on all sides that it is Of the utmost importance
just now that the right man should be chosen
as Secretary WINDOWS successor, and the gen.
eral opinion is that President Harrison will
have one of the hardest tasks Of his executive
term to fill the vacancy satisfactorily.
1t is felt to be uncommonly important at the
present time that the new Secretary Of the
Treasury should be q very skillsui financier. az
well as man Of great frmness, breadth Of
view and intelligence, on account Of the prob
ability that in the next Congress many new
and dangerous financial schemes will be pressed,
winch Will serve to complicate still further the
already sufficiently disturbed business condi-
tion OF the country. strong man at the
helm OF the Treasury Department during the
ing influence on the business community and
would seem to be prime necessity.
Such men are not rare, fortunately, but I'M
fortunately 1t is not always easy TO secure them
Tor public service in emergencies like this. The
duties pertaining to the Secretaryship Of the
Treasury, to begin WITH are very arduous at
all times, and demand an amount of labor which
few men are able or willing to put forth. And
now that these duties promise to become still
more arduous, delicate and responsible in the
near future, the Office would naturally be even
less attractive to many who are quite capable
of filling it.
Especially is this likely to be true Of several
eminent republican politicians who are sup
posed to have their eyes on the presidency.
They would naturally fear to take an Office
which would expose them to SO much danger.
politically. on account Of the many financial
entagonisms which are expected to spring UP
during the next year or two. They cannot bnt
see that the new Secretary must necessarily
take positive stand regarding the finances, one
way or the other, and that he will inevitably
make for himself many enemies. The certainty
OF mourning this danger Just on the eve of the
presidential campaign will, it is believed, act
as deterrent with many prominent repubi-
cans whose names have been mentioned in con-
nectlon with the secretaryship.
MKISLEy AND FOSTER
Mr.. Mckinley continuessto bes spoken Of BY
large numbers of politicians as one who is very
eligible for the succession in every respect.
Many doubt, however. whether he would accept
the position, owing to the considerations Just
mentioned and also because of his well under
stood ambition to be the next governor of
ONO. Ii he were assured of the gubernatorial
nomination 1t IL pretty certain that he would
not look at the treasury Secretaryship, but
those who are well acquainted with the latest
aspects OF Ohio politics agree that be is by no
means sure, as yet of securing that prize.
Another name that has been frequently men
toned during the last twenty-four hours in
connection with the secretary ship is that Of ex-
Gov Charles Foster of Ohio These two may
be considered among the leading possibilities
while the names of Senators Sherman, Allison,
ingalls, and Spooner naturally occur to many,
and several others have also been suggested.
As to most OF these latter the general opinion
is that they are probably unavailable. for vsri-
1a$. Id Oh.
any case the difficulty and delicacy of the task
now devolvinG upon the President must be ap-
parent to all.
REPRESENTATIVE CANNON.
There is good deal of talk this morning at
the Capitol AS to the probability that Repre-
sentative Cannon of Illinois may be Mr.. VIM
doms successor. Those who mention his name
with approval point to his long service as MEM
Der and chairman of the appropriations COM
nlittee and his great familiarity with all the
fiscal affairs OF the government as strong
arguments in his favor. 1t is also pointed out
that he has made positive record
as an economist and that his administration
OF the treasury would certainly be careful, in
teliigent and conservative His long experience
on the appropriations committee, together
with his natural prediction for economy
would enable him, it is claimed. TO prepare the
annual estimates with uncommon skill, and to
reduce them to the smallest dimensions COM
patible with an efficient public service, thereby
greatly simplifying the work of Congress In
that line.
STEPHEN B. ELKINs.
Another name that has begun to be talked
Of hereabout is that Of Stephen B. Elkins. The
gossip about the name has not yet became gen.
eral, but it is rife in certain circles. II
is pointed out that Mr.. Elkins is a warm
friend of both President Harrison and
Secretary Blaine, and that he is not
only strong as politician. but also
enjoys the confidence of the business COM
munity an able financier. II is thought by
many that Mr.. Elkins will develop into strong
possibility for the succession. particularly on
account of the efficient service he would be
able as Secretary Of the Treasury to render the
administration IN strengthening it politically
and in promotin, the movement in favor Of
the President denomination.