Evening journal., 1893-02-07
NEWSPAPER OPINION.
Bnrard and the Cabinet.

Philadelphia Ledger.
The published accounts Of Mr.. Cleve-
lands efforts, thus far, to form q Cabi.
net which shall be not merely representa-
tive Of the recognized policies and the
best elements of his party, but one that
will subserve the purposes Of a useful,
patriotic administration, agree in the
statement that the post Of Secretary of
State has been offered to Hon Thomas r.
Bayard. The only element of uncertainty
In the matter seems to proceed from the
reluctance of Mr.. Bayard TO re. assume
the responsibilities and duties which he
discharged for four years with 80 much
zeal and elevated public spirit. That
Mr.. Cleveland has exerted him
self strenuously to overcome this
reluctance is creditable alike to him and
to Mr.. Bayard. II indicates an appre-
citation on the part of the President
elect Of qualities Of character and capac.
Tities of public service which might
easily be deprecated by or prove uncom.
Portable TO "a merely commonplace nature.
The tie between Mr.. Cleveland and his
former Premier is evidently that which
Is naturally created and maintained be-
tween two courageous and independent
minds which, differing, no doubt, in
mon sympathy in all that is honest and
true, and by an equal devotion to their
country's highest good. The people
without distinction Of party, will have
reason to congratulate themselves If nr
Bayard consents to enter the Cabinet
Though a loyal party man, be has
never been partisan in the ordin-
airy sense. Whenever mischievous
tendencies have developed themselves
in the party organization he has spoken
out promptly and boldly, without regard
to the probable effect upon his personal
| fortunes. His recent utterances through
the Ledger, on the silver question pro-
vide notable Illustration. He did not
hesitate TO tell his party what its plain
duty was, though the telling might
have seemed TO him TO jeopardize his in
huence In one of the quarters where IL
has been strongest-the Southern states
land it was largely through his efforts
that the Chicago Convention was induced
TO define that duty In unequivocal terms
| Parties for him are evidently but means
TO an end and that end the general
welfare of the country and the perpetuity
of American institutions. AS this is
Juite as clearly Mr. Cleveands creed
It is most fitting that his chief adviser
should be the one man next TO him in
his party TO whom independent thinkers
Of every shade Of political be-
lief look with confidence for
honesty and patriotism in the
discharge Of official obligations With
Mr. BayaId at his side u would be felt
that Mr., Cleveland had tried and
proved bulwark against those dangerous
tendencies in finance and IN our dealings
with foreign countries which Mr.. Cleve-
land will Inevitably have TO combat. The
State Department offers at present an
inviting field for the wholesome ambi
tion and patriotic endeavor Of states
man like Mr. Bayard Important ques
tions in process OF settlement viii prob
ably be determined during the next fouI
years. His experience as Secretary Of
State, his broad culture, prudence ant
natural conservatism, and his recognized
elevation Of character will be invaluabl,
In bringing these issues TO a satisfactory
conclusion, while his mere presence n
the Cabinet will be an assurance to thl
country at large of active. personal sup
port 20 Mr. Cleveland in his difficult tasl
of guiding the Ship Of State past tn
shoals Of party expediency aud factional
rashness.