The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-07-02
Looking Ahead.

That was an interesting canvass
which st. Louis paper made of the
preferences of the delegates to the
Denver Republican league convention
for president in 1896. Out of 500 who
named their choice Governor Mckinley
of Ohio, got jS7; ex Speaker Reed 142.
including forty from Pennsylvania ;
ex-Presideut Harrison twenty-three.
and Senator Cameron twenty eight,
besides several scattering choices.
The most noteworthy feature Of this
poll is the small vote recorded for
General Harrison. Whether this was
dus to his expressed refusal to be con-
sidered a candidate or to belief that
his denomination two years hence
would be inexpedient may be left to
the readers individual judgment.
The main fact is that if this canvass
fairly represents party sentiment at
this time-aud the delegates were
evenly distributed over all sections
General Harrison will not figure in @
decisive manner in the national con-
vention two years hence.
There are reasons for this that in
volve no reflection upon the ex-presi-
dents character. ability and thorough
devotion to high civic ideals. In ths
first place, his overwhelming defeat,
two years ago. after an administration
Of exceptional solidity and cleanliness,
involves in many minds n serious, if
not fatal, less OF availability. There
is no use denying that that defeat, in
some OF its aspects was deliberate.
The American peoplo do not, even in
moments of craze and delusion, ad:
minister to faithful officials the rebuko
that was administered to President
Harrison without having soma real
ground OF complaint. 1t is probably
true that they resented the interfer-
ence OF southern Office hol ders in the
Minneapolis convention-office holders
who, although lacking in Republican
constituents and unable to promise a
single electoral vote, nevertheless held
the balance Of power and used it to
pay off debts Of personal gratitude re-
gardless of the wishes of the chief
Republican states. The break with
Mr.. Blaine, too, following in long
train Of apparently etudied snubs of
tho great state secretary, perhaps had
its influence. Added to all was a lack
of party enthusiasm and failure to
inspire popular confidence which, il
somewhat inexplicsble, were neverthe-
less powerful. as any study of the re-
turns will show. While it would be
possible to elect General Harrison in
1896 or any other Republican, it is
doubtless the feeling Of majority of
Republicans that he has had his turn
and that there are other leaders,
equally wise, good ana strong, who
have deserved high honor from their
fellow citizens.
The marked preference for Governor
Mckinley exhibited at Denver Is not
surprising. 1t is the logical outgrowth
of his prominence in the fight for pro-
lection to home industries, Of his per.
sonal purity and high sense of honor
and Of the great reaction which has
been caused by Democratic mislegisla
tion. Many Republicans feel under
personal obligation to Major Mckinley
for the spectacle he has given them of
a man in public life who can be poor,
true and honest without losing either
influence or popularity. In days oi
jobbery, spoils and corruption his clean
personality. surrounded by all the
quiet attributes of reputable manhood
and surmounted by high ability, looms
up as the bay tree in desert. Even