The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1894-11-23
Congressman McCleary
Says He is in no Wise
a Candidate for u. S.
Senator.
His Ambition is to Serve His Con-
stituency Well i'm the Position to
Which He Has Been Elected by
Such Large Vote.
Senator Washburn Held in High Es-
TEEN by His Colleagues in the Sem
ate, and Yields more than Aver
age Influence.

A good deal is being said in the
Metropolitan papers about many gen.
tlemen being possible or avowed can
| didates for United States Senator in
opposition to Senator Washburn, and
Congressman McCleary's name having
been quite frequently used in this
connection, the FREE PRESS had an
interview with him this morning on
the subject. To the question as to
whether or not he had noticed the
references made to him. Mr.. McCleary
replied
eyes, [ have seen something of the
kind floating about, but | have paid
no special attention to it,
Plainly then, Mr.. McCleary, you
are not candidate, nor have you in
any way authorized the use of your
name in connection with the Senator
Ship"
Precisely: | am not a candidate for
Senator neither have l given any in
timation of any kind, which could
possibly lead to the use of my name.
My great desire is to represent my
constituency to the full extent of my
ability, in the position to which 1
have been the second time selected
by a handsome majority and by a
largely increased vote over two years
ago. 1t is compliment that [ appre-
ciate more deeply uthan words can
express, and my every energy will be
devoted to merit the expressions of
confidence so generously extended by
the people of the Second district, as
recorded by their ballots"
GLOW do you view the seeming OBJ
position to the reelection of Senator
Washburn, l." asked the reporter.
"Now really" replied Mr.. McCleary,
that is matter to which l have
given no thoughtful consideration.
Since election Irhave been very busy
trying to catch up with some of my
delayed correspondence preparatory
to my leaving for Washington. Per-
sonally [ do not expect to take any
hand in the work of selecting a Sena-
tor. That,is a constitutional prerog-
ative belonging to sthe members-elect
Of the Minnesota legislature, and
with the large majority held by the
Republicans there, need he no fear
but that they will do the right thing.
"Would you have any objection to
state your relations, swith1 Senator
Washburn?" was asked.
"My relations with the nSenator,
have been pleasant indeed. a / con-
slider him very able representative
and thoroughly loyal Minnesotan.
He is held in high esteem by his col
leagues, and yields more than aver
age influence"
"Then you would be pleased with
his reelection"
Certainly I should; and I do not
see why such result should fail to
please our people. But please do not
understand that / am standing as
sponsor for anybody's candidacy. That
is matter that feel should not
permit myself to be interviewed on.
1t is a delicate matter to handle at
the best, but you are at perfect liberty
to say that my name has been used
without authority, and that the rela-
tions between Senator Washburn and
Davis and myself are pleasant and
cordial"
"When do you leave for Washing
TOM" was asked.
81 expect to leave Mankato some
time this week. but will not arrive in
Washington much before the date for
the converting of congress, as | have
two or three stops to make on the
way"
This ended the interview as it
should the further use at this time of
Mr.. ,McCleary's name in connection
with the senatorial question.