The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-10-11
THEY MUST KEEP SILENT.
Federal OFFICIALS WARNED NOT
TO MAKE CAMPAIGN SPEECHES.

Assistant Secretary NeAsoo Cancels Ills
Ensasemert- In Delaware nnd Other
states q. a. Intiuation that H would
ne Advisable Tor All Federal Omcer- TO
Refrsin from Active Political Work.
WASHINGTON, Oct. Ex-senator Gray Of Della
ware one of the most earnest and persistent de-
tenders Of the Administration, was among the
callers at Democratic headquarters to-day.
There Is a warm political battle raging in the
state Of Delaware. and the Democratic leaders
are calling for recruits from all directions to
help repel tho attack of the Republican hosts.
Ambassador Bayard is on his way home from
England TO take part In the fight, and number
Of distinguished campaign orators from other
States are announced TO speak at various points
In the State
Senator Gray was surprised and greatly pro-
voked to-day when he learned that Mr.. Nc
Adoo, Assistant Secretary Of the Navy. who has
been extensively advertised one of the
speakers at tho Democratic rally in Laurel,
Del. next week. he's been obliged TO cancel his
engagement for reasons which he Ia not Mt lib
erty tn give at this time. 1t is understood that
Mr.. McAdoo and several members Of the Ad-
ministration received a suggestion, supposed to
have emanated from the President. discounte-
nancing political speaking and active working
officials. Mr.. McAdoo accepted an in
vitation to make series of speeches in
Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and
Pennsylvania, and he had made all his arrange
ments to fulfil his promises to the Campaign
Committee. He "A an excellent campaigner, and
II was intended 10 use him in all Of the ship
building districts because of his familiarity
with that subject.
Senator Gray made no attempt to conceal his
disappointment at hearing that objection was
raised against any participation by Federal off,
GERS in the Delaware campaign. He at once sat
down and wrote q letter to Mr.. McAdoo, in
forming him that the Democratic managers in
Delaware have billed him all over the
State. and preparations are already made
to give him a rousing audience at Laurel. sena-
tor Gray does not hesitate to say that while he
is a sincere advocate Of practical civil service
reform. and has always advocated II In Con-
gress, there is no good reason why prominent
men who happen to be assigned 10 public duty
under the Administration should not be per-
mitted To exercise their citizenship. either by
talking or voting for the party to which they
belong.
The managers at Democratic headquarters are
greatly annoyed and embarrassed by the sudden
cancellation Of the engagements Of so many
valuable campaigners. To-day an effort was
nbue 10 ascertain IL INC IN
for the disarrangement Of his party's pro-
gramme. Secretary Lamont was appealed TO on
the subject. and he said that he was quite positive
that the President had in no way interfered in
this matter. Strange rs II may appear, none of
the Federal officials who were announced to
make campaign speeches are prepared to give
any reason for requesting, at this late day, that
their dates be cancelled. Their requests not
made in writing but are submitted verbally.
and the requests for relief are framed In pranti-
cslly the sane lsngt1tS, .. g
II is understood that all the trouble Rbcnt
Federal officials in the campaign arises from the
fact that certain official is expected and de-
sired to take an active part in the New York
campaign, but there Is opposition to It on the
part Of certain friends OF the Administration.
Under the circumstances 1t is said that Assistant
Secretaries McAdoo, Hamlin. and other more or
less prominent officials received intimation
that 1t would be vsable for all Federal officers
to refrain from active campaign work. The in
timation has not yet reached Assistant Comp
troller of the Treasury Mansur, who il down In
Virginia and North Carolina making speeches
In behalf OF the Democratic cause.