The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1894-01-04

A Political Adviser.
IL Is an open secret in the higher political
circles here that Mr.. Dickinson enjoys the
rare distinction OF being a man who refused
10 take the secretaryship Of state when it
was urged upon him by a president elect
for whom he entertained the warmest feel
ings OF friendship and admiration. Dick
inson fairly worships Mr. Cleveland He
thinks the president the greatest man that
was ever born ia this western hemisphere.
The president has almost rs high an opin-
ion of bis friend from Michigan. After the
campaign Of last year was over, and Mr..
Cleveland had begun 10 look around him
for "A cabinet, be asked Don Dickinson to
become one of his official advisers. He Of
lered him his choice OF the places and final
~ urged him TO accept the state portfolio.
But Mr.. Dickinson had had his nh of Off
cial honors. lie declined again and again
10 take any Office under this administra-
ton. lie refused to be moved from his pur-
pose, saying that lac had spent the savings
Of a number OF years OF hard work at his
profession for The honor Of being postmaster
general under the former Cleveland admin
istration, and that his present duty was TO
return TO his profession and make some
money for bis family. But while he could
not accept Office himself, be did the next
best thing by helping Mr.. Cleveland form
the cabinet. The manner in which the
present cabinet was made up was due more
Co the influence OF Mr.. Dickinson than to
that Of any other single man, the president
alone excepted.
IL was Mr.. Dickinson who engineered
what was one Of the greatest surprises the
political world has known for long time
the selection OF Mr. Gresham TO be secra-
tary Of state. Mr.. Dickinson was from the
very FIRST n favor Of this somewhat radical
departure. lie argued that the time had
come when tho Democratic party could af-
ford 10 go outside the lines Of strict party
service and 10y recognizing men who hal
been in sympathy with the party, but not
members Of IL, attract still others to follow
their example. Ia other words. Mr.. Dickin-
son believed the party could with profit
reach out for the ahlest and most distin-
Euished men who had become dissatisfied
with the rival party and bring them into
the fold. Though Mr. Cleveland was him
self the originator Of the Ores ham idea. Mr..
Dickinson encouraged him in il and went
To Chicago TO urge the judge to accept the
Office.
10 Coufounded His Enemies.
During last years campaign Dickinson
e.
Democratic headquarters. Such energy as
he cvinccd, such a display Of generulship
and masterful activity. have rarely been
equaled ia the history Of campaigning
Jealousies arose among the men, who
thought Mr.. Dickinson was swinging too
wide "A swath, who did not like the influence
which he had over the candidate, and who
were free to predict that the Michigan man
was simply working to get back into the
cabinet Ia ease of Mr.. Cleveland's rc-clec-
ton But Dickinson paid no heed 20 these
1ealousies, and even when ugly remarks
were made about him by men associated
with him on the committee, and malicious
tales were put in circulation, he kept his
temper, went on with his work and hided
his time. IL must have been "a source Of
great satisfaction 60 him 20 be able 20 re-
fuse the highest Office within Mr. Clevc-
lands gift, and thus 10 confound his enc
mics. And II must he source Of still
greater satisfaction to him now to be able
to come down 10 Washington. virtually
take up his residence at the White House
for several days at time 90 be Mr.. Clevc-
lands companion and coEddant. TO enjoy
the honor and influence Of being 'the power
behind the throne" without any Of the cares
and annoynnces uf official life.
The President Health.
There is great deal OF gossip IN Wash
ingtou concerning the health Of Mr.. Cleye-
land Every once in awhile stories are set
IN circulation that the president has had an
attack 81 cancer or az some other virulent
disease. These stories contain but very lit
tie Of truth. Usually they arc mauufec-
tured largely out OF the Imagination. or are
suggested by "a state of facts FOR which tie
newspaper written, are unable quickly TO
find any other explanation. Your corrs-
spoudent b. able % state ON satisfactory nu-
thority that MIR Cleveiand's bodily health
il all right lie Is in good condition. But
IL h az the same time true that he Is show
ing signs %! tho mental wear and tear TO
which he has been subjected during the last
10 years There are unwclcome evidences
that the presidents nervocg -i.foes have
been more or less undermined by the strains