The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-09-07
Harrison and Quay.

Walter wellman, in his ever-interest-
ing Washington correspondence to the
Chicago Times-HeNld, tells. from "un-
exceIled sources of information what
he calls the true story of the quar-
rel between Harrison and Quay. The
narration occupies u column in It's
original form, but the salient fact in 1t
ton in 1sSs. General Harrison, who had
always distrusted Quay, refused point
blank to appoint him national chair
man. and was won over only by the per-
sistent and irresistible eloquence of his
then favorite advisor, Colonel Clark
son, of Iowa,
During the campaign, when Senator
Quay nearly broke down his health
trying to accomplish Harrison's elec-
tion, the Indiana candidate, so the
story goes. never once communicated
with the national chairman, but sent
all his letters and kilograms to Clark
son, who impaired their substance to
Quay. After election, when Clarkson
urged Harrison to fulfill an agreement
entered into by the national commit
postmaster general, the president-elect
ilatly refused; and would not give in
until the Saturday before his Inaugural
ton. General Harrison was no sooner
inaugurated than his dislike for Quay
began to manifest itself. The Pennsyl-
cn,to okAr
at the white house even the favors
which are ordinarily granted senators
through courtesy. Instead of having
the Swing which every one predicted
he would have, and as the hero of the
successful campaign he seemed enti-
tied to, he was treated with a coldness
which soon spurred his pride to resent
ment. In a few months the president
began scheming to have Quay deposed
as chairman Of the national commit
tee. He asked various members Of the
national committee II they would not
help him get Quay out. Mr.. Wellman
continues:
Among those who were summoned to
the white house one day, about q year
man Clarkson, Of the committee, and Sec
retary Fassett. With a cold and calm
brutality, the president pumped this
question at his visitors: "On a motion to
depose Quay as chairman how many
members of the committee do you think
viii vote yea?" To Fas3e.t this sort Of
thing was new and he nearly tainted with
establishment. Clarkson, on the other
hand, knew Harrison pretty well by this
time and was not afraid to talk to him.
His reply deserves to be embalmed in the
annals of friendship. ''Mr. President"
said he, Senator Quay has for a long
time wished to resign the chairmanshp,
and IL such motion were put in the com
mite he might cast his vote in favor of it.
He Is the only man that would. Between
you, the president Of the nation and the
official head Of our party, and Senator
Quay. the committee to a man will stand
by Quay. Moreover, confess my inabil-
ity to understand the character of a man
who has won a great office through the
efforts Of another, and then turns against
that other and seeks to humillate him."
This talk of course terminated Col
onel Clarkson's welcome at the white
house, and the fight on Quay was kept
up until the very last; but Quay was
not deposed. although in time he re-
signed; and apparently now has good
chance to get back again. Such. in
brief. is the substance of the story,
which Is reproduced for what 1t Is
worth. II true, 1t apparently justifies
Mr.. Quay's repugnance to General
Harrison's renomination; II false, 1t
ought to be authorltatively denied.