The Hartford republican. (Hartford, Ky.) 18??-1926, 1895-06-14


imposes upon President Cleveland a
responsibility to which the country
fears he may not be equal. It is his
duty to select an American Secretary
OF State; not a tool Of British diplo-
matists, not an instrument Of Rus
sian or German or French Govern
ments, but an American. The Pres
ident's faculty Of selecting capable
men for some other duties is not here
in question. But there is, unhappily,
little to show that he can choose
man worthy to have charge Of the
foreign relations Of this Republic.
The President himself, it must be ad-
mitted with regret, has not seemed
to care for American as oppoed to
British interests, and his selection Of
men to represent the nation in its for
eign relations has been peculiarly un-
happy.
Mr.. Gresham had just one qualifca-
ton for Secretary of State he was in
tensely hostile to President Harrison,
and willing even to tarnish the rec
ord Of the United States in order to
cast a slur upon the preceding Admin
istration. It was to be expected that
bitter personal feeling would affect
Mr. Gresham's judgment, and it is
the most charitable and kindly ex-
PLANTATION If his acts to suppose that
in many cases il did. The country
does not wish to assume that the acts
of the Department have been in all
respects such as President Cleveland
would have authorized had his trusted
Secretary in charge of that depart.
ment been a man of different temper.
President Cleveland must be aware
that the conduct Of his Administra-
ton in foreign affairs has made him
more enemies than anything else.
Even his best friends have found II
hard to apologize for the Hawaiian
scandal, the Nicaragua weakness,
and other failiugs which have kim
died the indignation of American
citizens without distinction Of party.
II the tariff controversy the President
had the hearty approval OF a large
majority of his political supporters.
In the silver controversy he has
made host Of bitter enemies among
his political supporters. but has re-
peatedly called forth the hearty ap-
proval of those opposed to his party.
II he were now able so far to recon.
struct the policy Of his Admisistra
ton on iorigu affairs, before his term
Of Office expires, as to command the
hearty appreciation Of Americans he
would be immeasurably stronger in
other matters and wouldgo out Of Of
fee incidentally more regard from
his countrymen For they can make
allowance for difference Of opinion
about political or partisan issues, but
they find it exceedingly hard to have
patience with an American Admins !
tration which does not seem to care
anything for American interests or
American honor
There are distinguished Democrats
who would give a different tone to |
the Administration if asked to take l
charge Of foreign affairs. It is not {
necessary for the President to go be /
yond the circle OF his prominent sup~
porters aud close friend to find some
who are fully competent for that /
high trust, and at the same time are /
thoroughly American in spirit. II I
they have criticised the Presidents
course in the past with much frank
ness and at times great regret. there |
is the more reason for giving them
an opportunity to show how high |
position can be worthily filled Po- |
litical opponents do not desire to see
ihe President go beyond the lines OF |
his own party in the selection OF a
Cabinet officer, as in fact he did in Sc
ieeting Mr. Gresham, but they do |
hope that he will have the grace to
choose a Democrat who is at the
same time an American. New York
Tribnue