Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1895-07-03
WASHINGTON LETTER.
From Our Special Correspondents
WASHINGTON, d. c., June, %, y5.

@ ~ VOs Ct
Republicans are much pleased with
the victory won by the Administration
In the Kentucky Democratic conven-
tion.. 1t makes Republican success in
that State almost certain this year.
History has taught that no State con-
vention openly controlled by National
Administration influence has ever named
a winning ticket. Every newspaper
a can easily recall notable instan-
ces of defeat which have followed such
interference in State politics by the Ma
tional Administration, but in no case in
the past has the National Administra-
ton 30 openly used its power to defeat a
faction OF its party as the present one
has done to defeat Blackburn's relation
to the Senate and prevent the silver
Democrats controlling the Kentucky
convention. Law and civil service rules
have been openly violated and every
Federal official in Kentucky, big and
little, has been forced, under penalty of
position, into that "pernicious political
activity" which, when used against him,
never fails to horrify Grover Cleveland,
but which in this case is, in his eyes,
perfectly justifiable. Unless those who
ought to know are much mistaken,
thousands Of Kentucky Democrats will
stay at home next election day, and a
considerable number Of them will, to
make the thing certain, vote the straight
Republican ticket.
Representative Cannon, Of minois,one
OF the veteran. Republican war horses,
passed through Washington this week.
"Uncle Joe" is a close observer, and his
diagnosis Of Presidential politics from a
Republican pointof view, which follows,
is interesting. at is generally the fact,n
said Uncle Joe, "that about this far
ahead of the nominating convention 1t
is everybody's race. That seems TO me
the case now. don't think that any one
would be justified in saying that n
one OF the Republican candidates who
has been named is assured of the nomi-
nation. There seems to be a disposition
quite generally to wait for things which
may happen between now and the meet
ing of the convention. There is a dispo-
sition to go into the favorite son bust
ness, which is always sign of caution.
1t often means a great deal more than
State pride or local patriotism. 1t indi-
Gates a disposition among the men who
manage State delegations to watch the
movement Of events. Just now there is
a sort Of under current among. Republi-
cans in Illinois not to commit them
selves to any outside candidate, but to
cast the vote of the State for Cullom, to
begin with. Mckinley has friends in
Illinois, and Reed asfriends there. But
1t does not yet appear that either Of
them is certain to control the delegation.
Iowa will probably cast her first vote
for Allison, and people in other States
tell me that Allison has a great deal Of
reserve strength. Minnesota may give
her vote to Cush. Davis. / hear from
New York men that there is really a
disposition there to make Gov. Morton
the candidate Of that State. Whether
thai is seriously meant, or is merely a
cover for some other Interior movement,
can not be determined. New England,
l suppose, is to be for Reed, although
Mckinley and Allison both threaten to
make inroads there. I should think,
however, that Reed might expect New
England solid. AS to the general stu
alton, my conclusions from observations
in a number Of business trips in the
west are that the Republicans, il they
shall be prudent and discreet in the Sc
lection of a candidate, and the conduct
OF affairs between now and election, may
reasonably expect to elect the next
PRESIDENT
The vindication Of the Reed rules by
the last Democratic House is known to
all the world, and unless Mr.. Cleveland
refuses his consent, Secretary Olney
will shortly take steps which will be at
least a partial vindication of the much
abused administrations of Gen. Grant
Secretary Olney has found out that Pres
ident Grant made a rule requiring all
men selected to be United States Con-
suls to pass an examination before re-
ceiving their appointments, and a little
investigation of the consular records OF
office shows that some of the best men
in the consular service today entered
under that rule These men have made
themselves so valuable to the great bust.
ness interests that they have remained
in office through all the succeeding AID,
ministrations. This SO impressed Secre.
tary Olney that he determined to revive
Gen. Grants rule. Many Of the consular
appointments under the present Admin.
istration have been anything but credit.
able.