Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-07-18
Amusement at the Periodical Yarns
as to His Candidacy.
TOO SHREWD TO Be CAUGHT BY PAKIRS
His Position as to the Presidency
a Plain One.
HIS FRIENDS EXPECTATIONS

Those periodical yarns ascribing to Gen.
Harrison the determination never, on any
account, to enter the presidential field
again create in the main now only passing
amusement. Comment on them as they
appear plainly shows this. The object of
their authors Is too manifest, and the
laundering is truly laughable. How men,
seeking In this way some unguarded ex-
preston for use in a contest for pres
1dential nomination, should select man of
Gen. Harrison's astuteness, and frankness.
and felicity of deliverance as a victim for
their wiles passes the understanding of his
personal friends. The man who in the
highest Office carried himself SO prudently
and so well; who, as his friends assert,
never says thoughtless things at any time,
is expected to fall into a fakir's trap about
a matter affecting both his own and his
partys fortunes and be held captive for
twelve highly exciting months! The Har-
rison people can find but one genuine like
ness to this folly and that Is In the cam
paign of the individual who started after a
game bird with salt in his hand and as the
only hope of success.
The Case n Plain One.
According to sources enjoying every
means Of knowing the truth, the case Of
Gen. Harrison, as respects the next repGb-
lican nomination for the presidency, Is so
plain it cannot for long. at any time. be
misstated. The ex-President is not in the
field for that nomin alton, and will not be-
He stands as any man of patriotism and
dignity SO circumstanced must stand. His
attitude Is as much one of compulsion as OF
personal choice 1t Is not permitted him.
either by the proprieties established by pre-
cedent, or by his own conception of things,
to enter that contest. The party will be
called upon to choose from among its
strongest and most available men, The as
sumption Is that the merits Of all those
considered to be within the scope of that
choice will be carefully weighed Gen.
Harrison needs no introduction to his
party. He has served one term as Presi-
dent and his party cordially indorsed his
course in office by renominating him. He
was beaten for a second term. but not, his
friends claim because Of any weakness en-
tering in his candidacy.
Since his retirement from the White
House he has gone his way without os-
tertation. Taking up his duties again as a
private citizen he has discharged them
30 well he has added TO the respect in
which he was previously held, and he is
now one OF the most conspicuous and
best beloved men in the country. He has
no desire. his friends assert, for further
leadership. He is playing no part His
personal lines are cast in pleasant places,
and his private life is all that he could
wish 1t. But If. after all things having
been considered. and every other man 8
claims duly presented, the next republican
national convention should put the party
banner into his hands and call upon him
to go forward with it. that he would re-
spond, would consider it his duty to re
spond, and promptly, and give his party
the full benefit again Of his courage and
sagacity, admits, those who know him
well declare, of no doubt whatever. Three
things assure this: He. has soldiers
sense of duty. He has a true mans sense
of gratitude. His party has honored linn
and his party can command him.
What His Friends Expect.
Many admirers of the ex-President are
firmly of opinion that he will be called to
the front again. They note growing
second-choice sentiment In his favor which
they interpret as pointing to his nonlina-
tion After the different sections shall have
complimented favorite sons in the conven-
tion they are expected to come together
and voice the general sentiment and put
up the old leader to make the fight. Gen.
Harrison. 1t is said is so strong everywhere
In the respect of all the people that his
name would develop a carrying power be-
yond that Of any other man in the party.