St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1896-12-18

Major Mckinley has always been
known among his political friends and
associates a. extremely careful and con-
servative in his preparation for impor
thnt duties. Especially is he accustomed
to advise carefully and fully with his
friends and political associates before
determining important matters He was
distinguished for this trait of character
In his work in congress, and his leader
ship Of the house, when chairman of the
ways and means committee, developed
@ constant desire to act in full harmony
and with the thorough cooperation and
advice of members of his party. That he
intends to lean largely upon New Eng.
land in his difficult duties in the next
four years-for everybody admits that
he will have many difficult and delicate
duties in view of the revenue, currency
and foreign complcations-is fully APP
parent
Probably the man most talked of for
cabinet position at the present moment
Is Congressman Dingley, now chairman
of the ways and means committee of the
house. That he would make an admir-
able secretary of the treasury is gener-
ally conceded. No man in congress, OF
out of it for that matter, is more thor
oughly familiar with the subjects which
must come before the head of the treas
ury department for discussion and &C.
ton in the next four years. And 1t may
be added that no man goes more thor
oughly into subjects of this character, u
analyses them more closely, than does
Mir. Dingley Whatever subject he at.
tempts to discuss in congress, whether
currency, finance, revenue or other ques
tons of a general character, he handles
in such a broad and thorough manner
as to show that he fully masters his sub
feet before discussing it.
Whether he is to be invited to the head
of the treasury will depend upon geo.
graphical gu estions. 1t has not been the
habit of the Republican party to take its
head of the treasury department from
the east. With the single exception o,
President Arthur, who appointed man
from his own state no Republican presi.
dent has for many years selected an east.
ern man for this position. The fact that
those opposing the Republican party in
the late campaign made as one of its
battle cries the charge that the east
dominates the party In financial ques'
tions will probably have some influence
in determining the selection of the MAI
for this place.
That Mr.. Dingley does not desire to &C
into the cabinet. must be apparent to
those who stop to analyze the situation
and the man. He is now leader of the
bause." and doubtless would remain
IL rap n cnaoly
er. and this will certainly be the case
during the first half of the Mckinley adj
ministration.
While the secretary of the treasury
would have great opportunities in devel'
oping and completing important finan.
cial reforms if congress were fully and
completely in harmony with the admin
istration, there is little prospect that this
will be the case in the next two years
The senate of the United States, into
which the silver men have been able tc
work their way more successfully than
In the house will not be controlled by
the sound money Republicans Even II
they obtain the senators from North
Caronina and Kentucky which is not
at all certain, they will have but Al me1
VINO Cd.l De I'lltu upOli w Stt'hN NiNi ~" ~
administration when currency questions
come up While they might be able t..
RELY upon the four or five gold Demo
Gratis in the senate to cooperate with
them, they are not at all assured even OF
that.
There Is a probability that they may
be able to pass a tariff measure as sew
eral of the silver Republicans are thor
ough protectionists, but the chance OF
being able to enact any general currency
legislation or reforms is not cheering
This being the case, 1t Is probable that
Mr.. Dingley would prefer remaining In
his present position as leader Of the
house, unless Major Mckinley should re-
quest him to come to his aid as the head
OF the treasury department.
With the treasury department filled
by western man, Major Mckinley will
probably consider very seriously Mr.. Ed
munds or Senator Lodge for the state de-
partment. Should they decline, as is
not improbable, especially in the case OF
Mr. Edmunds, three other men are under
consideration for the navy department.
Mr.. Boutelle, Governor Buslel and Con-
gresham Apsley.