The San Francisco call., 1896-04-19

tion where will they be? How will the
successful candidate feel toward them and
California?
For these reasons and many more
which could give if ! had time am not
in favor of pledging the delegation. 1t
should by all means go unpledged. 1t is a
more dignified position for the delegates
and their power would undoubtedly be
greater.
General Lucius III. Foote, who was a
delegate from California to the National
Republican Convention at Cincinnati,
when Ingersoll made the famous speech
nominating Blaine for President, is firm
advocate of all unpledged delegation to the
ST. Louis convention. His observation
and experience in that convention taught
him that delegation to be useful and in
huential should not be hampered or
restrained by cast-iron instructions. Cen
eral Foore had the honor of casting the
vote of California for Blaine, yet at the
time he was convinced, Notwithstanding
all the enthusiasm and the great display
Of strength for Blaine on the first ballot,
that some other candidate would ulti-
mately win the prize. Hayes was nomi-
mated in the end.
General John F. Sheehan said: II am
in favor of sending delegation to ST.
Louis instructed for Mckinley. believe
such instruction will reflect the sentiment
of California Republicans"
Ex-Judge Van r. Paterson of the firm or
Rodgers & Paterson, having been urged by
many of his party to be candidate for
delegate-at-large to the National Repub-
lican Convention at ST. Louis, and it being
understood that he did not care to pose as
a candidate, was interviewed on the sub
ject at the firms offices in the Nevada
building yesterday.
When asked if he would be candidate
for delegate-at-large, he responded:
81 certainly shall not. am out of poll
tics; besides, I am too thoroughly en-
crossed in my legal affairs to pay any at
tention to political Matters
f"Do you think the Californian delegation
will be pledged? If SO. to whomP"
We'll, " said the Judge, contemplatively,
lin my opinion the Californian delegation
will be pledged to support Mckinley"
"Whom do you think will be second
choice?"
Allison, undoubtedly
Dame Rumor hath it, Judge, that you
are opposed to pledged delegations. Is
there any foundation in fact for the tale?'
Judge Paterson was silent for moment
as if deeply engaged in thought. Then he
answered slowly:
"Well, as am out of politics am not
prepared to say whether or not we should
send a pledged delegation to st. Louis.
For this reason my opinion may not count
for much.
However, am opposed to pledged del
egations on general principles. think it
radically wrong to send.a pledged delega-
tion to any National convention.
"a pledged delegation is not lnfrequent-
~ placed in most embarrassing position
on account of change in conditions.
For instance, Mckinley seems to-day to
be the most popular candidate-certainly
has shown the greatest strength; and ap-
peaIances indicate his nomination. At
the same time something might arise to
convince the delegation that Mckinley
could not be nominated or would not be
acceptable. Then, again, he might ex-
press view upon some subject which
would change the sentiment of the people
of our State. The delegation would, in
either event, be placed in position where
they would have to violate their pledge or
stand firm and act against their best judg-
mont.
"And," added the Judge, SIT is not a
pleasant thing to be tied to dead mans
bones"