Mexico weekly ledger., 1896-10-08

speech as positive and n announce
ment of his withdrawal from the race
for Senator, which they insist he en-
tered more than q year ago. Mem
bers of the State Committee think
that the speech will strengthen the
campaign all along the line, as now
one of the doubts which had kept
some active workers from participate
ing in the fight with old-time vigor
and energy is removed and the path
ahead of them is freed of all obstacles
and annoyances.
Every free coinage Democrat and
fusionist candidate for the Legislature
is now, by the tacit terms of the COM
pact entered into by the Democrats
and Populists, committed to Senator
Vest for reelection, and, In the opin-
ion of State Auditor ]. M. Seibert,
than whom there is no better inform
ed politician in Missouri, Senator
Vest will be nominated by acclama-
ton in the Democratic caucus at JEFF
ferson City next January.
Discussion ofGovernorStone's frank
avowal at Plattsburg developed an in
teresting and important story con-
corning him yesterday. A close per-
sonaI and political friend, who hasthe
reputation of enjoying the Governors
confidence, said to the World repre-
sentative that Missouri's chief execu-
tive has been offered and has already
accepted the prefer of the Secretary
ship of the Interior in the event of
Mr.. Bryan's election. This story has
a much more substantial quality than
mere rumor. 1t is supposed to be
based on a thorough knowledge of the
relations between Bryan and Stone
and an admission which apparently
came direct from the Governor IN a
somewhat roundabout fashion. The
Governors friend made these COM
ments on the information:
"It is true that Stone is q poor man
and that from the financial standpoint
he ought to get to making money
when he leaves the executive chair.
The salary of q cabinet officer is 30
| small that he is sure to run into debt
if he goes to Washington as a mem
Der of Bryan's official household, but
his ambition is such as to lead him on
in this course. The Interior Depart
ment has to deal more with Western
subjects and interests than with those
of any other section of the country,
and Stones knowledge of them and
experience would at him for an ex-
ceptionally admirable administration
of the department.
"Whatever credit comes TO Bryan's
administration for a settlement or at
tempted settlement of the monetary
difficulties will be given to the Presi-
dent, 30 that no member of the cab
met could hope to win prestige and
popularity on this core. Grave ques-
tions of public policy has been press
ing for settlement in the Interior De-
partment for q number of years, and
the man who takes hold of them with
a firm hand and clear Judgment will
attract more attention than any other
member of thA-cahipat. The Pacific
rajl.~au problems or exsssks
haven't been settled yet by long odds,
and a secretary Of the interior who
wanted to make political gain out of
themcould boost himself into the pres
idency by bringing home to the people
the vast concern they have directly
in q proper disposition of these at
fairs.
"Nobody Is more keenly alive to
the new and exciting issues that could
thus be aroused than Governor Stone
is. I have talked with him on the
subject, and know his feelings. With
this knowledge ahead Of him and q
tacit understanding with Bryan that
he would inherit the Nebraskan's
political estate, Governor Stone will
become Secretary of the Interior in
the event of Bryan's election.
"For the reasons briefly stated, this
place vigorously filed would attract
the very attention from the country
which Stone most covets. But there
is still another and very practical
view Of 1t which affords an additional
inducement for him to take it with
the ultimate object In view Of being
brought forward for President four
years hence. The extension of the
civil service law has affected the In
terror Department less than any other,
and has left the secretary more pat
ronage than any other two cabinet
officers combined. This, you see,
would enabld Governor Stone to take
care of his friends and have enthus-
iastic supporters all over the country.
GAS Evan p. Howell, of Georgia,
said to me ut the Chicago Convention,
just keep your eye on Stone from this
time forward