The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-12-02
ING OUT OF AN ANNUAL SOCIAL
CUSTOM
SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE
DATION FOR THEIR ExIS-
TENCE AT ALL.
SOME TOPICS NOT DISCUSSED.
Probable Makeup of McKinIey's
Cabinet Was One-Washburn,s
Attack.

Ex-Gov. Merriam arrived home from
an extended trip to the East yesterday
morning. His departure and it's posi-
bic political significance was exploited
IN local papers two weeks ago. The
telegraph has told of his Thanksgiv-
ing dinner with Mark Hanna at Cleve-
land and of his subsequent visit to the
presldent-elect at Canton Ex-Sena-
tor Washburn, in interviews in New
York, in Chicago and in MINNEAPOLIS.
showed that he, as much as ANYBODY.
took great interest in the movements
of Mr.. Merriam, and has criticised and
even ridiculed the mention Of the names
of Senator Davis and ex-Gov Merriam
as cabinet possibilities. Senator Davis.
thus far, has not been in a position
to respond to the acerbities of the
Minneapolis ex-official Ex-Goy. Mer-
RAM was asked to make a statement.
He smiled, but didn't avail himself
of the opportunity
I visited Mr.. Hanna, and saw Mr..
Mckinley, said ex-Gov. Merriam YES
terday. My meeting with Mr. Hanna
was PERSONAL repetition of friendly
and familiar annual gathering. I rec
ognlZed the fact that this talk concern
ing my personal intimate relations
with Mr.. Hanna would lead to an ex-
aggeration of the talk that had been
mace concerning my probable appoint
ment as a cabinet officer. For that
reason at first I thought it would be
better II gave up my annual Thanks
giving holiday. Advice Of friends and
SOBER reflection suggested the usual
course of action. For many years I
nave been the guest Of Mr.. Hanna at
ms nome at the annual THANKSGIVING
least, and each summer he has been
my guest here in st. Paul Then he
was not In politics; my visit to his
home last week was, therefore. a So
clal visit nothing more
1t is true, L visited Mr.. Mckinley.
why shouldn't I? I was the guest of
his closest friend and went to Canton
as many another man has gone-proud
OF the privilege to meet the man who
mas been chosen president. My visit
was without political significance If
L mad been ambitious-if I had been a.
candidate to represent Minnesota
surely it would have been better poll
tics to have reached Mr. Mckinley in
less public manner. 1t is one of the
unfortunate conditions of American
public life that a personal matter
should have been so magnified and dis
torted. I am proud of my intimacy
with Mr.. Hanna, 1 was glad of the op-
portunity that my family should meet
Mr.. Mckinley; 1 shall feel personally
honored If Minnesota is to be honored
by the selection of a cabinet minister
1T is right and proper that any man
shall cherish an ambition-but the am
bition that has been ascribed to me I
owe to the newspapers.
"Of cabinet possibilities know moth
ing. 1t was not a topic I could dis
cuss with Mr.. Hanna, who, l really be-
lieve, now that his work is ended,
knows nothing. The very publicity
given to Minnesota and her candidates
made the subject too delicate for
holiday discussion between Mr.. Hanna
and myself.
Personally, I believe Minnesota,
election results considered, worthy of
recognition. But other states did as
well in votes and there can be no ques-
ton that fitness rather than political
consideration, this year. will guide the
president-elect in his selection Of Of
fetal advisers. More than ever since
the first war cabinet was chosen will
politics be eliminated"
Concerning the published interviews
Of ex-senator WaShburn and his evil
dent opposition to honors that might be
extended the two possible cabinet ap-
pointees, ex-Gov Merriam said dis
tinctly: mo reply can be made to the
criticisms offered in those interviews.
which [ am one-has been a candidate
for a cabinet position. The criticisms
are inferentiaI. The animus of the in
terviews is evident because directed,
perhaps, against cabinet possibilities.
So far as L know-So far as / have
learned-Minnesota has no cabinet
candidates"