Arizona republican., 1896-12-13
ONLY AN AFTER DINNER JOKE

ONLY AN AFTER DINNER JOKE Mir. Arkelrs Application for a
 Cabinet Portfolio.
 Timely Gossip About Men Who Have
 Been Mentioned as Possible
 Members of the Pacific
 Coast AspirantS.
 WASHINGTON, Dec. 12.-Mr. Me Kinley is reputed to be man who nev- CT forgets promise, and recent let ter written to w. J. Arkell, the well known publisher, corrObOrates this, even when the promise is that of cabinet portfolio. Some time before Mckinley became an active candidate for the presidency, he attended din ner at which MT. Arkell was present. In an after-dinner speech Arkell said all he expected of MT. Mckinley when he was elected was the place at the very foot of the cabinet. Mr. McKin- ley replied to the sally, assuring MT. Arkell that his wish should be granted. The talk created much sport at the time, and long since passed out of the minds of all present, it appears, ex- cept that of MT. Mckinley. Since his election MT. Mckinley has written to MT. Arkell, referring to the promise, and asking if he regarded it as serious. While the letter did not say so, yet it clearly conveyed the idea that if Mr. Arkell looked upon the promise as ser ious it would be fully honored by an appointment. MT. Arkell enjoyed the letter quite as much as he had the or iginal promise. He had never looked upon the promise as anything more than joke. He accordingly answered that he had never attached the slight est importance to the affair and had regarded it as a pleasurable circum- stance of a good dinner. This appears to close the correspondence, and MT. Arkell, of New York, will not become secretary of agriculture.
 Congressman Boutelle may not be made secretary of the navy. He has even told an intimate friend in this city that he would not accept if the po- sition was offered him; but the Ban gor member is going to take up his res idence within stones throw of the navy department This would have no significance if MT. Boutelle had not lived for more than a decade at the Hamilton, hotel that is quite identi- fled with Maine congressman, who make it their headquarters. Within two or three days Capt. Boutelle has engaged apartments at the Richmond, a handy location for a secretary of the navy, and he will bring his three charming daughters to Washington with him this winter.
 The selection of Capt. Boutclle CT Chairman Dingley for a cabinet port folio would bring new member to congres from Maine, something that has not occurred for over 13 years. Senators Hale and Frye have served since 1881, and Dingley, Milliken and Boutelle began their congressional ca reers in the Forty-eighth congress. Reed has been in congress twenty years. Although there would be the liveliest kind of a scramble if a vacan- cy should occur, there has been hardly any speculation about candidates in either Boutelle's or Dingley's districts Mr. John P. Swasey, of Canton, Me-, might be a successor to MT. Dingley if he should enter the cabinet, and in that event the house would have an opportunity of hearing by far the most eloquent advocate and effective jury lawyer in the Pine Tree state. He has served in the legislature and has been member of the governors coun- cil.
 The Pacific coast will make a strong bid for cabinet position, according tc Representative Ellis of Oregon, who returned yesterday. Among the names most frequently mentioned there are those of Judge Waymire and Michae H. DeYoung, editor of the San Fran cisco Chronicle. While the sentiment among the Republicans of the coast is unanimous for the passage of a tar if bill, MT. Ellis says it is divided 1T regard to the Dingley bill. Many would like to see it passed at this ses sion, and wait for the regular session for a complete revision, while other! would prefer an extra session.
 
 In connection with the treasur, portfolio there is a marked revival O talk about Representative Dingley Mr. Dingley possesses large fund 0 useful information upon all subject which are likely to come before sec retary of the treasury during the nex four years. With the possible excep tion of Senator Allison, none othe has been suggested for the place wh