Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-07-24
POSSIBLE CABINET CRISIS
Secretary Smith May Not Conclude to Remain
as Mr.. Ulevelands Adviser.
His Attitude Toward the National
of the Administrations.

today on the published statement In The
Star yesterday as to the attitude of Secre-
tary Smith On the Chicago nominations.
and the suggestion that he may leave the
cabinet If President Cleveland sees fit to
come out against Bryan. which is thought
to be just what he will do, in some way or
another.
There has been little doubt in political
circles, since the Atlanta Journal took q
stand for the Chicago ticket. as to how
Secretary Smith stood. If he had not de-
cidcd to support the Chicago ticket the
journal, 1t is said, would never have made
an announcement of its position. 1t is
further known that many of those closest
to Mr.. Smith, men who would likely share
his feelings in a political matter, have an
nounced their intention to support the
democratic ticket.
1t is known also that many of the most
prominent southern officials in the Treas
ury Department have come out for the
Chicago ticket. and will give 1t their sup
port. This is particularly the case among
the Alabama and Georgia men who are in
the department. Without exception they
will give their support to their various
tance to supporting the national ticket.
MIR. Smiths Position.
1t is said on good authority that Mr..
Smith holds that he could not do otherwise
than support the Chicago ticket. He took
an active part in the fight in Georgia for
the election of delegates to Chicago. This
bound him, he thinks, to abide by the re-
suit of the Chicago convention. He holds
to the same sentiment as other southern
democrats. that If man enters fight he
pledges himself to abide the result.
Those who indorse the attitude of Secre-
tary Smith toward the national campaign
do on the ground that as a southern
man he is forced to take different view of
matters from that taken by the northern
men who agree with him on the money
question. The reference is to the race ques-
ton. Democracy in the south, it is assert
ed, means more than it does in the north.
1t. and it alone, stands for intelligent and
satisfactory local control down there. Break
down. or impair, that barrier, and chaos
will come again.
The Other Side.
But there are many well-informed south
ern men who do not agree to this. The in
telligence and property interests of the
south are they assert, SO firmly estab-
lished now that no apprehension need be
felt on any such score. Negro domination
would be impossible. The south is on her
feet again by the exercise of power testify
ing to great strength when she is aroused
and to the ability to hold her own in any
probable contest for control of her local
Institutions.
1t is likewise suggested by Mr.. Smiths
supporters that as a low tariff man he finds
1t impossible to ally himself for any pur-
pose with protectionists Reply is made to
this that, with the Wilson tariff law on the
books as democratic measure-stuffed
full, as it is, with protection rates-there
ought to be no difficulty for Mr.. Smith in
that direction. The question is no longer
one of principle, but relates wholly to the
degree of protection to be afforded
Looking to His Future.
Mr.. Smith Is a young man of ambition.
He has attained eminence at an early age.
He aspires to go higher. 1t was believed
for a time that he had his eyes fixed on
the Senate. and that he would try for the
seat in that body now occupied by General
Gordon. Circumstances were such that he
could not offer for that, but he Ia still con-
sidered senatorial quantity. certain to
cut something Of a figure in future.
way. The state democracy Is all but unan-
imously in favor of free silver. Judge
Crisp, the recognized silver candidate for
the Senate, carried every county but one.
and that, being the residence of his rival,
recorded itself in the spirit of personal
compliment. Has Mr.. Smith been admon-
ished by this? Does he think it unwise 20
break with his people? He tried to lead
them in this fight. and failed. He is will
Ing now that they shall lead him.
Possible Cabinet Crisis.
Is a cabinet crisis approaching? Will
events so shape themselves as to make it
necessary for Mr.. Smith to retire2 The
opinion prevails that the whole matter will
be left with him. 1t is assumed that, how
ever much the President may feel Mr.,
Smiths desertion of the sound money
cause. he will not move in the premises SO
as to make of Mr.. Smith martyr in any
appearance Of the case. If Mr.. Smith were
to return to Georgia after being forced out
of the cabinet on the grounds that exist he
would probably profit in local favor greatly.
But If Mr.. Smith should retire Of his own
accord, who would succeed him in the CAP
met? Strangely enough, another Georgia
man Is suggested. This is Mr.. Turner-so
firm in his opposition to free silver that
rather than support the policy he refused
to stand for reelection to the House on
free silver platform. Mr.. Turner'S personal
relations with the President are very cor
dial and mis- appointment would, 1t is said.
greatly crafty many sound money men.