Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-05-23
Possible Result of Ex-senator Ed
munds' Letter Against Mckinley.
THE VERMONlER'S COURSE IN 1884
He and His Faction Contributed
to BIaine's Defeat.
WHAT MAY DEV ELO P

The printed story giving the substance
Ct a letter written by ex-senator Edmunds
antagonistic to Mr.. Mckinley's nomination
attracts attention. Details are wanting,
but the construction put on the deliver
ance is that Mr.. Edmunds joins hands
with those other republicans who think
that Mr.. Mckinley is lacking in back
bone, and who affect curiosity on The sub
ject of his financial views. Mr.. Edrnunds,
it is recalled, was a species of mugwump
In 1884. He did not go over to the democ-
racy, as the full-fedged mugwump did, but
he took interest in the campaign that
year, and, it was understood, was not in
consolabIe at Mr.. Blaines defeat. He W as
a welcome visitor at the White House dur
ing Mr.. ClevelaTd's first term, and some
of the oid-liEe democrats charged that 1T
was upon his recommendation that Z. j..
Phelps of Vermont was appointed minis
ter to England.
Another Outbreak of Mugwumpery.
What, it is asked does all this mean ?
Are Mr.. Edmunds and those republicans
who hold With him preparing to become
indifferent antagoHisJic to Mr.. McKin-
ley's success, as they were to Mr.. Blaine I?
Is there to be another outbreak of mug
wumpery this year, as there was that
year. w III there De repuDHCanS 10 go
over openly to the democrats because of
objection to the party's candidate, and
others TO remain indifferent?
Those who refused to support Mr. Blaine
did So on personal grounds. They admitted
that he was brilliant and resolute man
but they criticised mis- personal record, and
on that account rejected him. They allied
themselves with their lifelong opponents,
whose candidate they approved rather
than rer.ain at home and follow a leader
ship Objectionable 10 them. But in the case
Of Mr.. Mckinley the objection urged is
solely against his public character. The
complaint is that ne lacks firmness and
the fear expressed is that as President he
would fall under the sway of men stronger
than himself.
Where VIII They Land.
There is much curiosity felt as to where
these men viii finally land. They have
never recanted, so far as the Blaine mat
ter is concerned. They do not regret the
defeat Of the party in 1854. They helped
to bring it about, and in that way became
in measure sponsors for Mr. Cleveland
They are today among mis- most ardent ad-
rnirers- They especially applaud his stand
On the money question, and they are de-
ploring the fact that Mr. Mckinley refuses
TO take a stand alongside him. What it is
asked, does this argue? That if Mr. Nc
hlll!ey is nominated at St. Louis, and Mr.
Cleveland at Chicago, they will support the
latter: 1t is thought to be most likely.
Ihsy declare that the money question is all
important, and that Mr.. Cleveland is not
only right about it, but possesses the reso-
luton necessary to give to it the proper
force.
May BE Third Term Factor.
1t is suggested that the attitude of these
men may be a factor in the third term
calculation. They could not be counted on
to entirely support any other democrat as
against Mr.. Mckinley, but there Is a very
decided belief that they would prefer Mr..
Cleveland to him and would so record them
selves at the polls. No estimate is VEN
tured as to how numerous they are The
mugwUmps of 1854 were not as the sands
OF the seashore, but they kept Up a great
Sur during the fight, and some of them
nave not been without material reward
since The Edmunds letter, it is intima ted.
may develop this whole faction and its tn,
tentionS.