The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-06-03
REED IN A DILEMMA.
Wellman, in Pittsburg News.


There is a great deal of discussion in
Washington as to whether or not Speaker
Reed will accept the vice-presidential
nomination in case the Republican nation
al convention proffers him that honor. He
himself says nothing, but his friends talk
freely, expressing various opinions. The
best that can be said at this time is that
the speaker has not made up his mind con-
cerning the vice-presidency. He does not
want 1t. 1t is not a place which appeals
to his ambition in any way. Yet he may
decide to take 1t in case the party drafts
him. He does not view the suggestion with
the scorn and disgust which some people
have supposed. He does not look upon the
vice-presidential talk concerning himself
as an insult, as. indeed, there is no rea-
son why he should. AS nearly as can get
at the heart of the case, the friends of the
speaker and Mr.. Reed himself have given
up hope of his nomination for first place in
the ST. Louis convention. But Mr.. Reed
has not by any means abandoned his am
bition to be president Of the United States
He is only waiting and trying to shape his
present course with that objective point In
view. Considering that he still has white
house aspirations, the speaker now has be-
fore him three courses from which TO
choose. These are:
First-To come back to the house as the
member from Portland, seek reelection to
the speakership, and continue business at
the old stand.
Second-To retire for time from public
life, go to New York city and take up
the practice OF law with a view to the
rapid requirement of fortune, and also
to mingling ultimately in the politics OF
that state. and perhaps becoming the New
York candidate for the presidency in l90L
or 1904.
Third-To accept the vice-presidential
nomination, in case the convention thrus y
1t upon him. go to the senate and endeavor
to make record there.
II II
Between these three suggestions the
speaker hesitates. AS to the>first It Is
likely 1t would be his choice without much
further discussion II he were only assured
Of the speakership of the next congress
But he Is not. While the probabilities are
ne could be reelected II Is admitted by the
speakers friends that he has made many
enemies during the past winter In carry
ing out his policy he has found it neces-
sary to offend a great many Republicans.
Mr.. Reed is not as strong leader now as
he was Mt the beginning of the session.
No one can tell how great the opposition
to his reelection might be. 1t might easily
become large enough to end in his over
throw, and to come back to the house and
fail to secure the speakership would be a
great humiliation, an unfortunate ending
OF Il brilliant career. Even II successful III
obtaining the speakership for another con.
gress, MIR. Reed now knows that the
speakers chair Is not the most ADVANTAGE O.
Gus place from which to pursue the presi-
dency. A speaker must necessarily make
more enemies than friends. He Is con-
stantly surrounded by pressure Of q thou
sand sorts, and he must set his face
against nnieteen-twentieths of 1t. The life
OF u speaker of the house IT, described BY
one Of Mr.. Reeds most intimate friends
as an approximation to hades on earth
He knows no rest. no peace. They are