The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-04-18
Senator Quay's Chances.

Mr.. Manley, as the general-in-chief
of the Reed forces, has naturally denied
the story that the anti Mckinley con-
tingent expects to concentrate at st.
Louis on Senator Quay. At the same
time. his denial must not be taken
too seriously. nor must it be too
readily concluded that Senator Quay
is not a full grown possibility. 1t
is not likely that any fixed
programme has yet been mapped out
for observance at st. Louis. Such a
proceeding az this early day would be
decidedly premature. But 1t is alto
gether probable that the leaders now
actively arrayed against the Ohio as
pirant have given careful thought to
what they would like to do In the event
of their being able to control the ma
tional convention. and it is equally
probable that the choice of most of
them would. in certain contingencies,
be Quay.
Among the reasons which give q color
of warrant to such a conclusion may be
mentioned the fact that they know and
admire Quay as perhaps the shrewdest
politician of his generation, and being
politicians themselves, each subject in
his respective community to that large
ly mistaken prejudice which obtains
among many well-meaning people
against the men who do the hard work
in political campaigns. 1t Is plausible
to suppose that they have for Colonel
Quay specially ardent fellow feeling.
They would feel that if he were nomin-
ated and elected president, he would
not only give the country clean, safe
and conservative administration along
practical business lines, but would also
be more likely to deal fairly by his
friends and supporters than would
some candidate nominated on a plat
form of professed hostility to them.
This may look like a selfish attitude,
but 1t is indisputably a natural one.
and in the present condition of politics
in this country 1t represents cohesive
power at political conventions not to be
overlooked.
Theoretically. perhaps, such view
of the problem may not coincide with
the highest ideals Of the public service.
Practically, 1t amounts to a recognition
of conditions not to be ignored, and
for that reason, IL the so-called practi-
cal politicians are In control at st.
Louis, the nomination of Senator Quay
for the presidency will by no means be
out Of the question. On the other
hand, we believe that he would, If
elected, exhibit degree Of caution,
practical sagacity and expert grasp up
on the moving springs of politics and
legislation which would make his chief
magistracy more than ordinarily sat
isfactory and successful. The one now
conceded defect in General Harrison's
otherwise brilliant administration was
his inability to keep In touch with the
leaders Of his party. Wishing to be
conscientious, he went to an extreme
in the direction of independence, and
thus, in the end, rendered futile much
of his highest endeavor. Such O mis-
take would be avoided by political
general like Quay, for he would UNDER
stand methods as we'll as ends.
All this, of course, Is largely conjec-
tural; but 1t is a line of thought which
takes cognizance Of obvious facts. and
it explains why the Quay candidacy
has a potential strength not apparent
on the surface.