Birmingham state herald., 1897-01-10
Va. and Ala. Coal Go. Splint Coal. sun&wed If.
THE SOUTHERN RIDDLE.

Mckinney Doesn't knOW Just t1oW u
 Solve the Question.
 Moses P. Handy in Chicago Times.
 One of the most vexatious problems confronting the President-elect is the se- lection of a southern member of the cabi- net That the south should be represent ed is admitted on all sides. Maj. McKin- ley feels most kindly toward that sec ton and desires to manifest that kindly feeling in every proper way. That the south reciprocates his good will and looks toward him with confidence was shown not only in the fact that he received the electoral votes of three southern states, but in the, large number of southerners in other states, who availed themselves of the opportunity of his candidacy to cut loose from democratic affilia tionS. Not only so, but since the election many newspapers and prominent men who did not have the courage to support him have taken every opportunity to let him understand that the result of the election is perfectly satisfactory to them and that his administration may depend upon them for backing to any reasonable ex- tentl
 Unfortunately there is a lack of good cabinet timber in the south. Some of the ablest friends of Mckinley are not so thoroughly identified with the republi- can party that their appointment to high places in a republican administration would be justified. The appointment of such persons would strengthen the ad- ministration neither north nor south. President Mckinley is not likely to repeat the mistake made by President Hayes when he went to Tennessee and dragged old man Key from obscurity to make him postmaster general Hayes meant well; but his good intentions miscarried. Key was a good postmaster-general,b but no better than any other honest man would |. aes1 cred his selection anything more than personal compliment to the incumbent of the office. Another Tennesseean, Henry Clay Evans, has been well regarded by Mai Mckinley and MT. Hanna, and there is no discount on his republicanism, but it does seem that if he had managed bet ter he might have added Tennessee to the republican column, even if he did not land the goyernorship. Undoubtedly he is not as much of factor In southern politics as he was. Gov. Bradley, Of Kentucky, is another southern republican who seems to have seen his best days. He is held responsible for the failure of his republican legislature to elect re- publican senator, and his personal ambi- tion seems to block the way to that much desired result. Gov. Bradley Is an- other man of his wasted opportunities.
 There Is more reason for the selection of cabinet officer from Maryland or West Virginia than from any other southern state, and happily there may be found some availa ble and distinctly desirable men. West Virginia presents Senator Elkins and Judge Nathan Golf and Maryland matches this pair with Gen. Agnus and MT. Gray. I risk little in saying that one of these four men is likely to be asked to accept portfolio, and if were to narrow the choice to two would name Golf and Gray.
 As between Golf and Gray, Golf would hea Golf, like Elkins, has had a taste of cab met life, and besides has ambition in an- other direction. He and his state would be more honored by his appointment to the supreme court of the United States and his status as lawyer Is so good that he does not need to make the attorney generalship.a stepping-stone to bring him within reach of the bench. Gray is a good man to watch on the home stretch. Maryland deserves recognition, Mary land republicans want Gray, and Gray would make an admirable secretary of the navy.