New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-02-07
MR.. WILSON'S CHANCES.
HIS FRIENDS CERTAIN THAT HE WILL
RECEIVE THE NAVY PORTFOLIO.

HE is NOW IN CANTON CONSULTING WITH MR..
MKINLEY. ON THE IATTERs INVITATION.
The friends of Congressman Francis H. Wilson. OF
Brooklyn are anxiously awaiting news from Canton
that they believe will be Of first Importance from
National point of view. Congressman Wilson spent
last Sunday in Brooklyn and was congratulated
at the Union League Club on the prominence that
his name had received In connection with the Navy
portfolio. Only few of his friends. however. know
that on Monday of last week he received letter
from Major Mckinley inviting him TO come TO Can
ton Mr.. Wilson. account of exposure to the
weather together with overwork in Washington,
was somewhat indisposed, and wrote to Major Nc
Kinley that he considered 1t best for him not TO
take the trip at once. He was well enough on
Friday night however, to start for Canton. and he
is there to-day probably in consultation with the
Major
There is only one Interpretation OF this visit
given by the more enthusiastic friends OF Mr. Will
SON. and that is that the disposal of the Navy port
folio. which has been so long in doubt will he
settled this week by the announcement that Con-
gresham Wilson has been invited to become Secre-
tary Of the Navy and has accepted the offer. A
most energetic effort has been made in the last ten
DAYS by the friends of General Stewart l.. Wood
ford both in Brooklyn and elsewhere to place Gem
eral Woodford's qualifications for the high office in
the most favorable light with Major Mckinley
Not an opportunity has been missed by Republicans
prominently identified with the State Adrlnistra-
ton bring pressure 10 bear which would be likely
to inure to General Woodford's benefit candi-
date for the Navy portfolio.
The news dispatches from Canton have been
largely of one tone. and the casual reader has been
led TO believe that there only one Brooklyn man
who had any possible chance of receiving the APP
pointment. Despite this, however. Congressman
WILSON'S friends have kept right on working in his
behalf. and they said last night that the effective
ness Of their work would be demonstrated by the
appointment Of Mr. Wilson at early date
The friends of General Woodford are equally en-
thusiastic the prospects OF their champion. An
effort made last night by Tribune reporter
learn whether Congressman Wilson had definitely
received the offer of the Navy portfolio There is
no closer to Mr.. Wilson ip Brooklyn than his
fellow-wardsman Walter Il. Atterbury. who
the original Mckinley delegate OF the Kings County
delegation. Mr.. Atterbury would only say that he
had known, and had proof Of the fact. that Con-
gresham Wilson had been invited on the first Of
last week 10 go to Canton and that he left Wash
ington on Friday night in acceptance OF the invita-
ton When asked II he considered General Wood
ford's chances to he as rosy as some of the press
reports would indicate them TO be. Mr.. Atterbury
said that while he had high regard for General
Woodford as a citizen and soldier he did not be-
lieve that he would receive the appointment OF Sec
rotary of the Navy.