The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-03-05
Tie Cabinet.

If is TO be regretted, of course, that
pennsvlvauia was not honored win
representation in the new cabinet
From a purely political STANDPOINT we
consider this omission mistake, unless
it be the executives intention TO give
equivalent recognition in other ways
This is probably his purpose; therefore
we may proceed to review his cabinet
selections in spirit of cquanimity.
First and foremost, premier in age
experience and reputation no less than
in nominal assignment, stands John
sherman. the Nestor of his party and
easily the ablest man in American pub
lie life The fitness of his appointment
was obvious from every standpoint save
that which caused him himself to hesi-
tate to accept. But the Vigor which
he has shown since his appointment in
the performance of senatorial duties
removes all doubt as to his physical
ability to sustain the demands of the
state portfolio and insures a supervi-
sion of our foreign relations which will
satisfy every reasonable demand. He
has only to enforce with resolution the
policy already outlined by him to win
as great a name in diplomacy as he has
already achieved in finance.
To the treasury has been called man
of admirable personal characteristics,
bread -nlinded, tolerant in opinion,a close
student of public issues ana fortified
for his new trust by brilliant experience
as a practical financier. Mr.. Gage has
know him intimately and this fact re-
assures those to whom he is a stranger.
1t might be wished that his Republi-
canism stood more firmly established
and that his personal inclination We're
not so marked toward the retirement
of the greenbacks. But the absence
of dogmatism in his composition and
his manifest adaptability TO new con-
ditions render this a trivial objection.
While he has yet to prove the wisdom
of his selection for the most difficult
post in the new administration, all that
is known of him inclnes the public to
await the outcome of the experiment
with confidence
General Alger for secretary of war;
Judge Gary for postmaster general, eX-
Governor Long for the naval depart
ment and eX-Congressman Wilson for
the secretaryship of agriculture are se-
lections that commend themselves to
the people. They We're dictated in part
by geographical considerations, but
have also the element of manifest per-
sonal merit. Mr.. Wilson especially in
Vites popular favor by his rugged hon
esty and his clean-cut, sturdy common
sense. We are greatly deceived if this
plain old Iowa farmer, who is known
to his neighbors as Tampa Jim" shall
not grip hold of public admiration ere
the new cabinet shall be many months
DID, in manner recalling the best days
of Honest Jerry Rusk.
The assignment of the attorney gem
oralship to Judge McKenna clothes With
the vast powers of the depart
ment of justice a man who is of and
with the far west; who has breathed
the bracins atmosphere of honest COM
petition and whose whole training and
environment disquaify him for sitting
supine before manifest Injustice. Judge
McKenna Is not a demagogue nor an
extremist, but his speeches while in
congress and his decisions while on the
bench reveal him as believer in fair
play and therefore a dangerous man
fur the trusts to fool with He has the
grit which Will make him a welcome
factor in the attorney generalship.
Finally, the acceptance by Cornelius
n. Bliss Of the interior portfolio,
strengthens decidedly the new presi-
dents board Of advisers and insures
in this difficult and intricate depart
ment very high standard OF executive