The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1897-07-15
HARRISBURG LETTER
Senator Quay's Visit to the State
Capital.
MANY BILLS AWAITING ACTION
About Three-fourths of which Are
Appropriation Measures - Lack OF
Revenue VIII Compel the Governor
to swing His Veto AK with yipor.

81
Harrisburg, July 12.-When Senator
quay gave out the intimation in Wash
ington the other day that he would
retire from public life at the expiration
of his term in the United States senate.
the announcement was secuted in some
quarters as being a reiteration Of an
old story. But 1t was believed by many
people. because Senator Quay had pri-
vately stated to some of his friends
that he was growing weary of the
cares of public office, and was disposed
to seek quiet and rest in the bosom of
his family. Saturday, however, he
came to Harrisburg with Senator PEN
rose, and after a conference with Gov
ernor Hastings regarding matters Of
legislation still under consideration at
the executive department, returned to
his hotel and submitted to an inter-
view, In which he stated that he would
be candidate for reelection. For
the first time in my life," he said. IT
am full fedged candidate for the
United States senate" He admitted
that he came to Harrisburg partially
20 make this announcement. but IL is
more likely that his visit to this city
at this time was for an entirely differ
ent purpose. 1t is bruited about that
Senators Quay and Penrose urged the
governor to sign the Becker bill, re-
quiring all appointments by the mayor
OF Philadelphia to be confirmed by the
vote of three-ffths of the members of
select council. This is factional
measure, and was introduced into the
legislature by Senator Durham, with
a view to crushing the anti-Quay peo-
pie of Philadelphia, who are at pres
ent in control of the city administra-
tion. Neither Governor Hastings nor
Senator Quay would talk after their
conference, but 1t is reported that the
governor declined in positive terms to
approve the Becker bill. 1t is known
that he does not desire to mix in a fac
tional quarrel.
Regarding his candidacy for re-elec-
ton, Senator Quay SAID while here that
he had been overruled and had come to
Harrisburg to consult the governor and
other friends about his candidacy. He
said further: THE fiery cross will
again be carried over the state, and the
men in blouses-the bourgeoise-wll
be asked to rally to my support Gov
ernor Hastings will assist me, for Gov
ernor Hastings and I will never again
be apart" Senator Penrose and other
friends Of Senator Quay say they are
much gratifed at his statement, and
express no doubt of his election: but
Notwithstanding these confident asser-
tions, there is promise of a great fight
for Senator Quay's seat when the time
comes.
Senator Quay is not as young as he
once was, and his frequent battles
against foes within and without the
party have left their scars. Some Of his
most loyal friends, however. affect to
believe that he will not retire from pub
lie life until he sinks to rest in the
quiet bivouac of the brave soldier. At
the conclusion of the great fight within
the Republican party in 1895 it was an
nounced with some show of authority
that Senator Quay would be a candi-
date for governor next time, the the
ory being that he desired to finish his
public career by going before the people
for vindication. His recent statement,
however, that he will not be a candidate
for governor. and his further intima-
ton that he seriously contemplates re-
tiring to the privacy of his home,
seemed to set at rest the gubernatorial
rumor. 1t is well known that Senator
Quay's family are very anxious to have
him drop out of public life. They feel
that the strain upon his health is too
severe. and that he ought to have rest
and quiet. There is some ground for
the story that he will spend the sum-
mer In a tour abroad on the yacht of a
well known Philadelphia traction mag
nate. Senator Quay has been much in
terested in the passage of the tariff bill,
and IL the bill goes to the president
within the next ten days it Is probable
that he will go abroad for the summer.
There Is not a little interest in the
coming convention of the Republicans
OF Pennsylvania. Some time ago 1t
was generally understood that there
would be a factional split In the party,
but the anti-Quay element have given
1t out that they will fight within the
lines, and that under no circumstances
will they bolt the nominee of the party.
This practically assures the election Of
the Republican ticket, as 1t is believed
that the Democratic organization is too
much divided to make winning fight
this year. even with serious defections
from the Republican party. 1t can be
stated with almost absolute certainty
that the Republican ticket will have
upon 1t after the August convention the
names of James S. Beacon, of West
morelano, for state treasurer and Ma
jor Levi G. McCauley, of Chester
county, for auditor general. If Judge
Willard, of Scranton, resigns his seat
on the bench of the superior court,
which 1t is said he intends to do, then
there will be third place on the ticket,
which will probably be filed by the
nomination of Alex Simpson, of Phila-
delphia. The nominees of the Demo-
Gratis have not yet been seriously con-
sidered, but the name of Captain George
w. Skinner. OF Pittsburg, has been
mentioned in connection with the office
Of state treasurer. Hee is an old soldier
and popular outside the party lines. He
has said that he would not be a
candidate, but there is a disposition to
urge him to accept the nomination. The
Democrats will make the most of the
recent legislature as a campaign issue,
but the Republicans say the Democrat
ic minority in the lawmaking body Is
in poor position to point the finger of