Evening star., 1897-03-03

the hope of Mr.. Bliss accepting. to save
him from extremely uncomfortable compli-
cations. If the statement made this morn
ing that Mr.. Bliss has consented to 60
into the Interior is true it will greatly
relieve the situation
On his arrival here Mr.. Mckinley had
reason to expect that Mr.. Bliss would re-
consider his declination. but Mr.. Bliss has
since repeated positively to people with
whom he has spoken on the subject that he
would not go into the cabinet. He weak
eBed SO far under the influence of personal
appeal last night as to take the question
under adyisement.
Platts Influence.
In an interview with Senator-eIect Platt
last night he said that he thought he would
adhere to his declination, but this not
positive. The reason why Mr.. Mckinley
has clung SO to Mr.. Bliss is that this is
the one selection that could be made in op-
position to Mr.. Platts wishes which would
not be apt to excite the resentment of the
organization in New York. Mr.. Platt
made it very clear to Mr.. Mckinley at the
conferer ce they had late yesterday after
noon that he was i'm favor of the selection
of Mr. Woodford and that no other would
be satisfactory. The selection of Mr..
Woodford under the present circumstances
would be very significant, as indicating the
inability, of Mr.. Mckinley to resist Mr..
Platts influence. Ii is an open secret that
Mr.. Mckinley does not want Mr.. Woodford
in the cabinet, not because there is some
one man he would prefer, but even in the
absence Of such a man. For him 10 yield
to Mr.. Platt and make the selection of Mr..
Woodford would, therefore, oe merely q
recognition of political influence. To turn
down Mr.. Woodford in behalf OF Bliss
would present the appearance of simply
m a a hp1W W PtIf
the rejection of Woodford, without any
other New York man in view. might be re-
garded as an exhibition of stubborn resist
ance of Platt's influence. 1t is well under
stood that Mr.. Flatt will not be satisfied
with the appointment of Mr.. Bliss, but his
selection will not have the flavor of oppo-
sition to the New York organization which
would be carried by the selection of any
other man except Woodford.
A Friendly Conference.
Mr.. Mckinley is desirous of maintaining
friendly relations with Mr.. Platt, and their
conference was of the most friendly char
ecter. There was not the least display OF
antagonism On either side. Mr.. Mckinley
displayed an amiable firmness in insisting
that Mr. Bliss should be induced TO accept
the secretaryship of the Interior and de-
clined to consider anything else as long as
there was any chance of this: but he was
very frank in friendly expressions toward
Mr. Platt. Before Mr.. Bliss declined the
appointment when first rendered TO hm
Mr. Plat supported him. but since his
declaration the organization Is committed
solidly TO Woodford, and. moreover. Mr..
Platt is of the opinion that there should be
a lawyer in the Interior Department
Gossip as to Appointments.
1t seems to be accepted that Mr.. Bellamy
Storer of Ohio will succeed Mr.. Rockhill
as first assistant secretary of state.
The friends of Mr.. Thos. w. Cridler, at
present chief of the diplomatic bureau.
State Department, are confident of his pro-
motion to the Office of third assistant Sec
retary of state. to succeed Mr.. Baldwin.
Mr.. Wilson of Ohio, deputy commissioner
of internal revenue, who enjoys the distinc-
ton of being one Of the very Few repub-
lican bureau officers retained throughout
the democratic administration. is said to
be the most probable succ cassor of Mr.. For
man as commissioner of internal revenue.
1t is understood at the Navy Department
that Mr.. John B. Robinson, NJ. c., Of Penn
sylvania. will succeed Mr.. McAdoo as as
sistant secretary of the navy. Mr.. Robin
son was formerly an officer of the navy,
and is at present a member of the House
committee on naval affairs.
Representative Curtis of New York,
whose term expires tomorrow. is mentioned
as the probable successor of General Doe
as assistant secretary of war, although there
are many people who think General Alger's
friend, Colonel Hopkins, will receive that
appointment.
Capt T. H. Bliss of the subsistence de-
partment, who has been one of Secretary
Lamont's aids. has been assigned to duty
with the cavalry school at Fort Monroe,
Va.
At half-past a Star reporter asked Mr..
Mark Hanna, who called upon Mr.. McKin-
ley, whether the rumor as to Mr.. Bliss
acceptance of the Secretaryship of the In
terror was correct
Yes" said Mr.. Hanna, Mr.. Bliss Will
b. the successor to Mr.. Francis"