The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-01-15

matter, and II Is telieeed that at that time
ne had not been directly approached and it
is not known that he has been siace. Ii
is a fact that in Warrington ana in Ohio a
feeling exists OF the kind that has found
expression ia Senator ALDRICH's home,
as shown ny interviews in this news
paper, that Senator ALDRIcH might be
disinclined to accept cabinet office, not
alone because OF his own personal inter
ests. in the matter OF which such an Office
would demand considerable sacrifice,
but because OF belief that he can be OF
greater servics to his party and to his
country in the senate, where not only is
he a leader OF recognized ability as a tac-
tcian, but as an authority upon the ques-
tions Of highest Importance, upon whom
great deal OF dependence is placed and
in whom the highest confidence is re-
posed by his fellow Senators upon the
Republican side of the upper House.
Thers is no reason to believe. however,
that Senator ALDRIcH would not cheer
fully sacriics pers son al interest il he and
bis fellow Republicans should agree that
the place of larger availability for bis
ability and genius for important public
work is promised in the Cabinet and not
in the Senate.
OF course no Rhode Islander, however
eminent and able, could assume, fresh
from his election at the hands OF the
General Assembly, Senator ALLDRICH's
position in the Senate. Rhode Island
would be the loser by a change at least
for some tine to come. But OF greater
imr ortance than any loss of local prestige
ia the body of Senators would be the
loss to the Senate, to the party and to the
country, from tae removal OF the leader
from Rhode Island. That Is the chief
consideration, the only one, We may
say. How critical such loss would be
10 a matter fer the Republican leaders
TO determine and that is the subject to
be considered in balancing a cabinet
position against the Senatorial seat of
ALDRIcu of Rhode island.
10 the general public the situation
appears to be as unfortunate for all inter-
ests involved az 1t must be for the gentle
meu striving with commoa purpose and
a single eye to success In the .admipistra-
tion of The affairs Of the country for the
succeeding tour years. There is no differ
ence Of opinion we take it, that no mau
in tho United States is better qualified
for the Office OF Secretary of tho treasury
than ia ALpRIcH OF Rho5e Island and
t he value Of bis services for the post Is
pointed with Especial force ana signifi-
canoe tecsuse OF tho new tarif legisla-
tloa. The Secretary Of the Treasury has
the direct administration Of the tariff
law and to have a statesman OF Senator
ALpRIoH's acquaintance. long ex xperience,
and thorough knowledge OF the tariff
makes him inevitably, 1t would seem, a
ii rst choice for the office at this particu-
lsr time. The currency question is com
paratiyeiy unimportant beside 1t, though
rs to that, senator ALpRI5H is the peer
Of tic leaders Of his fellows In currency
practice and lcgislltlcn. Under
the CLEVELAND Administration to be sure
what has been callsd carreucy ques-
lion hns been upresmost in he concern OF
the Secretary OF the Treasury since the
failurs OF the WILSON German tariff bill
TO furnish saiileent revenue TO pay the
expenses Of government imposed
upon thit Official the unusual duty of
to pull the government
through and at the same time demanded
Of him, as a staunch supporter Of the folly
Of his chief and Of Congress Of idonti.
csl political deldsions, the task OF ex-
planning a bad business ana financial sit
uation, which Do it said was smartly done
after the fashion OF a retained advocate
by a.tributiug the condi i,n, to the cur
rcnoy system. VITA properly adjusted
tariff bill, however, no such theoretical
Of the currency QUESTION
viii he DC nanded OF the Secretary OF the
Treasury and he will be q, liberty so to ad
minister the tarili 10 .islation as 10 o,mon-
s,raic by practice It's capacity for produc-
ing revenue, to discover It's faults and to
deal vita the currency question up7n
broad and s,stesmanlike lines, no, handi-
cappeJ or hampersd psa tariff law that