New-York tribune., 1897-08-17
MkINLEY IND HOBART.

The fact can scarcely have failed to attract
general observation that an unusual relation OF
friendly interest exists between Mr. Mckinley
and Mr. Hobart Throughout the difficult and
lahorous period from the Inauguration TO the
adjournment of Congress. which brought new
responsibilities to each and which in the nature
of things was calculated 10 Introduce the ele-
ments of alienation. their Intercourse was free
and cordial 10 a remarkable degree. Moreover,
there was never any indication Of a desire on
either side 10 make their harmonious and con
fidenlial relations conspicuous. as If there were
some political advantage or popular credit to he
gained by an unusual manifestation of mutual
respect and esteem. The fact became apparent
only by the natural and unobtrusive reporting
of current incidents. but ii was as firmly estab-
lishcd by that means as if deliberate purpose
OF notoriety had been promoted by the public
press.
Since the adiOurnmcnt Of Congress the salts
faction which the President and the Nicepres
dent find IN each Others society has been shown
under circumstances still more indicative of its
sincerity. SO soon as Mr.. Mckinley had accus-
toned himself to his vacation surroundings Mr..
Hobart joined him on Lake Champlain, and since
then they have been constantly associated both
tertalnments arranged by hospitable citizens Of
Vermont and New-YOrk. They have been seen
everywhere together and have jointly received
and acknowledged the proofs of respect and
goodwill which have attended their expeditions
from place TO place There is no doubt that the
pleasure Of each has been enhanced by the
others company. and that not only the COM
muntieS to which they have been personally
presented but all who have followed their move
ments in the papers have been gratfed by these
unwonted evidence of goodfeowship.
In the history Of the country there have been
some notorious and dscredltable contrasts with
this honorable friendship between the first and
second officers of the Government, and in cases
where there has been no open estrangement
there has usually been neither intimacy nor
operation. Human nature is continually cited
as a convenient and sufficient explanation Of
things which are TO be regretted. and no doubt
1t may reasonably be held TO account for the
fact that the President and the Nice-President
OF the United States seldom cultivate relations
which might be made agreeable TO themselves
and advantageous to the country. And yet il
IS to be supposed that an unwillingness to be
misunderstood rather than a lack Of friendly
feeling keeps them apart. \ President may
naturally shrink from bestowing attentions
which he fears might be interpreted as ndcat-
ing a disposition TO patroniZe a possible sue
cessor, while Il Nice-President in his aversion
to incurring even a suspicion Of ntrusivencss
IS not unlikely to go TO the other extreme and
create Il false impression of i'll will
In the frank genial, unrestraincd intercourse
of Mckinley and Hobart conclusive proof ia
found Of the fine qualities Of mind and heart
which each possesses Ii is an interesting and
altogether pleasant thing 10 witness and n fact
of auspicous import for the country.