The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1897-11-24

wv nShlnGton Correspondence OF the Brook
Ign Eagle.)
Official circles here were very much
surprised at statement that appeared
in a New Haven dispatch to the effect
that John Addison Porter, secretary to
the president intended to resign his
present important position to enter the
field as a candidate for governor of
Connecticut. Like many other public
men, Secretary Porter has been made
the victim of Intentional misrepresenta-
ton. He has no idea whatever of CIV
ing up his present office. He has done
more than any presidential secretary
since the days of Colonel Lamont to
elevate the office and make it what the
new law under which he Is acting in
tended it should be-aimost of as much
Importance as a cabinet position. By
industry, tact and really remarkable
executive ability Secretary Porter has,
during the few months that he has been
secretary to the president, gained the
confidence not only Of President Nc
Kinley, but of the leaders Of the Repub-
lican party throughout the country with
whom he has come in almost daily con-
tact. He is the first man to serve under
the new law and to bear the title of
secretary to the president" and when
it is stated that the office is fully recog-
nized by the administration some idea
Of its scope may be gained. Secretary
Porter has been present at every one of
the dinners given by President McKin-
ley to the members Of his cabinet, and
he is the only man outside of the presi-
dents official family who has been adj
mitted on these official occasions. Mr.
Porter fully realizes, therefore, the re-
sponsible nature of the trust that has
been conferred upon him by the presi-
dent, and he has no intention whatever
of entering into canvass for the NOM
nation of governor of his State, or for
any other Office. He of course appreci-
ates the Importance of being chosen by
his party as a candidate for governor,
and there is but little doubt that the
Republican leaders in Connecticut, even
the machine men who opposed Mr. Por-
| ter when he made his great run last
| time for the nomination, now look upon
| him as the most available man to nom
mate. The very fact that he is not a
cut and dried machine man is strongly
| in his favor in these days when the OPP
position to machine nominations has be-
come so marked throughout the coun-
| try. If his party should offer Secretary
Porter the nomination for governor
| without compelling him to make any
fight for it he would undoubtedly ac-
cept the nomination, and in this &C
ceptance he would have the best wishes
Of President Mckinley, who would re-
| gard the election Of his secretary as a
compliment to him and his administra-
| ton.
| The statement that Secretary Porter
had made combination with certain
Connecticut politicians to bring about
the defeat Of Senator Hawley for the
purpose of himself succeeding Hawley
as United States senator is absolutely
without foundation. Secretary Porter
does not desire to be United States sen.
ator, and under no circumstances will
he enter the field as a candidate against
Senator Hawley. He is entirely salts
fed with his present office and Is MOI
seeking any new field Of labor.