The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-02-07
The Presidents Courage.

The Presidents Courage.
In a single issue Of our esteemed
contemporary, the Sioux Falls Argus
Leader, we find one editorial beginning
with the assertion that "those who
have accused President Mckinley of a
lack of courage will have to amend
their judgment in the light Of the pres
ident's clarion speech at the New York
banquet" and another, and much more
spirited editorial making a stout pro-
test against the nomination by the
president of one Mccoy as agent at the
Cheyenne Indian agency. Astounded
at hearing from Washington Of this
malodorous appointment, the Argus
Leader wired its Washington CORE
spondent to ascertain who were the
hackers through whose influence the
appointment was made. 1t was told
that Mccoy twas appointed at the per-
sonal intercession of Mr. Hanna and
at the instance of several Eastern SEN
ators." 1t then goes on to narrate the
reasons why he should not have been
appointed and why he should not be
confirmed
Mccoy, it says, was the paid agent
and representative Of the fugitive state
treasurer, Taylor, and as such spent
the winter at Pierre trying to prevent
the legislature from investigating the
looting of the treasury by that official
1t hints at some discreditable affair
in which he and Pettigrew were en-
gagged. He was indicted for some Of
tense not stated, and was one of the
chief lobbyists in the legislature. 1t
refrains from going into more specific
details of other transactions of a shady
character apparently we'll known in
the state, but rests it's protest on the
Taylor case. From another source we
learn that Mccoy was active in defeat
ing the plans to give the st. Louis del
egation from that state to Reed and in
securing it for Mckinley. 1t is pre-
sumable that there, as in this state and
elsewhere, the mortgages Of positions
made by Mr.. Hanna are being paid.
The protests Of the Argus-Leader
and of all the decent elements of the
party in that state will not avail. Nc
Coy will not be withdrawn and will be
confirmed. He is no worse he is some
what better, possibly, than some of
these mortgages whose demands Nc
Kinley has redeemed. Bittinger was
appointed and confirmed as consul gen.
eral at Montreal, although he had been
twice a convicted felon. Demas was
appointed collector of the port of New
Orleans in the face of evidence of his
absolute disreputableness. Goodnow
was appointed over the protests of ev-
cry self-respecting, decency-loving Re
publican in his city, and he was con-
firmed because the president made it
a personal matter. Saylor, a state SEN
ator of Pennsylvania, who tried to
bleed the state treasury out of several
hundred dollars and was baked by
the indignant veto of Gov. Hastings
was appointed consul at Matanzas in
spite Of his scandalous record and of
the protests of Pennsylvanians of emf
nence and influence
In view of these facts the courage
of the president must be admitted, al
though it's quality may command nei-
| Their admiration nor respect. 1t takes a
pluck that we hope is rare and, here
after, will be rarer, for president of
| the United States to say to the young
men of the country that character
counts for nothing; that good reputa-
ton, upright life, integrity, right con-
duct, are needless to procure for you
| positions of honor and trust under your
government. Mr.. Mckinley has shown
that he has this kind of courage; is it
the kind the Argus-Leader asks us to
| admire?