The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1898-09-21
Washington Letter.

w aouiu 6Soo, OSP'eoooA A0J ASoO.
Is Mr.. Mckinley preparing to throw
Secretary Alger overheard F.? Many
persons thinks go. Secretary Alger is
the only member of the Cabinet who
wae not specially summoned to Wash
ington to participate in the extended
consideration and discussion Of the
instructions given to the American
Peace Commissioners previous to their
departure for Paris IT. is asserted
that this public snub was administered
to Alger as hint that his resignation
of the War Portfolio would be accepta-
bic to the administration. Another
reason given for not having Alger in
Washington just now is that Mr..
Mckinley wished the other members of
the Cabinet to feel free iu expressing
themselves about the intended investi-
cation fo the War Department, which
would have been impossible With the
Secretary of War present. Mr..
Mckinley is said to be fully convinced
now that the investigation will result
in finding Alger guilty of some of the
grsvest charges that have been made
against him. and to be fully determined
to do nothing to shield Alger. Some
say that he has been brought to this
state of mind by evidence laid before
him BY military men others chat it is
the result Of the existing panic among
the republican managers over the out
look for democratic success 10 the coo-
gressioual campaign. and their insist
euce that something be done at once to
couosersct the wave of Indignation that
is sweeping over the country as a result
of the knowledge of the unnecessary
hsrdships aud deaths among the volun-
teers If Mr.. Mckinley will really
try to assist the investigating commits
sion, which will shortly get to work, By
officially stating his wish that all army
officers asked to testify shall tell every
thing they know about the mismauage-
mens of the war, the truth may be got
at. Notwithstanding tie commissions
lack Of legal authority to compel Wit
nesses to testify.
It is said that Gen. Sco6eld's refusal
to serve az member of the investi-
eating commission resulted 10 stormy
scepe between him and Mr.. Mckinley
1t Is certain that when Gen. Sco6eld
left the White House, after be had
6oally and positively declined to serve
on the commission, the old gentleman
vas 10 towering passion.
There is much speculation in Wash
iogson concerning the nature Of the
instructions given our peace commis-
sioners. and the belief is growing that
the instructions we're not specific. fur
ther than to demand possession Of the
island of Luzon, and that everything
else was left to be determined by cir
cumstances, after tie com mission meets,
aud there is an opportunity to learn the
attitude Of the Spanish commissioners.
In any event, it is certain that Mr..
Mckinley does not intend, if be can
prevent it. that the position of the
administration shall become known
until after the congressional election.
If be was certain as he claims to be
that the policy of the administration
would be iodorsed by the people, be
would be only too glad to announce
that policy before the congressional
election.
Senator Quay came over to Washing.
ton to pull few administration wires
that be hopes will aid him iu his fght
for re. election. he admits that the
present is the strongest fight ever put
up against him, and leaves it to be
inferred that be is far from being GER
tain of winning His opponents have
been smart enough not to name a can
didate against him and 60 adopt the
general motto of Anybody to beat
Quay" leaving the question of Who
shall be the candidate to be settled
after au anti Quay Legislature has
been elected The administration is.
as matter Of rule, helping Quay to
certain extent. but Mr. Mckinley
wouldn't do aoy worrying if Quay was
beaten. provided. of course, that his
successor was Wapamaker or some
other republican. Quay has made Mr..
Mckinley feel his power too often to be
cordially liked by him.
1898 B1cycles Down to IS.