Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-09-23
DEWEY FOR PRESIDENT.

Along with all the hustle Of preparation
for giving Admiral Dewey a triumphal
homecoming. we occasionally hear the
suggestion that he ought to be made
President Of the United States.
We cannot say that this talk is very
serious. but it might soon become so if
the hero of Manila Bay should give ear
10 his flatterers. Up to this time he has
discouraged all who have attempted to
induce him to become a candidate, but it
IS possible he may change his mind after
he has seen how wild" the American
people are to do him honor. Hitherto he
has been "A modest man. but there is no
telling how his classification will have to
be changed after he emerges from the
welcomes which are to be given him
in New York and Washington and else
where.
Dewey is supposed 10 be a Republican
but never has he taken an active part in
politics. Some newspapers quote re-
mark that he made years ago in Wash
ingtcn. in which he ridiculed the Demo-
cratic party. Furthermore. we presume
Naturally he would like for the victory
won by him TO go into history as the be-
ginning of a great enlargement of our
territorial bounds. OF course, he thinks
that that victory would dwindle If our
country should now abandon the Philip
pines. Amy how, we may quite surely
put Dewey down as a Republican as re-
epects the issues of to-day 1t follows,
therefore, that If he is in anybody's way
IL is in MoKinley's. Certain it is that
our people are great worshippers. 1t
IS equally true that the Manila Admiral
is immensely popular. Though General
Grant had saved the Union" really he
was not moro popular when elected Presi-
dent than Dewey is now.
However, II Dewey recalls Grants ex-
perience he will never be duped into be-
coming presidential candidate. General
Grant made a mistake in aspiring TO that
Office He did not distinguish himself as
President and we are Of the opinion that
It brought him little. If any, happiness.
so his example is rather to be avoided
than followed.
SO far as newspaper interviews go Ad-
miral Dewey is upon record as confessug
that he isn't qualified to I'm the presi-
Dental office. and as saying positively
that he will not become candidate.
We doubt not that those really were
his sentiments when they were spoken,
but he may change his mind after landing
and after seeing what Dewey craze
there is IN the country. At any rate. the
possibility OF his doing so is being dis
cussed In many places and papers, and
we should not be surprised if we were
told that Mr. Mckinley himself felt some
concern about the matter.
But for our part We warn the Admiral
to steer clear Of the politicians. They
can add nothing 10 his glory. and he now
has an office that ought to satisfy the
ambition OF his declining years Now he
Is a general favoriie. whereas II he be-
came President ne would soon have
host OF mies-.disappointed office-seek-
ers and others. No man eyer yet was
happier from becoming ~ occupant OF
the White House Doggy is admiral for
life II he could be President for life pos
sibly the case might be different As II
u. we suppose that he Will be content 10
continue 70 be Jolly old sea-dog for the
rest OF his days.