Washington sentinel., 1899-10-14
The Governments on a transforming
Expedition.

its functions at Washington an
gone off upon a political stumpinI
tour through the West. So man,
official "spellbinders" never befor
left the Capital in a body to hun
for votes. Secretary OF State Ha'
set the pace a few weeks ago when
in a proclamation to Republican
voters which filed several column
in the newspapers, he sang th'
praises OF imperialism and a higl
tariff. This was the voice OF only
one representative OF the Govern
ment chanting Republican rhap
sody in the Ohio wilderness. Now
all the high officials Of the Admin
istration-the President and eight
Cabinet officials-have organized
themselves into a glee club, the
champion campaign troubadours
OF the century, and will chant Mr..
Hays battle hymn at every point
at which they can secure an audi
ence. 1t is IA great political min
strel show, the like of which we
shall not soon see again.
Just at present the Admlnistra-
tion has a war on its hands in the
Philippines, and is hurrVing troops
to those far.off islands, as well as
preparing to send many warships
to increase our naval force there.
Under these circumstances it
might seem that the highest Off
cials Of the Government would be
impressed by the gravity OF the
situation and would remain at their
posts in Washington and devote
their attention to affairs in the Far
East7 While the campaign in the
Philippines is doubtless important
from the Administrators point OF
view, it evidently regards the do
mestlc situation as equally serious,
and while it is cunning for Fill
pinos it is plain that the capture OF
insurgent Republicans in the West
will not be overlooked. While
our troops are moving down the
natives of the Philippines, Presi-
dent McKinleV's siren like voice
will be heard in the wilds OF the
West, wooing recreant Republi-
cans back to their old time allegi
ance, and "benevolently assimilat
ing" them into the party fold if
they have not wandered off too far.
There must be peace at home as
well as abroad; the voters must be
held in line for the great national
war of ballots next year, and Mr..
Mckinley has gone "barn-storm-
ing" with the view Of keeping his
forces intact in the preliminary
skirmishes IN the West next month.
OF course, If anything verV SER
ious should happen during the alb
sence oil the Administration
from Washington, the seat Of gov
ernment can be temporarily located
wherever the special train oi the
official junketers is sidetracksd,
and whether at Fargo, Sioux Falls,
Kalamazoo or Squedunk, the Pres
ident will have his Cabinet with
him, and they can settle the des-
TIMES of the nation IN the wildS OF
Michigan or the DaIotas as well
as at the White House, in Wash
ington. Any interruption OF their
keen hunt after votes to atte nd to
national business would be singu
larly unfortunate, but if the busi-
ness was very urgent the Admin
istration would probably give it
attention unless it involved the
abandonment OF its campaign. In
this contingency consideration OF
national affairs might possibly be
deferred until the seat Of govern
ment was permanently re-estab-
lished in Washington.
Mr.. McKinley's critics ought not
to be too hard on him il he has
started his campaign for renomi-
nation next year with an expedi-
ton which is not altogether decor
Gus and which suggests hippo
droming methods. Admiral Dew ev
might not accept nomination ior
the Presidency from either.the Re-
publicans or the Democrats, bu;
the ovations he has received since
his return to the United States have
doubtless given Mr.. Mckinley colo
shivers and set him to wondering
whether his old friends, Duty anC
Destiny, have forsaken him anC
enlisted under the banners o
Dewey. Possibly the attention
which havesbeen lavished upon th'
Admiral have no political signifi
cance, but are merely the people
way OF showing their admiration
of a first class naval officer, VIII
carried out his instructions wit
remarkable thoroughnesss and in
telI;oenre perhaDs Mr.. McKir