The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1899-07-20
Predicting MoKinley'a Defeat.
The Washington, d. O., Post says

The Washington, ID. O., Post says:
Tho Hon. Will Oumback, former
Lieut. Gov. OF Indiana and ex.incum-
bent OF a number Of positions in the
national service, civil and military, all
OF which he filled with marked ability,
contributes to this issue OF the Post an
article that will interest and. we think.
surprise his readers OF all political
parties. 1t Is scarcely necessary to say
that Mr.. Oumback is a Republican. He
was an active member Of that party in
his early manhood, prior to 1861, and
has never wavered in loyalty to its prin-
ciples and support OF it's policies. That
veteran politician with such record
should predict defeat for Mr.. Mckinley
In the role Of candidate for reelection
90 the Presidency is, under existing
conditions, the most surprising prophecy
that has yet appeared relative TO next
year S campaign. The fact that the re.
nomination OF President Mckinley by
acclamation is already regarded as a
moral certainty renders Mr.. Cumback's
forecast equivalent to q prediction OF
Republican defeat and Democratic vic
tory. IL may DO doubted If any cool
headed and well informed Democratic
statesman or politician of either wing
of the party shares this belief to such
an extent that, If his advise was sought
by friend who had money 20 stake on
it. he would counsel him 20 put up his
shekels
The letter to which the Post refers
from Gov. Cumback says
MANY years ago prominent and
able politician aud statesman said 10
me that the civil service law would
prevent the reelection Of any President
for the next fifty years, and think he
was correct. The President may widen
Oh lessen the scope Of its operations at
his own will and pleasure. That feature
OF the law must have been taken from
Holy Writ in the charge given to Peter,
which was In these words land | give
unto thee the keys OF the Kingdom OF
Heaven and whatsoever thou shalt
bind on earth, shall be bound In heaven,
and whatsoever thou shalt loose on
earth, shall be loosed in heaven
Whether the President binds or lets
loose. he is condemned The politi-
clans want more loosing and the doc
trinaires more binding. and both IN
disgust demand a new man to work the
mysterious combination.
And so 1t would seem that the dis
tribution of the vast patronage OF the
government and the manipulation q
the civil service law, in view OF the
narrow margin between the great
parties, has been and will continue to
be fatal TO the re election Of any Presi-
dent to a second consecutive term.
The President has not only these
troubles, but il there is any maladmin-
istration in any Of the departments
any jObbery or scandals, or an incom-
potency Of any Of his appointees-all is
charged up to the President, and he is
cartooned by the artist and lampooned
on the hastings and in the press.
A new candidate escapes all OF this.
And then he has in addition the help
Of all the place hunters in his party.
They are animated by the energizing
belief that nobody has first mortgage
on the offices when he comes into his
kingdom. II this confidence is a de-
lusion as it it often is, there is moth
ing in sight 10 weaken their faith.
The letter is remarkable in that IT
has not enc word Of cOmmendation for
Mckinley The Free L.nce.