Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-10-05
DEWEY FOR PRESIDENT.

We take little stock i'm ,he talk about
Dewey's becoming a presidential candi-
date. We should not wonder if any day
he came out with positive statement
that he would not accept a nomination
under any circumstances. He has said
more than once that he would not be
candidate. and that he regards himself
as untitled for the position Of President
Yet his name continues 10 be discussed.
The probability is that the discussion
will not down tin he has written and
published under his own signature let
ter so positive and conclusive that further
mention Of him in this connection will
De useless.
In the present situation many politi-
clans find amusement in speaking Of
him as a presidential possibility; but we
DO not think Mckinley or Bryan find
any fun in that sort Of thing. Mr.. Hanna,
who may be considered as voicirg
AcKinley's feelings has declared that
the mentioning of Dewey in this connec-
rtsn lis indecent" Mr. Hannas opinion
IS not so astounding as that he should
set himself up as a judge Of what is de-
cent in politics.
Unless Dewey is under such obligations
10 the President as TO make his can
didacy a traitorous act towards good
friend, We do not see why the man Of
Manila should not aspire TO the presi-
dcncy If he is willing to take the risk
As matter of fact. not until Senator
Proctor had urgently argued with Nc
Kinley I'm Dewey's behalf did he assign
Dewey to the coveted post il the East.
or course, it IS for Dewey TO decide how
grateful ne ought to be 10 the President.
No one can do that for him. Certain it
Is that Dewey. by cutting the Hong
Kong cable under the circumstances that
he did and the leisureliness with which
he proceeded to restore It, did not show
any solictude about keeping IN tele
graphic communication with the Presi-
dent.
As we have said, II IS impossible that
the Republican leaders should be
amused" at the talk about Dewey's
becoming a presidential candidate. 1t
would be more correct TO say they are
alarmed For Dewey 10 become can
didate on either ticket would be TO pat
their interests in peril. 1t would be
doubtful If they could manage him. And
so we guess that the Republicans have
scouts out. at this very time, trying to
md an opening where they may enter
and extract from Dewey an utterance
settling this question once for all.
While Dewey cannot be said to be
member of any party. he was born of
Republican family in a Republican State,
and in his early service in war was sur
rounded by Republicans We, therefore,
presume that his tendencies are towards
that party. Again, we suspect that he is
more In accord with the Republicans
than with the Democrats on the question
OF expansion. True, he has been quoted
more than once as saying that the Fill
plnos are more capable of self-govern-
nent than the Cubans are. but what does
that amount to? We have not granted
the Cubans the right to govern them
selves. and 1t looks as If we are not going
TO do it until they are ready to vote in
favor Of annexation!
There Is so little that Is new, or ro-
mantle, in the presidential outlook, il is
refreshing 10 the politicians and news
papers TO have Dewey TO gossip about.
The mention of his name enlivens the
prospect very much and infuses into it
that element Of uncertainty which IS
necessary TO keep alive public interest.
And just here We wonder whether the
Admiral has become disguised with the
aduiation crowded upon him. or is hunger
ing and thirsting for more. Who knows?
Who can read the human heart?
Newspaper men are aware that the
oftener the average person sees his or
her name in print the Oftener he or
she wishes 10 see II there-provided. al
ways. that the mention is favorable.
Heretofore Dewey has borne. and seem
ingly deserved. the name of modest man.
but II may be that change will come
over him. lie may aspire TO cur highest