Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-04-22
REEDS COURSE CAUSES ANXIETY.
McKiniey's Friends Fear Sccrc'
Understanding with Piau.
New York HeTa

CNew York Herald)
| Thomas Il. Reeds change OF residence
| from Maine to this city has created I'M
easiness among friends Of President Nc
Kiney. They suspect that. instead Of
abandoning his presidential ambition Mr.
Reed has merely shifted his ground to
be in a better position to attack the'con-
vention next year.
Governor Roosevelt's admirers also, are
not ovcrjoyed at having a Republican Of
Mr.. Reeds Importance invade the State.
They fear he may stand in the way of
their favorite when the time comes for
New York TO select a candidate.
Senator Platt's friendship for the for
mer Speaker is looked upon as the ele-
ment of danger in the situation. While
ostenslbly supporting Governor Morton
for the nomination In 1896. 1t was no
secret that he was really for Mr.. Reed.
Though he has made his peace with
President Mckinley and Is now on an
intimate footing at the White House the
Presidents friends have not forgotten
the bitter assaults which he made upon
President Mckinley before the st. Louis
convention.
SUSPECT SECRET UNDERSTANDING
They are disinclned to credit the finan-
cial reason given by Mr.. Reeds friends
for his removal to this city. They say
he was receiving a comfortable income.
and that he would not have withdrawn
from his position of power and influence
in Washington merely for the sake of in
creasing 1t.
They suspect that a secret understand
ing exists between him and Senator
Platt. whereby the fight which was lost
I'm 1896 will be renewed next year.
Senator Hanna was in the city while
Mr.. Reed was considering the induce
ments offered him TO change his resi-
dence.
With the seventy-two delegates of New
York at his back, Mr. Reed would be
much more formidable candidate for the
presidency than he was as the candidate
Of the twelve delegates from Maine,
Moreover his strength in New England
would probably still be a. his disposal,
even if he should become the candidate
Of New York.
Mr. Reeds withdrawal from Congress-
I'm the opinion Of the administrations
supporters. is likely to help him with the
people rather than injUre him. His oppo-
sition TO the policy of his party there
had created disagreeable impression in
some quarters. which would have been
deepened had he continued 10 occupy 4
place in which his antagonism TO the
general sentiment Of his party would have
become more and more apparent.
His retirement Will allow this impress
sion 20 die out. and. being sheltered from
criticism in private life, h viii become
larger figure in the popular mind than
ne was at the close of the recent session
of Congress.
WEIGHING REEDS CHANCES.
Should there be a change of sentiment
I'm regard 10 the results of the war with
Spain. it is even feared by President Nc
Kinleys friends tina; Ar. Reeds anti
expansion views and his freedom from
responsibility for the new policy would
make him strong I'm the convention.
Senator Platt's friendly attitude toward
the administration is attributed wholly
10 his desire 10 obtain patronage. That
he has been unusually successful in this
direction. IN the minds Of the Presidents
anxious supporters, is no reason why he
should not throw his strength to Mr..
Reed.
In a similar manner Governor Roose-
velts followers do not feel that Senator
Platt has any actual cordiaity for him.
They believe that the working basis be-
tween the two men exists only because
the machine leader cannot afford 10 OPP
pose the Governor. and that he would
xii him off with Reed without COM
junction If the opportunity should arise.
None OF the organization leaders in the
city would discuss the possibility Of Mr..
Reeds candidacy last evening Lemuel
T.. Quigg. who is a close personal friend
Of the former Speaker, said the question
was too large for him 10 talk Of at
present.
If Senator Plat has I'm mind any plans
which Justify the fears OF the Pres-
dents friends he is not likely 10 impart
them until the time comes for putting
them into execution.