The Saint Paul globe., 1900-04-21
A REPUBLICAN FoRLoRN HOPE.

Judging from the Republican newspa-
pers in Minnesota, there is strong un-
dercurrent among Republicans In this
state against the denomination of Presi-
dent Mckinley, and the indications are
not wanting that some move is on foot
having as its object the sending of an
Mckinley delegation to the Philadel-
phia convention. The st. Paul Dispatch
has suggested that the plan is to include
Senators Davis and Nelson and Congress-
man Heatwole abong the delegates at
large. Why Heatwole should be named
and Fletcher omitted is not made clear.
Nor is 1t clear why Heatwole should be
included in the list at ALL He is certain
ly not entitltd to any credit, such as at
taches to the two senator's, for his vote
against the Puerto Rican tariff bill, for
the Northfield gentleman did not under
stand the measure when he voted against
1t. and is unable today to advance any
substantial reasons for his vote. 1t Is
above and beyond his comprehension But
the Dispatch says he is in the anti-Mc-
Kinley combine, and So we must take
the cookie with the wheat
The plan of thus sending Senators Davis
and Nelson to represent Minnesota Repub-
licans at the Republican national conven-
ton would necessitate the substantial in
dorsement of the attitude of the two SEN
ators on the Puerto Rican tariff question
and the consequent condemnation Of
President Mckinley and his policy. It is
temptation for the Republican state con-
vention which elects delegates to the ma
tional convention to adopt resolutions IN
structlng the delegates to vote in favor
Of the plank which will inevitably be sub
mitted for Incorporation in the national
Republican platform indorsing Mckinley
and all his works. including the Puerto
Rican infamy. To do SO would be de-
liberate insult to both the Minnesota SEN
ators, and it is doubtful If this state is
Hannaized to an extent that would per-
Nelson were chosen delegates The only
course the state convention can pursue
would be to either send an uninstructed
delegation which would be construed as
an insult by both Mckinley and the two
senators, or to instruct against Mckinley.
This is the state to which Minnesota
Republicans are reduced, If the St. Paul
Dispatch is to be believed, and that there
is some truth in the story receives indi-
rect support from the gibing tone which
the Minneapolis Journal employs in its
references to McKinIey-as, for instance.
the extract quoted in Fridays Globe.
Who the beneficiary might be If Mime
sofa Republicans bolt Mckinley it is not
easy to guess. Tom Reed Is suggested.
and ticket reading Reed and Davis
would no doubt please many. But the
G b desires to warn any too sanguine
Republicans who cherish such an idea.
that it is but an idle dream, and that
the Republican party cannot now shake
off Mark Hanna and his president. Hanna
controls the Republican machine and the
financial affairs of the party. He is all
powerful, and his grip is strong and re-
lentless. He will renominate Mckinley
because he has the organiza ton, the men
and the money to do it, and Minnesota
Republicans might as we'll abandon any
effort they may have contemplated to
upset William Mckinley and the Big
Boss, throw Senators Davis and Nelson
overheard to feed the whales and Heat
wole to feed the minnows, and accept the
Inevitable