The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-02-03

correspondent. "Is II true that Senator
Elkins is the presidents candi--?"
walt, stop right there. know what
the question is," interrupted the big
Ohio man, who elected Mckinley presi-
dent. II can't talk ON that subject
now. Senator Elkins comes from n
doubtful but very small state. West
Virginia Ia Just as likely to 20 Demo-
cratic as Republican, without any re-
gard to the vice presidency. Senator
Elkins stands very close to the presi-
dent"
He is a big-brained, big g-bodied Ohio
man. Ohio wants the whole earth. and
with the president and vice-president
both from that state 1t may be ex-
pected that some modest, II not OBJ
scure. Buckeye will some day be ap-
pointed Agunaldo's successor in the
Philippines.
However. 1t was not Senator Elkins
fault that he was born in Ohio.
He was educated in Missouri, sub
sequently removed to New Mexico.
made big pile of money there, thence
moved to West Virginia and made a
still bigger pile. and he Is now rich
man. He was secretary Of war under
Harrison. and in the last campaign he
taught even Hanna, it Is said, a thing
or two in political management that
the Cleveland politician had never
dreamed Of His big. round. red. jolly
face is ever aglow with health, but he
Is so little IN the senate chamber that
it is question whether he knows more
of Sanscrit than parliamentary law. 1t
was just a piece of luck that he was
born in Ohio, and If he really wants
the presidential nomination it Is
because he believes that Ohio luck will
land him in the White House in 1904.
Of course, the presidential nomination
in 1904 does not follow the vice-presi-
dentia! nomination I'm 1900. but 1t Is a
good thing-a very good thing-to
know that men of such eminent char
acter and ability as Charles Emory
Smith and stephen Benton Elkins are
being discussed, and without their dis
approval, in connection with the vice.
presidency. In this sign Republican
ism will not only win this year. but
will perpetuate its rule to the honor
and credit of American manhood,
American prestige. American progress.
President Mckinley only a day or
two ago was fifty-seven years old. He
is the Junior Of any man in public life
today who might possibly be named in
connection with the presidential nomi-
nation in 1904. He has the moral sup
port and the sympathy of the Ameri-
can people, without regard to party.
The conditions that once prevailed
against a third term incumbency in the
presidential office does not exist to-
day. and may not have the shadow of
existence in 1904.
The American people ought to thank
God that a soldier. a prudent, cautious,
patriotic. wise, gOdly mar directs the
affairs Of the nation. The trend of cur
rent political agitation is ominous, and
it may be just as necessary to main-
tain the clean, honest. manly Ameri-
can methods Of the Mckinley admins
tration in 1904 as it is in 1900.
CONGRESSIONAL MATTERS.
1t makes no matter what may be the
pending measure before either the
house or the senate. political debate
is inevitable. The Indian appropria-
ton bill, one would suppose, was sutti
ciently a matter Of routine to preclude
any suggestion of a heated political
discussion, but nothing is impossible
in the way of political achievement,
whatever the matter under considera-
tion. A Southern Republican, and
Southern Republicans are very scarce
in this congress, took advantage Of the
Indian appropriation bill to say some
thing about Democratic election
methods in the Southern states. 1t is
known of all men that the negro vote
in the south is either suppressed en-
tirely o. counted for the Demo 0atic
ticket. But it was an unWhOlesome
truth just at the time when such ini-
quitous methods have precipitated a
condition of war in the state of Ken
lucky. The southern Republican in
this instance barely escaped personal
chastisement. He was coarsely de-
bounced and bitterly assailed. No heed
was paid to his argument. but the
finger Of scorn was leveled at him
and through clinched teeth and with
,oisterous and belligerent gesticula-
tion he was told that he was no better
than "nigger.'
Not knowing the ways of members
the most offensive accusations, one
counter after adjournment. But long
before that hour the two antagonists
were seen in the most cOmpanioable
Intercourse.
Such scenes interest the spectators,
because the spectators generally are
strangers and naturally attach some
significance to such disorder. The
house committees are diligently at
work on the regular appropriation
bills. They are nearing completion and
it will not be many days before the
campaign for 1900 will be opened in
dead earnest. The shipping subsidy
bill is practically completed.
1t will go through the house under
| bill limiting debate. but however
drastic the restraint, the opportunity
will be presented for fiery campaign
| oratory. However despicable he may
be, Senator Pettigrew by insolence and
logged pertinacity sometimes succeeds
in attracting the notice of the senate.
1T is the exception. not the rule. Af-
ter days of nagging and whining he
succeeded yesterday In provoking SEN
atOr HaWley and Senator Sewell and
they each in turn denounced him as a
traitor" to his country and an enemy
to his own flag. OF course, it didn't
phaze him. He was almost grateful
that somebody had at last noticed
him. The senate discussion alternates
between the currency bill and the Phil
| ippine question and the order will be
| observed until the passage of the cur
| rency bill on the 18th of the present
| month. Very soon thereafter the Quay
| case will be called up and a long dis