New-York tribune., 1900-10-23
A PLEASANT AFTERNOON.

From time to time, as courtesy seemed to
dictate we have recorded the fact that the Hon.
James x. Mcclure, chairman of the Democratic
State Executive Committee was making a
strenuous and picturesque endeavor to diversity
the dull routine of the campaign with speCtacu-
lar performances designed TO remind the public
of his official existence. But we have no SYM
pathy with those who would attach undue sig
nifcance to the urimportant incidents of Mr..
McGuires daily life, or put sinister interpreta-
ton on his activities. Because on Saturday af-
ternoOn, which is a time of relaxation when no
body is expected to exert himself to the utter
most or give strict account of his doings, Mr..
Mcclure improved the opportunity to visit the
borough of Princeton, \. J.. some suspicious
persons are asking why he went and what he
did there. The inquiry is unnecessary, if it
does not actually SAVIOR of impertinence, and
we hasten to say that the expedition was quite
natural and proper.
Why shouldn't Mr.. Mcclure have gone to
Princeton, should like TO know? 1t Is a ven
cradle and interesting place full of impressive
historical monuments and associations. As the
guide books might and probably do say, it is
most eligibly situated and commands a fine
view of the surrounding country At this sea
son it is peculiarly delightful. We have not
heard that the autumnal foliage is unusually
beautiful this year. but ii is presumably well
worth seeing. Princeton. furthermore, is the
seat of a celebrated university, which is at
tended by large number of the young men
for whom the Democratic heart beats with I'M
common warmth just now. Some of the build
ings in which they domiciled and instructed
possess architectural merits of a superior order
while others have strong sentimental interest
for the inquiring and ingenious mind, and per-
hons 9th 5cti oP In, tba
country has a lovelier campus. On Saturday
last the weather was propItous, and all these
objects must have appeared to the best possible
advantage. Mr.. Mcclure may not have had
time to familiariZe himself with the domestic
life of Princeton, but he had the satisfaction of
seeing on every hand convincing evidences Of
the intelligent and refined social conditions for
which that town is Justly distinguished. Alto
gether. It is difficult to conceive OF peasanter
way to spend half holiday. and we cannot
doubt that the Democratic chairman returned
inyigorated and refreshed by his brief sOjourn
among those classic though at times vociferous
shades.
From the circumstance that Mr. Mcclure
makes no mention of having called upon the
Hon. Grover Cleveland we infer that he had for
gotten that the eX-Presdent lives In Princeton.
or possibly had neglected to make n note Of
his address. But we are confident that no of
fence will be taken on this account, and a dis
position to magnify the inadvertence would be n
sign of bad heart. We heartily commend Mr..
McCiuire's way Of employing his leisure hours.
There will be two more Saturday afternoons be
fore the campaign closes. and he probably could
not do better than TO spend them in a similar
manner. Cambridge and New-Haven are not
difficult Of access, and each would repay even a
hurried visit