New-York tribune., 1900-06-14
VICE-PRESIDENCY OPEN.
MR.. HANNA SAYS ADlMINI.S-
T'RAITON HAS NO CHOICE.
NO BASIS FOR BELIEF THAT BLISS IS
THE MAN-ATTITUDE OF ALLISON
IOWA FOR DOLLIVER
[BY TELEGRAPH To ruE TRIEUxE-I


usual enthusiastic advance guard of delegates to
weeks National Convention. with all sorts
Of political wisdom to disseminate. has started
fresh crop OF rumors about the Vice-PresIdential
nomination Through some mysterious agency
the idea got currency to-day that Cornelius "
Bliss. of New-YOrk, had been selected by the
spokesmen of the Administration as the candi-
date on whom the friends of all other aspirants
should eventually combine.
No basis for the story could be discovered.
yet it had many believers until Senator Hanna
arrived this afternoon and frankly declared that
the contest for the second place the ticket
was still open to all Corners. and that the Ad-
ministration had indicated and would Indicate
no preference for any particular candidate SEN
ator Hannas talk with interviewer which
appeared late this afternoon. fully confirms the
opinion of well informed politicians that the
choice of a Vice-PresidentiaI candidate will turn
on contingencies not yet clearly defined either
here or in Washington.
What of the prevailing stories of Bliss being
the most prominent for second placer'
Mr.. Hanna was first asked.
II state most emphatically that Mr. Bliss
stands to-day in the same position that he did
when his name was first mentioned for the
Vice-Presidency. No one. however is author
lied to speak for him. and do not believe that
he has even so much as intimated that the nomi-
nation would be acceptable. As to the published
report that there conference at the White
House at which the possible selection of Mr..
Bliss was discussed. it is absolutely without
foundation
PRESIDENT HAS NOT EXPRESSED CHOICE
Has the President expressed himself as In
favor of any particular candidate?"
President Mckinley has no choice as TO who
shall be his running mate. provided. of course
that his name will inspire confidence and in so
doing add strength to the ticket and that is pre-
cisely my attitude. 1t must always be remen-
hered that there Is only one life between the
Vice-President and the Chief Magistracy of the
Nation. and for that the strongest man
available. in every sense of the word should
receive the nomination. I do not believe that the
selection Of a Vice-Presidential nominee who
he may be. will affect the result of the cleo
ton one iota. The President is stronger than his
party and sure of reelection"
What do you think Of the chances OF Senator
Allison and Representative DolIiver?''
Il prefer not to answer that question They
Will both attend the convention. and are entirely
competent to answer all questions of that kind
What is your opinion of the candidacy OF Mr.
Oder. of New-York?''
II never heard his name mentioned in that
connection until yesterday. and hardly feel
disposed to look upon the announcement very
seriously New-York's Lieutenant Governor
Timothy L. Woodruff is still in the field. ] un-
derstand, but I cannot say that I am particu-
larIy anxious to have him succeed in his aspira-
tions I cannot believe that he will have a very
formidable following among the delegates"
NEW-YORK CAN HAVE THE NOMINATION.
Can New-York have the nomination IL the
delegates can unite upon candidate?'
"Unquestionably she can if she will name the
right man. 1 mean the right man in every re-
spect. and one thoroughly acceptable to the Con-
vention and to the country. No. cannot indi-
cate who that would be- AS TO whether it would
affect the result should she throw her solid sup
port to a candidate from any other State. I
cannot say
"WiII a candidates resdenee-East, West,
North or South-afect his chances?"
Not in the slightest. 1 hardly think that will
be seriously considered; certainly it should not
in any way block the chances of securing good
man"
'Will you again take the Craftsmanship of the
National Committee?'
THAT is a question that cannot answer at
present 1t would be premature to discuss the
matter prior to ACTION being taken I am al
wavs willing TO serve my party in whatever
capacity required, but 1 am not yet prepared
to say what part shall take in the coming cam
paign I want it distinctly understood. how
ever that never authorized the statement that
I should retire from the chairmanshlp or the
National Committee because of i'll health or for
any other reason
care YOU seeking to influence the nomination
OF any candidate for the Vice-Presidency?"
mo I wish you would make that statement as
broad and emphatic possible The field Is
an open one No undue influence will be ex
erted to nominate any man. My only wish Is
that the selection may fall on the best avail
able candidate"
HANNA TO HEAR FROM ALLISON
Senator Hanna's trip 10 Philadelphia from
Washington was made in company with Sena-
FOR Allison. Mr.. Hanna is said TO have re-
marked at the Broad-st. station when they
parted: Now let me know your decision at the
earliest possible moment. Remember we are
anxious"
Senator Allison is said 10 have replied: II
will telegraph you by Saturday night az the
latest
Speaking of Allison. Mr.. Hanna said: Iowa
is a wonderful State. and at present contains
a great number of clear headed. brainy men
who must be leaders. Senator Allison is the
finest representative of them. He is seventy
one years old and yet does not look sixty. He is
in perfect possession of every faculty. He is
wonderful man"
Does that mean that you favor him for Vice
President. despite his announced refusal 10 be a
candidate?" asked.
We'll. you know what / think Of him. and
perhaps that is enough 10 say" replied the
chairman OF the National Committee.
a 3. Cummings. OF Des Moines chairman OF
the Iowa delegation. arrived in town to-day
bringing with him the Dolliver boom, which he
launched something after this fashion:
fc for Y