The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-04-22
HOUSTON, SATURDAY. APRIL ~.
% PAGES TODAY.
HE is WITHOUT CLAIM.

Admiral Deweys presidential candidacy
has been quite generally dlsapproved by
the press OF the country. But now and
then some newspaper, more righteous than
its fellows and utterly mistaking the rea-
son for all this adverse comment, wants
20 know If Dewey has lot the right to
submit his mama to the American people
as a candidate for president. Having put
this question and answered 1t affirmative
ly these very correct newspapers go editor
rial cunning for all the irreverent and
sacrilegious critics of the great admiral.
Why, certainly, Admiral Dewey has
right to aspire TO the presidency. No
one disputes that. He has likewise the
right, possessed in common with all his
fellows. OF making himself absurd when
ever and however he chooses. But has
he any claims upon the support Of his
countrymen for the presidency 1t is their
inability 10 answer this question, with
credit 10 their judgments and satisfaction
TO the country, that jams the admirars
defenders to corner. Does the mere fact
that the daring vermonter got Zip an ap-
petite for breakfast by the matutlnal di-
version OF knocking to pieces Admiral
Montejo's collection OF nautical miscellany
IN Manila bay entitle him 60 the presi-
dency? The most exuberant hero wor-
Ihlper who ever tramped a muddy street
behind a brass band in triumphal process
ZION would hardly insist that the Manila
performance should find its reward in the
White House.
II is the plain fact OF Admiral Dewey
having allowed the use Of his name as a
presidential sspirsnt in the absence OF
my RICH, under the sun 10 insist upon
The favor OF his people that has prompted
the conscience Of his country TO reluctnnt-
Iy declare his candidacy an absurdity. No
man, however distinguished his services
to his government. nor how grateful his
conntrymen. can deliberately make fool
of himself without exciting pity or resent
ment or both.
II is almost inepnprehensible In this
hour Of National life. when two great po-
litinal organizations with distinct differ
enees in matters or governmental policy
with the settlement of which rests the
success OF ialure OF republican tneorles
that any man should. on the announce
ment OF his candidacy for president, stand
In doubt az TO which OF these parties
held his judgment and conscience. This
was what Admiral Dewey did. He did not
know whether he were democrat or re-
publican. The only thing he did know
was that he hungered for the presidency
1t took several days for the admiral te
reach the conclusion that he was a demo.
crat and. when one considers the crowd o.
democratic insurrectIonists with whom HI
has been associating. Il is perhaps MOI
unfair 10 say that the admiral, after all
Is incompetent TO pass upon the PROPOSE
tion OF whether he is in fact demo.
crat.
Admiral Dewey's admirers and friend
have contemplated his astounding sacri
hce of himself TO en- impossible ambition
with commingled pity and regret These
who are the best judges OF his deserts be-
cause they have been Arst and most sin.
cere In tribute, have not believed that n,
has had one solitary claim upon the chic
magistracy of this Nation which AN honor
able and Intelligent citizenship should
feel called upon 30 consider seriously 70
one moment. This is the verdict OF hi
eountrymen and. however CALLING to Al
mirai Deweys pride or damaging to hi
fame, he must accept 1t as final and just