Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1900-04-24

yet crystalIized, but the initial steps
are being handled with great shrewd-
ness. II looks as though an attempt
will be made to bring enough "favofite
sons" into the convention to prevent
McKinley's nomination on the first
ballot and then to hold him down until
a union can be effected upon some
strong candidate. This is favorite
scheme Of Republican national politics!
1t defeated Seward in 1860, Blaine IN
1876. Grant in 1880, and Sherman II
1888.
The names which are to be brought
forward are those of Governor Roose-
vetl of New York and ex-President
Harrison of Indiana. The dark horses
are to be ex-Speaker Reed, now a resi-
dent of New York; Senator Allison, of
Iowa; and Senator Davis, of Mime
sofa. Senator Proctor, in alliance with
the old Reed strength of New England,
is relied upon to control the delegates
of that section. Roosevelt and Plat
can control New York, Quay still holds
Pennsylvania, and is bitter at Mckin-
lev for the latter's evident desire to
keep him out of the Senate. Harri-
sons friends can easily control Indi-
ana, Allison Iowa, Davis Minnesota,
while local interests and influences can
be relied upon to make fight in sey-
eral other States.
In Texas and Tennessee Roadway
has already been made against McI<in-
lev. The seyerest blow so far visible
to the public eye comes in the resigna-
ton of Assistant Secretary Davis, of
the Interior Department. who has just
returned from South Africa and resign
ed his office in order to make cam
paign of sympathy in behalf of the
Boer republics. The administrations
notorious pro-British attitude com
pelled him to this course Mr.. Davis
is one of the most notable orators in
the Republican party. He and his
friends expect to be able to control the
Missouri delegation in behalf of his
candidacy for the Republican Vice
Presidential nomination. 1t is obvious
that Mr.. Davis, with his pro-Boer SEN
timents. does not expect to be on a
ticket headed by Mr.. Mckinley, with
his strong pro-British sentiments.
Republicans in a Hole.
The chances are ut present against
McKfnley's overthrow. Hanna has too
powerful a grip on the party machinery
ar.l is In command Of too large q cor
ruption fund to permit the better ele-
ment of the Republican party to have
voice in the convention. But there will
be bitter fight and feelings will be
aroused which the ensuing campaign
will not be able TO allay. 1t makes no
difference who is at the head of the
Republican ticket, the country will
hold the party responsible for the adj
ministration's plumbers.
The passage by the Senate of the
Foraker Porto Rican bill, with substaD-
TALLY the House tariff proposition at
tached as a rider, has caused several
difficult questions to be put to the Re
publican majority. They are asked
first and foremost. What has become
of the Presidents declaration that Ii
was our plain duty" to give Porto
Rico free trade with the United States
Senator Foraker said that the trusts
would be the principal beneficiaries of
free trade. Putting aside the obvious
inference that Mckinley is declared by
his own party leader to be in favor of
trusts. why then, should Senator For
aker have provided for free trade at
the end OF two years? The Republicans
advanced the argument that the neces-
sites of the starving inhabitants of
Porto Rico made the passage OF the
bill necessary. Yet Senator Davis per
tinently asked how ii was that taxing
both the products and food supplies OF
these starving inhabitants relieved
their starvation.
Perhaps the most difficult question
for the Republicans to answer is why
Secretary Root, who was eonspicuosIy
an advocate Of free trade with Porto
Rico a4tT who ordered his law clerk.
Judge Magoon, to prepare an elaborate
opinion to prove that the Constitution
extended or IT'S own strength over
Porto Rico. should suddenly order the
suppression OF that lengthy opinion and
order him 10 prepare another one Tx
ing the Numerically opposite view.
Both opinions are now public, although