Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-05-29
HAS HANNAISM OVERREACHED
ITSELF?

The country in general believes that
the gentlemen who operate in Wall
street. like those who do business I'M
der the sanction of a New Jersey char
ter fashion their politics solely accord
ing to what they believe to be their per-
sonal interests. This may or may not
be gross injustice to the individuals
in question. 1t is certain. al any rate.
that they have something OF the same
sentiments and weaknesses as their fell
Tow-citiZens. IF gratitude does not riot
In their bosoms 1t leads them to some
observed that they have we'll equipped
memories for injuries done them and
cherish IA most lusty desire for getting
even; like most other mortals doubt
less one Ill turn can make them forget
n good many favors.
These classes. almost to a man, stood
by Mr.. Mckinley in 1896; they gave
largely to the huge corruption fund
that secured 10 him the doubtful States
by the purchase OF voters. and espe-
cialiy of poll holders. Just what their
reward has been is not known and
doubtless been ample: there are whis-
perings and indications that the reward
of others has been far from satisfac-
tory, and that in consequence Mr.. Nc
Kiney can not rely this year upon their
united support, and. particularly, upon
their upitad cont,.ihntT opc
1t is notorious that a certain clique
Of New York financiers, those allied
with Standard Oil interests for ex-
ample, have been the benehciares OF
gross fayorltism at the hands of the ad-
ministration. The Standard Oil bank
has become the strongest financial con-
Germ OF the metropolis. If not of the
world. Secretary Cages partially to it
In the disposition of government funds
Is a rank and recent scandal. Standard
oil went into the street" and PLAYED
havoc with copper and with certain
street railway interests. In short 1t set
put TO be the whole hog" and its eff
forts were indirectly smiled on by the
administration, as indicated above
1t Is limited, and it is reasonable. that
the result will be a sharp division
among the "financiens" this fall. Not
that they love the Democrats more,
but that they love Mr.. Mckinley con-
Riderably less. They feel that he has
not held an even hand and has allowed
certain determinations on the part of
mis- subordnates that were not ONLY of
substantial value to those so favored.
but that gave them a prestige that
counted for much. There was never
yet a small fish that cared to serve as
d meal for large one. There seems to
be feeling in New York that many
that have been considered good sized
fry up to this time are endangered by
O few that have been unduly pampered
by the Mckinley administration.
Thus Mr.. James r. Keene, one OF the
weaathiest men in the country and one
of the shrewdest. is openly opposed Ia
Mr.. Mckinley. He contributed $4,000
to Hanna's campaign fund in 1896. Be
fore sailing for Europe recently he
wagered $500 against $4,000 that Mr..
Bryan would be elected. He also de-
clared in an interview that money Is in
the saddle and is riding down the in
situations of this country with con-
fident insolence that tells OF It's firm be-
lief in It's own invlncfbNity." 1t is Just
possible that Mr.. Keene and others like
him feel that II Mr.. Mckinley Is re-
elected they will be among those rid
den down" along with the institutions
and 80 will prefer an administration