The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1901-03-20
DEPEW ON HARRISON.
New York Senator Offered Port
folio of Secretary Of State
but Declined It.

Washington, D. c., March 1G-Few
men had better opportunities to form a
correct estimate Of the late President
Harrison than Senator Depew. In max
ing the following statement Senator De
pew reveals some facts in connection
with the campaigns of 1883 and 1892 not
hitherto published:
"Gen. Harrison will rank as one of our
greatest Presidents. This has always
been a lawyers government, and for
President in Cen. Harrison we had one
Of the greatest lawyers of the country.
He became unpopular during the time
he was President 4by reason of his
manner and methods Of meeting appli-
eants for Offices This was not because
he was deficient in feeling or sentiment.
He had both. So much has been said
during his term as President and since
of his GOODNESS of heart that it may not
be improper to narrate a little personal
incident H I
I'm 1883 I was a candidate for Presi-
dent, receiving 80 votes, while Gen. Har-
rison had only the vote of his state.
The feeling against railroad men was so
strong in some of the Western states
that / withdrew. 1t was understood in
the convention that the Republican cam
didate could be successful without New
York. It then became a question as to
which contestant the vote of New York
drawn.
New York for Harrison.
IT was both q delegate at-large and
chairman of the delegation. I gave a
dinner to the delegation. The matter
was thoroughly canvassed and my own
choice was emphatically Gen. Harrison,
but had never met him. The reasons /
presented in his behalf were that he came
from a doubtful state; he had an excel!
1aa% ID @ho Loo 80 he
bar in his own state, 1t would compel a
recognition, and last, that being a grand
son Of 'Tppecanoe,' there was sufficient
sentiment of the hard cider campaign, to
give new zest to the race. ~fs 49,. II,
"The New York delegation voted to
support me, and that nominated him. He
offered me every place in his cabinet eX-
cept secretary of state, which he had
promised to Blaine, [ declined them all.
when the convention met at Mime
apolis he sent Senator Hiscock to me to
know If I would take charge of his can
vass The sentiment regarding the re-
nomination of Gen. Harrison was divid
fight he was renominated. Blaine, as
secretary Of state, resigned. Mr.. Harri-
son invited me to come to Washington
and formally rendered me the place of
secretary Of state. He made various COM
plimentary mentions of why ! was the
denly turning around and putting his
hand on my shoulder, he said:
Though we had never met you gave
me that support which counted in the
result. You refused every recognition,
and again you have disregarded all per-
the political perils of conducting my
campaign. You are the only. man who
has acted this way to me without prom
Uses and pledges Of any kind 81
Depew for State Department..
''Then Gen. Harrison burst into tears.
! declined all the offices on the ground
that my prominence in railroad matters
might inject an additional obstacle to his
reelection. Gen. Harrison hotly repudi-
ated the suggestion and said he would
entail When I. persisted. he said3oEdl
IN fill the place temporarily, but if
am,Ire-elected you are to be secretary Of
state.
ITO this arrangement I gladly assent mt
Probably no President up to that time
had ever gone into the details and di-
rected the administration of every de-
partment of the government as did sPresi=
dent Harrison. His tremendous indus
try, his lawyer habit of assimilating and
digesting details and his imperious judy
ment upon all matters affecting his adj
eign minister Encouragement and the
quick arbiter in the difficulties in each
Of the other ministries. h He had 1.-THE
unusual training at the unequaled bar
Of a state famous for its great lawyers.
His Skill as Political Leader.
"As a political leader Of a common
wealth where his party was in the mi
nority, except as it might be put to the
front by adroit strategy, Mr.. Harrison
always administered those duties which
prepared for campaigns, and CALAMITY
led his forces into battle
"Gen. Harrison was the result Of an
heredity of patriots, statesmen and SOL
diers which has been the lot of few men
in our country. From the judge who sent
Charles 1. to the scaffold with Puritan
conscience to the signing of the Declara-
ton of Independence and then to the
hero OF the Battle of Tppecanoe, all the
qualities which made up these progeni-
tors were united in Benjamin Harrison
THREE EMPLOYEES 10 Yjai1
ARE CREMATED..
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