The Savannah morning news., 1901-01-17
WANT TO REMODEL THE PARTY
ADMINISTRATION WOULD LIII f
A CHANGE IN THE SOUTH.

Expected That Decisive Action VIII
BE Taken for the Conversion of
Southern Business Men Who Are
More i'm Line with the Policies of
the Republican Party Than of
Their Own-TOO Much Darkness"
il the Party Now-HOw Assistant
Secretary Pruden's Fine Hand
writing Secured Him the Position
he Has Held for Years.
Washington, Jan. 16.-There is a grow
ing desire on the part of President Nc
Kinley and the leaders of the Republican
party to formulate a practical plan upon
which the Republican-party in the South
may be remodeled and improved. The
subject has been under consideration ever
since the result of the last election was
announced. Various schemes have been
suggested, among others the building up
of white mans Republican party in the
South.
From conversation have had with lead
ing administration men. / am convinced
that some decisive action is anticipated
in the near future, looking to the con-
version to the Republican faith of some
of the prominent business men of the
South who during the past four years
have repudiated free silver and Populis-
tic doctrines. Just how il is proposed to
bring about the proposed change of politi-
cal allegiance the wisest men in the Re-
publican party are as yet unable to deter
mine
a few days ago a member of the cabi-
discussing MIL
kown Southern Republican. stated that
he had discussed the subject with num-
Der of prominent business men of the
South who have during the past four
years become interested in the CONNER
cial and industrial advancement in that
section They have through business
channels imbibed certain principles which
are more in accord with Republican doc
trines than with the present policies of
the Bryan brand of Democracy. II was
suggested that It might be possible for
the administration to render valuable as
sistance in the direction of establishing
a white mans Republican party in the
South.
In reply, the cabinet officer remarked:
Considering the existing conditions in
the Southern states. do not believe it
is either possible or practicable to or
ganze an all-white Republican party in
The South, but the Lord knows we are
heartily sick Of having it all black"
1t is evident that the leaders of the Re-
publican party are not proud of their as
ISOLATION with the average colored Of
ice-holder and ofce-seeker of the South
and a handsome regard would probably
be given to any one who would bring FOR
ward a reasonable proposition from a DO
litical standpoint which would result in
eliminating some Of the darkness" which
now overshadows the Republican organi-
cation in the Sunny South
A little scrap Of paper containing an
unusually fine display Of skilled penman-
ship. careessly dropped upon the floor.
is responsible for the presence Of o. L.
Pruden In one of the most responsible
positions at the White House. Mr. Pru-
den mas been "a member Of the clerical
force "a the Executive Mansion since
Grants administration. His duties con-
slst OF preparing the manuscript copy of
the President annual message TO Con-
gress aud nearly all OF the important OK
ecutive communications which emanate
from the chief magistrate which require
artistic penmauship. II H. also his duty
to deliver 10 the Senate aud House 30
messages in writing from the President TO
Congress and he f. probably Que Of tho
best known public officials in Washing