Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-05-01
The Presidents Desire During Hi
Second Term.
NO PERSONAL END TO SERVE
His Tour. to Get Closer Touch
With Public Sentiment.
n o T I X E D p G. e G. Y

Among the politicians, who try to find a
hidden motive for every move that Is made
by the President, there Is considerable
speculation as to whether President Nc
Kinley's tour to the Pacific has any other
object than rest and enjoyment. 1t is
rather remarkable, in view of the cry of
Imperialism raised during the presidential
campaign that in all this gossip no one
| attributed to the President the ambition
for third term. In the past such tours
have been associated with political OBJ
ject OF more or less personal character, yet
not only is Mckinley credited with having
no thought of a third term, but 1T is be
lieved also that he has no purpose, as did
Jackson Of placing himself In position
to name his own successor; like John
Quincy Adams, of figuring in another
sphere of politics after retiring from the
White House.
Therefore. the theory of his tour having
a political object of a personal character is
dismissed by the gossps. Yet the idea that
he is merely seeking recreation is not sat
isfyng to the politicians mind.
His One Ambition.
1t is generally recognized that the absorb
ing ambition of the President Is to make
his second administration SO successful,
progressive and conducive Of good feeling
as to give it a distinguished place in his
tory. 1t is conceived that during this ad-
ministration not only is the problem of the
government of our insuar possessions to
be settled. but also there must be an ad-
justment of internaA economy to ac-
commodate new conditions. This adjust
ment may be even more delicate and diff
cult than the problem of governing the
Philippines.
In this matter it is said that .he Presi-
dent has but one policy, that of doing what
81 ia
existing at the time when action becomes
necessary. One of his closest friends in
public life says of him that, like Lincoln
he has discovered the wisdom of not hay-
ing Il hard and fast policy to fit which all
things must be shaped, but, on the con-
trary, of shaping his policies to fit circum-
stances and conditions with which he must
deal.
In Touch With the PeOEse.
In conformity with this idea OF. ire F:.s-
idents policy, 1t is pretty commonly creed
among politicians who are tryinse % pene-
trate his motives that the impor: mt object
of his trip is to test public sen t.Glent with
reference to an insular policy as = may af-
feet our trade and industrial conditions
ard also to estimate his own strength
among the people to determine how
far he may rely on being supported by pub
TIC confidence in doing whatever conditions
may impel him to-
1t is said that the President ~ inclined
to be determined in his policy BY what the
conditions are not by what he would wish
them to be. and that his course Is not al
ways what he would choose to tollow but
what seems the best that is open to him.
Some nicely balanced questions are pre-
sentec In the adjustment of our CONNER
cial relations to accord with the retention
or the philippines and the opening of the
markets or the orient. 1t is believed that
the President seeks Inspiration and assist
ance through the opportunity afforded by
the tour he has undertaken to determine
no" suggestions he throws out are received,
to measure his own influence with the
people and to get closer touch with pub