Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-06-27
REITERATES POSITION
CRITICISES VAGUENESS OF RE-
PUBLICAN PROMISES.
Does Not Expect to Be Concerned
Actively In Plans Of His Party
The Tariff Question.

in an interiew had with him at his home
here.
Mr.. Cleveland will leave soon for New
Hampshire. where he will pass the greater
part of the summer. When the reporter
called Mrs. Cleveland was seated upon the
veranda. She received the visitors card
and took 1t upstairs herself to the ex-
President In his study. Mr.. Cleveland came
down at once and met the caller with a
smile and a democratic greeting.
The conversation which followed covered
many topics. but on only a few of them
was the ex-President willing that his opin-
ions should be publicly repeated at this
time He declared himself. he often had
before. out OF politics. and expressed the
conviction that nothing could be further
from the probabilities than that no should
be asked again to accept the nomination
for President. He would not discuss any
candidates, and consented to speak ex-
plicitly OF only two important features Of
the republican national platform.
Mr.. Cleveland expressed the opinion that
the question of tariff adjustment must GER
tainly occupy large place in the can
vaSs: that that question forced itself In
evitably upon the statesmen OF the ma
tion and that whether 1t should be met or
not was not. therefore. dependent upon
their will He criticised the vagueness Of
the republican promises as to the political
future or the PhlllpplneS, anu CHdid
lied Elihu Roots speech at the Chicago
convention as an exceedingly 'adroit IN
strument He would not touch upon the
foreign policies OF the government
Not Influencing Nomination.
He confirmed the approval already ex-
pressed by him of Parker and Olney as
aspirants to the presidency. but he took
especial pains TO disclaim any idea of in
fiuencing the choice of the democratic ma
tiorial convention any thought that his
influence could avail in that particular.
Being congratulated upon the fact that
ne appeared to be fully fit for any great
public responsibility, Mr. Cleveland smiled
family as If the question were too sug-
eestive of an ambition to which he Is
stranger but he said:
my health was never better. My great
desire Is to lead a tranquil. though not
useless life l cannot hope to be happier
than ! am here in the home OF my choice
and with my preferred occupations
Mr. Cleveland is scarcely as stout as he
was few months ago. and Is apparently
quicker and more energetic in his move
ments. His hair is no grayer than 1t was
fve years ago, and his face Is ruddier.
His eyes are clear and they readily kindle
into a humorous sparkle. When animated
he speaks with great vigor and in sonorous
though perfectly tempered tones.
Not Likely to Happen.
To the question bluntly put to him: "If
the democratic national convention again
dominates you for the Presidency. would
you accept" his first answer was pam
tomime. He vigorously shook his head and
lifted his hand deprecatingly Then he ex-
claimed. with rapid utterance:
That will not happen: that will not hap
pen SO there is no of talking about it.
II am out of political affairs he con-
tinued. Il have said 1t often, so that it
ought to be we'll understood
Asked what he thought of the suggestion
that the democrats would do most wisely
to take their candidate for Vice President
from the southern states. the ex-president
dictated the following:
Il must decline to enter into any dis
cus5Ons of political questions at this time
II cannot be possible that my opinion on
any question that is about to be involved
in the national canvass can be msunder-
stood. 1 do not expect to be concerned
actively In the plans that now occu-
plying the thought and effort of the demo-
cratic managers. and 1t Is quite proper that
/ should be out of that account. inasmuch
as l consider myself as absolutely retired
from political activities.
Issues in Campaign.
in answer to your question as to what
issues l would regard as most important
in the present situation OF the country,
would say that 1t Is impossible at this time
to specify the questions which in the mu-
most occupy their attention when they are
called upon to express themselves at the
polls.
DO you think. Mr. Cleveland. that the
tariff question will be of prime impor-
lance in the campaign
Il have no objection to saying" replied
the ex-President, with marked emphasis
and dehberation. that in my opinion
whatever else happens. the question of
tarin adjustment cannot fail to occupy a
large place in the political discussions of
the present canvass.
Even the few evasve and grudging
words contained In the republican plat
form. in a halfway fashion permitting re-
publican followers to exercise independent
thought on that subject In combination
with the insistence OF the democratic par
ty. in season and out OF season. upon tariff
changes. IT seems to me. will certainly
bring this question to the front in a most
important way"
The Philippines Question.
''will you Mr.. Cleveland. express your
view of the attitude OF the republican
party on the Philippines question:
My opinion on the Philippine question
is. think. pretty we'll known. The prom
Use held out to the people OF those islands
OF independence and self-government.
should. In my opinion. assume a more def
mite shape. and one sufficiently tangible TO
hang a pledge upon. which can be reason
ably made the grounds OF an appeal to the
IL and of insistence upon its enforcement"
Mr.. Cleveland by inquiries addressed to
his visitor. manifested a lively interest in
the success of the democratic party In the
pending campaign. and he expressed a
strong hope that the outcome OF the st.
Louis convention would be such to slim
ulate the very best democratic effort.
Plat Preparing to Fight.
dispatch from New York last night
says: Senator Thomas c. Plat, abandon
ing his trip TO Europe. is preparing to make
final stand In the republican state con-
yention to re-establish his political au-
thortty in New York state the struggle
between his friends and the supporters OF
Governor Odeil for the Important privilege
of naming the next candidate for governor
promising to be more bitter than that which
preceded the passing of control in the state
committee from the senator to the governor.
Senator Platt announced yesterday that
he had decided not TO go to Europe. He
planned this trip months ago and had in
tended to sail on July II His plan was
unchanged when he left the Chicago con-
vention. Since his return to this city he
has received remonstrances and offers of
support from republican leaders. which
have caused him to change his program.
shall rernatn hare nd watch tha On ~, :