New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-18
HEATH ON HANNA.
NOT BOOMING HIM"
But He adds That Railroads Want
.Senator--Heath Not to Resign.

Perry S. Heath, secretary of the Republican
National Committee, and formerly First Assist
ant Postmaster General, who. told in yester-
days Tribune, is at the Waldorf, talked there
yesterday with newspaper men about the politi-
cal situation and the Postoffice investigation. In
answer to questions he said he was not here
TO boom Senator Hanna a Presidential nomi-
nee, and die not pretend to speak for the
Senator.
81 don't know what his sentiments are" he
added. I'm not engaged IN booming Senator
Hanna or any other candidate. Senator Hanna
is a who does not need any booming. You
don't have to create sentiment for him; it's
there. He is in robust health, sixty-three years
old. and able TO speak for himself.
THE Senator IS in a peculiar position. He Is g.
man who has elected his candidate in 1895 and
1900. and who has had campaigns of his own
for United States Senator and has had various
other campaigns in between. The friends who
came to his assistance then did not do so be-
cause his candidates were good candidates, but
because Of his own individuality. Now these
same friends are coming TO him and demanding
that he be candidate for the Presidency. Ger
tainly. Senator Hanna cannot turn and grab the
nearest baseball bat and brain them. nor can
he treat them abruptly. Re must treat them
with courtesy and consideration"
ISLANDERS, who asked If Senator Hanna would
accept the nomination If ex-President Cleveland
should be named by the Democrats. he replied:
oh as TO that you had better ask Senator
Hanna HIMSELF
Then he added: "Ex-President Cleveland has
taken himself out of the race more effect
lively than Senator Hanna. hasn't he? would
call your attention TO the situation by quoting
Secretary James G. Blaine. as think his sum-
ming up best fits this any other similar situa-
ton:
mo one can make himself the Presidential
candidate, nor can he refuse TO be q candi-
date"
Why suddenly exclaimed Mr.. Heath. there
are fifteen railroad presidents in this house here
tonight. and ten OF them have told Senator
Hanna they would support him for the Repub-
ncan nomination this year"
Referring TO the various conventions which
have indorsed President Rocsevelts admins
tration, he said:
This practice Of indorsing national admins
trations by State conventions of the po-
litical faith as the administration has been in
vogue for years. It's the usual thing, but 1t is
in no way binding upon the delegates of the
next convention the convention or conven-
tons which elect district delegates or delegates
at large to the national convention"
Asked about the postoffice investigation. Mr..
Heath remarked: II have intention of dis
cussng that subject. l am on the stand and
giving my evidence. l went into the Postoftice
Department to carry out the obligations OF
President McKinley's administration. 1t seems
that l am TO be crucifed for il. The cross is
all ready and am all ready for the crucifxion,
as have been before. 1 did my duty honestly
and faithfully and others who did the same
thing before me have also been cruciied."
In discussing the situation in the Democratic
party, Mr.. Heath said: Il have travelled across
the continent seventeen times in the LIST fifteen
months and let me tell you that you would be
surprised to view the sentiment for Hearst
Asked if he had any intention OF retiring
from the secretaryship of the Republican Ma
tional Committee, Mr.. Heath answered: Il have
not. The only people who talk to that effect
are my enemies. who want me to get out