Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-02-25
HANNA HISTORY.

PcciaHy from highway commissioners.
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| HANNA HISTORY.
It not infrequently happens that some
OF the most interesting historical Incl
dents in the career OF men can not be
published for various reasons so long
as the dramatis personae are alive. An
instance Of this character has Just been
brought to light by the Chicago Tribune
in connection with the lives of Mckinley
and Hanna, which incidentally may serve
to disabuse the minds of those who as
sumed that the martyred President was
as but putty in the hands of his rugged
and strenuous campaign manager.
It transpires that during visit Of Mr.
Mckinley. while President elect, to the
residence OF Mr.. Hanna the former took
occasion to speak to the editor of the
Tribune concerning his relations to the
manager OF his campaign. Mr.. McKin-
Icy said he felt under the deepest obliga-
lions to Mark. as he called Mr.. Hanna
Familiarity. and he was consequently
sorely perplexed in relation to the selec-
ton Of the members Of his cabinet.
Mr.. Hanna had expressed his desire to
be secretary Of the treasury but in the
opinion Of the President-elect that Office
called for an order Of ability different
from that possessed by Hanna While
that gentleman had had a long business
experience and a. knowledge Of financial
affairs. he lacked practice and readiness
in public speaking. secretary OF the
treasury. said Mr. Mckinley, was con.
tinually being called on to address pub
lie bodies. such as chambers of com
merce. boards of trade and Industrial
and other organizations, and he thought
Mr.. Hanna would be at great dsadvant-
ages on such occasions because he was
not Il public speaker.
The further information of interest was
furnished by Mr.. Mckinley that he had
i.oposed to take Mr.. II9NNa into his
'holheI as postlnaster-seneral but tho
offer was declined. Tho understanding
WAS that Hanna would rather look for
promotion in another direction than &C
cept any position except that of secretary
OF the treasury. Tho Tribune proceeds to
comment on this situation as follows:
Inc difference of opinion between the
two men was not followed by any impa
mont of good feeling on either side NJ,
WAS the harmony Of their relations ever
for "A moment disturbed. Each had pc!.
rect confidence in the Judgment and good
wiII or the other. ana up to the day OF
M1kinley's death their warm friendship
was never interrupted.
MT Mckinley seems to have underest-
mated tho potentia, abilities of Mr. y{anrr
q n = l,.l bod
rapidly Mark" would develop ftor his
entry upon public life in the Senate h."
could never have heSitated TO intrust to
nm the office Of secretary of the treas
lrY or any other office in his gift which
Mr. Hanna would be likely to accept
Senator Hanna uuquestionablv would
nave mai" an admirable secretary OF the
treasury either at the time he suggested
II ~ ~ any time in his career as public
man after the Inauguration OF McNin
II is almost pity that he was not chosen
Tor that place in McKinlcy's first cabinet.
On the other hand. his career IN tho Sen
ate has been almost illustrious. and il
would have been a misfortune if he had
not been given an opportunity to show
III That great forum the quality of man
nc was.
The interesting disclosure Of the Chi
cago Tribune shcds o5w light an one Of
the important incidents which RULED the
surface Of the early part of Mr.. Nc
kinley's administration. 1t will be re-
called that the Hon. John Sherman, who
was United States senator from Ohio
OF 80 ,sction OF Mckinley to the Pros-
dency Of the United States was invited
by the President-elcct to become his
secretary Of state.
II was held in some quarters that Sher-
man was practically dra ,gcd into what
was termed the sacrifice of the senator
ship at period OF life when the arduous
duties of the head Of the state depart
ment must cut short his days in order
to make place for the successful man
ager of Mckinley's campaign.
1t is only seven years since these events
took place, yet Mckinley, Sherman and
Hanna are all dead. 1t will be strange
under the circumstances If some writer
thoroughly acquainted with the inside
history OF Ohio politics of that period
does not give to the public this full story
in connection with discussion of the life
and services of the lamentod Hanna.