Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-18
PERRY HEATH TALKS POLITICS.
Discusses Mr.. Hanna's Chances for
Nomination for Presidency

1OI 41SS1oCACy.
The New York Times of today publishes
an interview with Perry Heath, secretary
of the republican national, committee, rel
alive to Senator Hanna and the nominal
ton for President.
Secretary Heath was asked: Suppose Mr..
Cleveland should find conditions changing
and should reconsider his determination
not to run and accept nomination at the
hands of the democrats, would Senator
Hanna consent to be the republican candi-
date if that party convinced him that he
was the strongest man within 1t and the
only man WHO would have a least an equal
chance to defeat the ex-President?
Secretary Heath was on the point of CIV
ing direct answer to this when he caught
himself and made this statement: "Oh as
to that, you'd better ask Senator Hanna
Pressed for a more direct answer, he
continued:
"Ex-President Cleveland has taken HIM
self out of the race even more effectively
than Senator Hanna, hasn't he?"
Secretary Heath continued: Il would call
your attention to the situation by quoting
Secretary James G. Blaine. as I think his
summing up best fits this or any other
similar situation: No one can make himself
the presidential candidate nor can he refuse
to be a candidate"
and 1903 Endorsed the Presidents admins
tration and declared in favor of his re-
nomination. Now. Mr. Heath. does that
pledge the delegates Of those states, to be
TT does not" Mr.. Heath replied quickly.
He continued: "One convention cannot
pledge the delegates Of another. Each acts
on its own responsibility
"Why!" he suddenly burst out "there are
fifteen railroad presidents in this house
here tonight, and ten of them have told
the republican nomination this year.
This practice of indorsing national adj
ministrations by state conventions Of the
same political faith as the administration
thing but it is In no way binding upon the
delegates Of the next convention or the
convention or conventions which elect dis
trict delegates or delegates-at-large to the
national convention"
Asked whether he had any intention Of
retiring from the secretaryship of the re-
publican national committee, Secretary
Heath answered.:
II have not The only people who talk
to that effect are my enemies. who want
me to get out.
Are they Mr. Roosevelt's friends?" came
the question.
Are they?" echoed Mr.. Heath.
AS to the post Office investigation. Secre-
tary Heath remarked:
subject l am on the stand and giving my
evidence. 1 went into the Post Office De-
partment to carry out the obligations of
President McKinley's administration.
ct seems that am to be crucified for 1t.
The cross is all ready. and 1 am all ready
for the crucifxion. as have been before:
l did my duty honestly and faithfully, and
others who did the same thing before me
have also been crucified
But some strenuous persons seem to
have ESCAPED it," was interposed
only for the time being" said Mr.. Heath
with a half-suppressed grin
AS to the situation In the democratic
party, he said:
II have Travelled across the continent
seventeen times in the past fifteen months,
and let me tell you, You would be surprised
to view the sentiment for Hearst"
what is it going to1lead to-" was asked.
mot being accustomed to gauging the
wind on the democratic side, am not in
position to answer that question"