(SENATOR BAYARD'S PLANS)
The following Associated Press despatch appeared at about this time:
"When Senator Thomas F. Bayard came to Albany and paid his respects to President-elect Cleveland, it is understood that he left for home with the assurance that he could make his choice of any position in the cabinet, and he would receive the appointment. It is said on good authority that, after having duly deliberated over the matter, the Delaware Senator sent a note to the Governor, which was received yesterday, indicating his preference for the portfolio of Secretary of the Treasury. It is rumored that he will be accordingly appointed."
"House of Representatives, U. S.,
"Washington, D. C., Dec. 17, 1884.
"My dear Sir,—Unless you interfere at once and with determination, I apprehend Mr. B. will be selected as Secretary of Treasury. That means an end of your friends.
"Yours truly,
Sam. Randall."[30]
ROBERT M. MCLANE TO TILDEN
"Executive Mansion, Annapolis, Md., Dec. 29th, '84.
"My dear Governor,—I wish you a happy New Year, and I would be delighted if I could offer my greeting in person. I would do so if I knew when you were to be in the city, or if it would be quite convenient to drop in on you at 'Greystone,' as I am going to pay a New Year's visit to my sister, Mrs. Hamilton, at Poughkeepsie.
"I have not heard from any of my New York friends since the election, and I can see little from the bottom of my well here. I saw Mr. Randall in Washington on Saturday just as he was starting for Kentucky, and was sorry to hear from him that he had expressed the wish that his name should not be associated with any cabinet appointment, for though I appreciate his disinterestedness, no man in the country is better able than he to dispel all distrust in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Indiana when we come to deal practically with the revision of the tariff. He could and would easily reduce duties and increase revenue, ridding us forever of excise taxation! We are, it seems to me, in very nearly the same fix we were in under Jackson and Polk, when we drove the high Protectionists and Free Traders into one camp in opposition to a revenue tariff! Under Polk, Governor Marcy brought from New York the experts employed by Mr. Walker in the Treasury, who gave the maximum revenue duty upon every article imported under the Whig Tariff of 1842. We could raise now over $300,000,000 by applying the same principle, greatly increasing the revenues, and to the advantage rather than to the injury of our industries. Mr. Randall is able to do this, and none of the doubtful States would distrust him. If we do not find such a solution of this question our victory will turn to ashes on our lips! Once more wishing you a happy New Year, and many returns thereof, I remain,