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HARRISON, Benjamin (1833-1901), President. Autograph letter signed ("Benjamin Harrison"), as President-elect, to Senator John Sherman, Indianapolis, 2 February 1889. 3 pages, 8vo, with Sherman's 5 February 1889 response.
HARRISON CHOOSES HIS CABINET: NO MORE NEW YORKERS IN THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT!
A fine confidential letter to GOP Senator Sherman, asking advice on his plan to appoint a Westerner as Treasury Secretary: "I have been put out in my Cabinet plans by the discussion of Allison not to take the Treasury & feel as if I would like to avail myself of your friendly counsel in the matter. New York has had the Treasury now for nearly two terms and for this and many other reasons I am desirous to find a suitable man in the West, if possible." Congressional leaders balked at Allison since his absence would dangerously reduce an already slim GOP margin in the Senate. "The same suggestion," Harrison continues, "would seem to shut me out of the House. I am very solicitous to secure a man whose mention will give the assurance of a safe & efficient management of the Treasury..." He asks Sherman for "such names as occur to you in all of the Western States," and invites him to come to Indianapolis "if you are willing to face the fire of the press..." Sherman is emphatic on who not to pick: "Such a [New York] politician as Platt would involve you in grave troubles & scandals within a month." He proposes two names: "Gov. Foster & your townsmen Gov. Porter." Picking a Cabinet, Sherman muses, is "like a game of chess. The looker on thinks he sees a good move & wishes to tell his friend who is playing the game, but after all the player has the best view & is less likely to make a mistake." Harrison eventually settled on Minnesotan William Windom. Together 2 items. (2)
HARRISON CHOOSES HIS CABINET: NO MORE NEW YORKERS IN THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT!
A fine confidential letter to GOP Senator Sherman, asking advice on his plan to appoint a Westerner as Treasury Secretary: "I have been put out in my Cabinet plans by the discussion of Allison not to take the Treasury & feel as if I would like to avail myself of your friendly counsel in the matter. New York has had the Treasury now for nearly two terms and for this and many other reasons I am desirous to find a suitable man in the West, if possible." Congressional leaders balked at Allison since his absence would dangerously reduce an already slim GOP margin in the Senate. "The same suggestion," Harrison continues, "would seem to shut me out of the House. I am very solicitous to secure a man whose mention will give the assurance of a safe & efficient management of the Treasury..." He asks Sherman for "such names as occur to you in all of the Western States," and invites him to come to Indianapolis "if you are willing to face the fire of the press..." Sherman is emphatic on who not to pick: "Such a [New York] politician as Platt would involve you in grave troubles & scandals within a month." He proposes two names: "Gov. Foster & your townsmen Gov. Porter." Picking a Cabinet, Sherman muses, is "like a game of chess. The looker on thinks he sees a good move & wishes to tell his friend who is playing the game, but after all the player has the best view & is less likely to make a mistake." Harrison eventually settled on Minnesotan William Windom. Together 2 items. (2)