An Interesting Reminiscence Of '92

Tuesday May 17, 1892, was a red letter tfay for the republicana oí Ann Arbor, and especially for the young men in the UniversLty of Michigan, for it witraessed the first banquet ever glven by the Republican Club of the Ondversrty. Slome 200 delegares were present, jfrom other collegep, and the event was a great success. Among the eminent speakers presen were Major Wm. McKinley of Ohio, the next president of the United States ; Gen. Russell A. Alger, of our oth state ; Hon. John M. Thurston, now TJ. S. Senator from Nebraska ; Hon. J. Slaat Fassett, of New York ; Bon. John Patton, Jr., of Grand Kaplds, afterward U. S. Senator for Mich%an ; Hon. A. B. Humphrey, of New York, and others. The recent decisión of PTesidentElect McKinley to appoiint Gen. Alger to the war portfolio, calis to mini a little incident of that time. Maj. McKinley, Gen. Alger, J. Sloat Fasset't amd Senator Patton were the guests of one of our prominent citizens. After partaking of tea they all adjoumed to the smoking room for a chat. Maj. McKinley and Gen. Alger were eacli presklential possibiiities at that time, and it was generally talked that lm the approaching natóional convention, the republicany might cónclude to choose one or tlie other as their standard bearer. Conversati.on quite naturally drifted to that absorbing topic, and Maj. McKinley, in a joking way, remarked to Alger : "Well, General, when I get to be president, I shall cali you to my cabinet." And the General, quick to return the compliment, replted : ''And should I beoome President, Major, you staall be a member of my cabioet.1' After nearly live years, this protnise, made in friendly banter, has become a reality, and Gen. Alger will become secretary of war in President McKinley's cabinet..