Page:The autobiography of a Pennsylvanian.djvu/407

 The next day I was at the camp of the National Guard at Mount Gretna and there, on foot, as was my wont, inspected, personally, each man and held the review from a barouche.

On the 24th of July, Senators Penrose and Knox visited me at Pennypacker's Mills and there talked to me about the question of a special session of the legislature, which was being very generally discussed, especially in Philadelphia, with reference to the affairs of that city. I had been considering the matter, but a man trained in the law always has the sense that there must be a legal justification for that which he does. The demand had been mainly local. Just at this juncture the Supreme Court decided the Greater Pittsburgh act to be unconstitutional and furnished the justification. A serious matter affecting the interests of the western part of the state, for which the legislature had endeavored to provide, had failed. At that instant my qualms disappeared and a special session became inevitable. Penrose had heard that I was considering the matter and came to urge his opposition. He also wanted me to appoint J. A. Berkey of Somerset County to the place made vacant by the death of Fuller. A few days later I gave that position to Robert McAfee, a much stronger man, and made Berkey Commissioner of Banking, which satisfied him and the Senator.

The following correspondence shows the attitude of the party people toward the question of a special session:

, August 16, 1905.

I have just run down from Canada for a few days and take time to express my appreciation of your appointment of Mr. McAfee as Secretary of the Commonwealth, which occurred during my absence. I have known Mr. McAfee intimately for over thirty-five years and each year's acquaintance has added to my regard for him. He is a sterling man and I believe will strengthen your administration.

Since my last talk with you I have thought considerably on Rh