New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-12-07
THE LEADER OF THE REPUBLICANS.

1HE LEADER Of HE hEftblsltaNp'
MR. BI-uNE's PARLIAMENTARY sHiL-DIfncuLrIEs
OF HIS PosiTIoN-rIIE DEFENSE OF REPUBLICAN
MEASURES
IFEoM A REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBuSE.]
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5.-Ex-Speakcr Blaine
arrived Oh Friday night and excellent health aud
spirits On Saturday he at the Capitol IN tho room
OF Clerk McrhcrSon with several Republicans whom III
erest the novel phenomenon OF the Democrats stug
Cling offices Of the House drew tn the scene OF
contest In the evening he attended the Re
publican caucus held In the judiciary Commit
tees room-the place where the Democrats,
during the long period when they were in
the minority, In the habit of meeting every two
years 10 select candidates for the empty honor OF a
complimentary vote. Mr. Blaine has been reduced to
the ranks far official station IF concerned by inc
revolution In politics but when he takes his seat among
the Republican members Monday II viii be az tie
universally recognized leader Of hs party lie is abso-
mtely without a rival For parliamentary knowledge
and skill, political sagacity and power In dchate'
he mas no equal. The chief OF minorli!
wins his position by appointment tO the head oi
committee but by general recognition among hl- party
associates Of his superior fitness to lead This fecoen-
ton the exspeaker has without seeking IT, His path
will be by no means smooth one. As leading candi-
date for the Presidency he viii be greauy hampecd and
cannot dash the struggle with the majority with bis
natural vigor and energy He must all the time
think, before speaking, what eject his words VIII
be
ON the con lin ua warfare IN which he must engage WIN
view only to the success of hs party There are many
other complications In the situation.
IL will not do for Mr. Blaine to earnestly oppose the
Democratic rage for Investigations and yet lac cannot DC
expected 10 cooperate In movements clearly In
tended to destroy hs party chance OF winning the Pres
denial battle To know Just where 10 draw the line De
tween passive assent to the programme OF Ills ad'er
sares and resistance " IL will tax his utmost
saeaelty n he agrees the Democratic programme OF
cutting down expenses no Will appear to abandon the
cause OF the minority; II he opposes H. he VIII be open
10 the charge Of favorng extravaganza Whatever dam
.ocs the Administration will indirectly damage him, be-
caus II will make the victory of the Republicans next
wear more doubtful ana yet TO exert himself TO shield the
Administration would clearly make him unpopular III
the third term project should s show signs Of Me- MI
Ra,u. could not I've expected ~ feel badly about dis
closures tending to break down the candidacy OF Deh'
Grant aud yet such disclosures would seriously snect
M. nay and would therefore call for such excuses OF
palliaton "a the Republican leader IN me hous -
rr"nLi furnish 10 In evident that the situation ~
bedeod around with tie most pu1Llng dieinInas'
N ANYBODY can find safe way ont Of them, howe,sr'
nni nIuck laurels from these thOrns OF dlcuty mI.
blaine il the man Fertile 10 resources bold abd rudueh
An action master Of parliamentary strategy, rcadI III
debate and strong IN argument, and carrying win nun
fhe nrcgtlce OF years IN the chair lie VIII nave NO
antagonist capable Of crossing swords Win hp, anu
Viii vfLan confound tho raw and eluinsy Democratic
majority. ,a,
[Fvr regular Osnsrss,ss prsessdtSg' 'e sse0"d fae'I