Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1876-04-13
THE NEXT PRESIDENT.

OS''Np ~
Blaine as the Republican candidate for
President, aud the certainty that, if NOM
mated, he will be elected by an immense
majority over whoever the Democrats nay
run against him, renders it proper that
we should discuss his qualifications for
the duties which he will be called upon
to perform. MIR. Blaine is SO we'll known
as the leader Of the Republican party and
the great c%ommoner," of this time that
aside from his prominence as a Presiden>
tlal candidate, there is sufficient reason
why his praises should be in the mouths
of all fair men. Let US now look at him
in the character Of a statesman as we'll as
that Of a political leader. The popular
instinct, which is often quicker and sLar-
per than the perception of partizan Lead
ers and pretentious publicists, kcenly
discusses the the strong qualities of Hon.
James G. Blaine as the Presidential can.
didate to lead the Republican party to
victory in the approaching national con.
test. His clear comprehension Of the
national duties and necessities, his
thorough appreciation of the valuable
points of the ensmy, and the fearless
directness with which lie aims his blows,
have awakened the popular enthusiasm to
a degree that is disturbing the heroes of
sleepy conservatives, and exciting the
fears of the Confederate politicians of the
South and their Democratic allies of the
North. His rising popularity has a sub
stantial cause, which timid politicians do
not seem to comprehend. A certain
class of individuals, Of limited numbers,
while admitting that the popular tide is
rising in bis favor, try to break the force
of this fact BY asserting that ths masses
are not capable of correctly estimating
him, that he is a sagacious politician but
no statesman. Mems standard of states
manship varies greatly according to tem>
perment, moral and political education.
Standing now as the most influential
leader Of the Republican party of the
Union? Mr.. Blaine holds a leadership
be has fairly earned after twenty years Of
manly, vigorous effort, growing in wisdom
and strength with each succeeding year
equal to every occasion on which he is
called to play a part. Yet there are
those who concede his popularity and the
consumate ability and tact with which he
c%onironts, o%utgenerals and defeats the
Democratic majority, and is leading the
Republicans to success, yet insist hat be
Is no statesman that he is only a poll,
tician. Very singular ideas of statesman.
ship these wonderful critics have. What
do they really mean by these use of
terms! Webster defues q statesman :
"A man versed in the arts Of Government
enc eminent for political ability
Brought to a practical test we doubt if
there is another man in the country more
thoroughly acquainted with all the forms
methods and workings of tho State and
national government of this country than
James G. Blaine.
There are men who in action aud pow
er are much less thlu their written and
spoken words. There are others whose
speech is less than their deeds. The lat,
ter have a reserved force which words do
not measure, but is always made to tell
when the hour of trial comes. What Mr..
Blaine has accomplished when brought to
the test, shows that be does not belong to
the former class. In early life he was a
political student of remarkable insight
and application Then au able and pop
ular Journalist with rare opportunities
for political culture and experience, re.
peatedlY speaker Of the Maine House of
Representatives, fourteen years a member
Of Congress, six years Speaker Of the
National House of Representatives, with
a success equalled by none since Henry
Clay many years ago occupied the position
and not surpassed by him. The scope
powerful success Of Mr.. Blainc's present
leadership Of the Republican minority
the country now scans for itself and can
make up its opinion. With a remarkable
memory Of all salient facts in the politi.
cal history Of the country, with a knowl.
edge of men OF different sections of the
Union surpassed by no living American,
with personal magnetism rarely equalled,
he gathers snen quickly around him and
holds them with great tenacity. His adj