The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1876-02-02
WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENCE.

WHO RUNS THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL
CUMMITTEE THE SLATE OF T II
| ,pREsIDENT-wILL GUILTY MEN ES-
.cAPE-A SWEET SCENTED LOT.
WASHINGTON,
Jan. %, 1876.
EDITOR DEMOCRAT
| Since the calling Of the National
Republican Convention there has
been considerable speculation as to
the significance of the Committees
action in designating place for the
cohorts TO assemble. On general
principles it doesn't matter much
where the Convention is held, for the
belief is growing more universal that
none of the candidates likely to be
nominated by it could possibly Sc
cure an Endorsement by the people,
yet the usual ceremonies must be
gone through with, as q mere matter
Of form. For some days after the
call was issued we lived in an atmos-
phere Of curses from those who so
journ at the capital of the nation.
4 The elements that entered into this
manifestation of temper and the rea-
sons why they "cussed" were as va
rious as the influences to which they
J severally ascribed their discontinue.
But it is generally conceded that Sen
ator Morton dictated the selection of
Cincinnati, and the result was fe-
verish activity in Morton presiden-
tial stock. TO those who know how
these things are done the manipula-
tion of the committee in Morton's in
terest will not appear to deserve any
particular significance, further than
:. indicate that it is a possible point
gained in favor of q Western over an
Eastern candidate. Morton was pre-
sent as member Of the Committee,
with six Of his Senatorial colleagues,
mostly acting as proxies, and with
: old Simon Cameron to handle some
Of the other wax figures the thing was
accomplished, though not without a
) prolonged struggle
Blaine and his friends who were
for Philadelphia have exhibited the
most disappointment, yet if Blaine
had nothing more serious to contend
with than the location of the nemi-
mating convention he might be COM
paratively happy. But since the
Amnesty debate, President Grants
recent remark that "Blaine is in no.
body's way finds general echo
Indeed, lie is regarded as practically
out Of the race, his chances, always
slim, having been completely annihi-
lated. Conservative Republicans who
were previously his warmest supper
ters now express contempt for his in
sincerity. At the opening of Con-
gress the conspicuous position occu-
pied by the ex-Speaker was full OF
possibilities and surrounded by dan
gers. Had he by the reticence whicl,
belongs to craftsmanship and the dig
nifty beftting one who aspired to be
! President waited his opportunity and
expressed broad views upon the ques-
tons to come up, lie might have won
, u place in the hearts of the people,
even if he did not obtain the indorse.
ment of a party whose leaders are Sc
universally corrupt. But he has cho
sen to wreck his fortunes, upon the
most prominent breaker in his course
1t is the old, old story, smartness is
2 not greatness, and the Presidential
bug in his ear unbalanced his head
Surprise and wonderment have
5 been expressed that so little third
= term influence was manifest in the
t committees. But the way of the
: politician is past finding out, unit
you see his slate. Third-term as ar
! original proposition has now but few
I open advocates, but it is still the
i second choice of nearly every promi
. nent candidate in the party. Morton
and Grant are cheek by jowl. The
!, programme is for Morton to make his
best fight and show what it amounts
: to. He is supposed to be the onl,
man who could divide the Southern
q carpet-bag support with Grant. 1
he can make a show of strength
enough to win he is to have Grants
: help, with the entire patronage of tn,
Administration at his back, it beins
= understood that if elected the Presi
8 dents friends shall all be retained
y But if he cannot secure the nomina
ton he is to throw all his strength
y into the balance for Grant, and third