Daily Kennebec journal., 1876-06-13
THE CONTENTION.
Nav 1. 1876.

THE CONTENTION.
Since the exciting canvas of 1910. prob
ably no convention ever held in this eoun-
try has called forth an interest more pro-
found than that which attaches to the con-
vention now assembling in the city OF
Cincinnati. While the clash and the clam
or of the battlefield is not heard in the
land, the issues of the war are altogether
unsettled, and it is to be decided on this
Centennial year of the nation, whether
the principles for which the loyal army
fought, are to be carried out, or wheth-
er the government and the administration
of its affairs shall be passed over to the
tender mercies of those who tried to take
its life. A few months session of DEM
ocratic House at Washington has clearly
demonstrated the animus of the party, and
evnces what they would do had they pos
session of both the Senate and House,
and should at last be able to capture, in
an evil hour, the executive.
Aud so the nation is looking with deep
interest at the actions of the men sent up
TO Cincinnati. to reassert the well known
platform of principles of the republican
party, and to nominate true man to IL
lustrate and develop them in wise, hon
est and impartial administration. The
convention, TO assemble on Wednesday,
will be made up of men fresh from the
masses of the republican party, in nearly
every walk and calling in life, who will
undoubtedly represent the average sentl-
ment and belief of the republican party OF
the country. The distinguished men who
will be present, whose wise councils and
guiding hands have contributed to the
success of the republican party in other
years. will give great weight and charac-
ter TO the deliberations.
There will be no difficulty in arriving
at correct conclusions in regard to the
principles to be enuncated. The prin-
ciples and policy of the republican party
are known to every school-boy and the
most casual observer of current events.
They are written upon the hearts of men;
tsey are indellibly stamped in the very
existence of this free and restored coun-
try.
But, in regard to candidates, the con-
test wakes hot, as the day OF final decis-
ion approaches. Until that time, we may
expect that the air will be full of rumors.
All the gentlemen prominently mentioned
as candidates have their enthusiastic
friends, who will put upon the wires and
send to the "uttermost parts OF the earth,
highly colored reports. in which, by
turns, each candidate, will appear to have
the advantage.
All reports concede that Mr. Blaine is
the leading candidate. The estimates put
his vote on the first ballot at 250, with
Morton the next strongest, and Brstow
the third in the race. The whole vote OF
the convention is 1872; necessary for a
choice, 377. 1t is proof conclusive that
Mr.. Blaine is the strongest candidate, be-
cause all opposers in their estimates only
begin to figure with the assumption, ''pro-
yided Mr.. Blaine is out of the way
Most of the "providential probabilities"
also that come from Cincinnati, place Mr..
Blaine in the foreground. No man in the
country is probably so enshrned in the
hearts of the people as Mr. Blaine. lie
has withstood every effort to break
down his character, and has
squarely and boldly met all antago-
nists, and turned their deadly and devilish
weapons upon themselves, and he stands
before the country more beloved and re-
spected than before the base attacks were
made upon him. The object Of these at
tacks was so apparant that they awak-
ened a just indignation in the popular
mind, and really united in the sup
port of Mr.. Blaine all who like fair deal
ing and who hate unjust and unwarranted
persecution.
The first day Of the convention will be
taken up in the organization, routine busi-
ness, and deciding upon the claims Of con-
testing delegations The balloting for
candidates for President and Vice Presi-
dent will not take place until Thursday,
and may possibly be deferred until Friday.
Our dispatches this morning will give the
full particulars of the preliminary situa-
ton. All due allowance for the usual
amount of gossip and street talk must be
made. Mr.. Blaine's friends are confident
of his nomination on the second or third
ballots. Great enthusiasm is manifested
for him on every side as the delegations
md other friends pour into the city.
We believe that could the people OF this