New-York tribune., 1876-06-13
MASSACHUSETTS WITHOUT A LEADER.


POSITION OF JUDGE HoAE-HIs FRIENDSHIP
FOR MR. BLAINE
lBY TELEGRAPH TO TIL. TRIBUNE
CINCINNATI, June 1.-THE movements of the
Massachusetts delegation have been watched to-day
with great interest. The division of sentiment
which exists in it and the indecison displayed by
many of its members thoroughly disgust the prac-
tical politicians from that State, who desire that
Massachusetts, shall make itself felt in the Conven
tion which it cannot do in its present divided con-
dtion The trouble seems to be that the Republican
party in Massachusetts is without recognized
leader Sumner and Wilson were looked up
to for years as tho lawgivers OF the party
in that State and since the one was dcposed and
censured for his independent course in 1872 and
both have died. the party seems to drift Mr.. Dana,
and the class of men whom he represents have little
taste OF inclination do that kind of work to which
a party leader must devote much of his attention if
he would keep his forces united and compact. Judge
Hoar might possibly control it were it not for his
independence of thought. for as the world goes the
party leader must often subordinate his own Judg-
ment to that of the rank and file of his party.
Gen. Butler has tried 1t, and has disgustcd those
who compose the better elements of the party by
his self-seeking and his trickery. The result is
that the Massachusetts, delegation comes to the Gin
cinnati Convention with single purpose and
every effort to bring it to understanding has thus
far failed and probably will fail to the end.
The friends of Mr. Blame now claim live or SIX
votes on the delegation, with the possibility OF gam
ing Others if Judge Hoar finally concludes to support
the ex-Speaker. Judge Hoar's position is under
stood TO be this: When he was Attorney-Gencral OF
the United States during the early part of Gen.
Grants administration Mr. Bristow was Solicitor
General and the former became very much attached
to the latter, and learned TO admire and respect
him not only as an upright able, and efficient officer,
but as man. Mr. Brstow's administration of the
Treasury Department has increased that respect and
confidence, and Judge Hoar has been attracted
toward him ever since he has been mentioned as a
candidate. At the same time he is also attached to
Mr. Baifie and the friendship which exists between
them dates back almost to the time when Mr. Blaine
first entered public life. Judge Hoar Is APP
parently satisfied that Mr.. Blaine has vindi-
Gated himself from all accusations which have
reflected on his character or which, if true, would
unfit him TO be the candidate of the Republican
party, and the question with him became largely
one of expedency. His friendship for Blaine i'm
pelled him to vote for the Maine statesman.
while his Judgment led HIM toward Mr..
Bristow-possbly the stronger candidate of the
two with the people. So late last night
he was reported saying that he was willing to vote
for Mr. Blaine If the latter could carry New-fork
today He IS reported to have been satisfied Oh this
point but new doubts have arisen to Mr. Blaine's
| physical condition. and this evening he is said to
have remarked that he should vote for Mr. Blaine,
provided the ex-Speaker able to stand on his feet
oil Wednesday.