Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-12-20
Who Shall Succeed President Hayes ,

The session OF Congress, with Its collec'
ton of politicians from all parts of the
country at the capital, brings up inevitably
the great question of the Presidential sue
cession. Who and what after Hayes? is
already the great underlying subject Of
thought and discussion at Washington. That
there is fair chance for another Republic
can success in the next National election is
generally admitted, save by the most ex-
treme and sanguine of the Democrats, pro-
viied nomination is made which will unite
the elements of opposition to the Democra-
cy. A special correspondent of the Spring
field Republican discusses the situation at
length as seen at Washington. He sets
down Mr.. Blaine as the leading candidate
for the nomination, though he believes that
it would be insanity for the Republicans to
nominate man with a recored so open to
attack. But he is very popular North and
| South and many would prefer him to Grant,
who stands next in the list. The movement
for Grant derives strength from the idea
| that a strong government is needed to
| repress Southern lawlessness and reverse
the results Of the shotgun policy
10 the Southern States which would be Re
publican if the colored voters in them had
popular with the oficeholders and clerks in
the departments. 1t is stated elsewhere
that President Hayes rather favors Grant,
and has expressed himself in a way that
shows that he would regard the reelection
Of Gen. Grant as affJriing assurance Of a
continuance OF the moderate policy of the
present Administration. Many persons of
excellent Judgment believe that Gen. Grant
would take the chief magistracy il again
elected to 1t, under new conditions, with
views brOaiened and improved by his former
experience and by foreign travel; and that
he would be sure to give the country safe,
strong and popular Administration. Mr.
Conklng is said to "hold a strong third
hand''-his successful management of the
late canvass in his own State giving him
fresh hold on the party. His ability as
leader Is recognized, and there is excellent
feeling between his friends and those of Gen
Grant, while between him and Blaine there
is a strong rivalry with good deal Of per-
sonal animosity. but after all, says the cor
respondent, sit is the dark horse that wins
in these Presidential contests. In contra
diction Of all the present signs the prize of
the nomination il more likely than not to
fall to some one in the background, like
Wa>hbirne Of Illinois, Joe Hawley or John
Sherman. If 50 good man as Hawley or
Washburnc, be will be elected, unless the
Democrats go back on their record and put
forward their cleanest and strongest team -
Their strongest man, he adds, is Senator
Blyard of Delaware, but he is too good a
man for their use, and it is more likely that
some trimmer, like Hendricks or Thurman,
will be the Democratic nominee The latter
is to-day the leading Democratic candidate
Tillen is considered out Of the field That
Gen. Batter means 10 make vigorous
push for the Presidency, either by capturing
the Democratic nomination or running as
the independent candidate Of all the di-con-
tented class, ia very generally believed at
Washington.
But all this is thus far, of course, mere
preliminary canvassing; and year of such
speculation must clapse before the elements
on which calculations can be made begin 10
take definite shape. American politics are
in a condition in which year may make all
the difference in the world on the outlook.