Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-05-08
A Good Week for Blaine.

In the conventions held this week, Mr..
Blaine has added largely to his
previous strength as candidate
at Chicago. New Jersey, New Hampshire,
MARYLAND, and Delaware, have elected
delegations solid for him. In Wisconsin
the delegates were divided by move
ment in favor of Washburn, which result
ed In reducing Blainc's strength below
what was claimed for him before the con
venton But this slight loss was more than
balanced by the losses Of Grantin Tennes-
see and Mississippi, both of which were
rcckoned upon with certainty by Grants
friends to give solid delegations for him.
Blaine has ten votes in me Tennessee
delegation. and Blaine and Sherman have
eleven of the sixteen delegates chosen in
Mississippi.
The movement in Pennsylvania in favor
of Blaine has not subsidized. as Senator
Cameron has given the public to under
stand The Philadelphia delegates APP
pointed one of their number. Mr.. McManes,
TO confer with Cameron. This the former
did. advising the Senator of the state OF
affairs in the Philadelphia delegation, and
that eleven of the twelve had come to the
determination not to support Grant at
Chicago. They said they did not believe
Gen. Grant could be elected if nominated :;
that he.independcnt element in Pennsyl-
vania was receiving new accessions every
day and threatened to split the party into
two powerless factions with another man
the State could be carried handsomely.
They did not want to violate the unit rule,
but it might become necessary to do so if
that rule was TO be enforced in favor of
Gen. Grant.
There Is also revolt in the New York
delegation against Grant and in favor of
Blaine. The Albany correspondent of the
Tribune under date of the 9TH says:
1.-The first sign of the approaching revolt
among the delegates was made evident to-day
in the Senate. and the first to speak
forth was no less than republican who was
judged worthy of the nomination tor Governor
by large proportion of the delegates to the
Saratoga Convention. In conversation with
several Senators. and subsequently with your
correspondent. Senator Robertson said
The unit rule adopted at Utica will not
bind me. shall vote for Mr. Blaine on the
first ballot at the Chicago Convention, and
continue to vote for him as long as he is a
candidate
Senator Robertson also said that he be-
lieved many other delegates Of New York to
Chicago shared his opinion, that the instruc-
tions Of the Utica Convention were not of a
binding nature, and would shortly declare
themselves in favor of Mr.. Blaine or some
other candidate opposed to ex-President
Grant
Senator Sessions. who is also delegate,
said to your correspondent tonight;
4 intend to vote for Mr.. Blaine on the
first ballot What is the use Of waiting for a
second ballot2 There is large proportion
Of the New York delegation for Blaine, and
we intend to workf for him at Chicago from
the time we get there till the close of the
Convention"
The week draws to q close with bright
outlook for Mr.. Blaine at Chicago. His
only formidable opponent. General Grant
is losing in delegates. and evidently weak
ening in popular support as the time for
holding the convention approaches. The
Blaine boom is stronger than ever at the
close Of this week. The delegates elected
for him since last Monday are: .
New Hampshire. ls
New jersey. II
Delaware,
Maryland, II
wisconsin.
TENNESSEE, II
Mississippi.