New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-05-14
EX-GOVERNOR HOWARD,s OPINIONS.
DECREASING STRENGTH OF GENERAL GRANT-REA
SONS FOR FAVoRING SENATOR BLAINE-pROB

DECREASING STRENGTH OF GENERAL GRANT-REA-
SONS FOR FAvoRING SENATOR BLAINE-pRoB-
ABLE ACTION OF THE DEMOCRATS.
Ex-Governor Henry Howard, of Rhode
Island, has been in the city few days attending 10
some private business He was found yesterday utter
noon at the Fifth Avenue Hotel by TRIBUNE reporter
1T seems me-" said the Governor, In answer to tDe
reporters inquiry his opinion OF the political sua-
tion that the political outlook has changed great
deal during the last week. In Judgment, business
men in the Republican party would like to SEQ Sherman
or Hayes nominated for the Presidency II President
Hayes had not bound himself so distinctly Dy his
letter Of acceptance there would have been goou
chance for him to receive sccOnd nomination. inc
feeling TO be that his administration has been
success both politically and morally There Is strong
personal tachment amounting TO affection Tor MIN ana
for his family among the people. He would be my first
choice IL he cOulc properly y aced in the canvass
"What do you think OF General Grants chancesT T.
"There IL a growing apprehension that the leellhG
against the third term will prove to be very strong when
the country be subjected TO tho heat ana ex
citement OF a Presidential campaign. While think
there is very regard for neral Grant yet IL IS
felt that his prestige could rot be increased by again
holding the Office OF President but rather that 1t would
be derOgdtOry 10 his dignity again TO enter the tunu
aud turmoil Of campaign, even though he
Gere reasonably certain of winning Aud this s any
thing hut certainty Politically speaking regard his
boom as on the wane, although 1t made great show
at first Nor think tho method in which Grant has
been presented by the active politicians OF Ncw-HOrk
and Pennsylvania has aided his There seems to
have been palpable attempt to Orestall tho public
choice and to dictate to the party There Is a wide
spread feeling OF opposition to the unt rule and In tbs
opposition 1 cordially agree. l do not believe
that delegates should bo sent to National Con-
yention merely as puppets Were l delegate-andI
have been delegate to several National Conventions
should pay no attention to any instructions. They are
entirely improper Every should be free to Judge
OF the exgenCics the occasion after he arrives at the
Convention"
What ia the attitude Of Rhode Island toward Senator
EdmundsH -
"Heis a favorite," said the Governor. " There Is
very great respect for him The public would be
entirely satisfied with him. But have come
to the conclusion that unless the Democrats
nominate Tilden, which would bo suicidal ON their
part we shall need the skill and enorgy OF some great
very popular and he has tho 9dyantage Iln3lt ,, OF
dcious nominations by the Democrats Blaine would
Oe very agreeable candidate to nc, though think no
sEatR sSatRcto E campasn nG as as the % last There must
cnad cH Uro to think this Would be likely result
nomination Of Mr. Blame IL strikes d m9 I'M tna % goGa iSg %
receive the full support OF the RcpuDlcan party
nave Is no fear but that he viii make good President
His Wtrength has been greatly augmented during the
RspuGlicans here and in Washington, among whom
are President Hayes. Governor Jewell G3yernor Rice;
Secretary Sherman, Senator BlainP and Mr. Grow, or
PennsylyanH and there TO be great good feeling
among them ALL There is such intense parallty for
anV particular candidate has been supposed TO exist.
Tue feeling that good aud available man should be
/ nominated" go ,. >,
| continued Governor Howard, "and Will 90 solid for
Blainc II he nominated The more think OF Blaine
the better like him. and the leaning OF our delegates to
Chicago is toward him. At present his chances seem to
| DC very PROMISING"
"Wiat do you think Of the probable action Of tho
| DemOcrats3 -,
| ~ think tho Democratic Convention will take tho
country entirely By surprise. It Will probably nominate
| some vino has not been taEed about saGac0us
Tiden. and they will bring forward "dark horse" ,
| like James K: Polk. Should they do this, being
| sure of the Southern States. and having q good
| show in New-York, they will give the Republicans
| hard work, Hence VIC should nominate man
| WHO can consolidate all the strength OF the
party and Senator Blaine Is such z ,,,I man. IN
that General Burnside stands very well with the people
and think therc doubt Of bis election 10 the sen
ae He in his hold upon the State now than
! when hc was first elected"