The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1880-02-11
Presidential.


The Republican national convention which
meets in Chicago June 5. will probably
be one of the most important political
gatherings in many years-important
because on the result of its deliberations
depends, in great measure, the very life
of the Republican party. At the present
time the contest may be said to be between
Grant, Blaine and Washburne. Although
the latter has not developed much
strength, so far. yet his availability is in
the freedom with which he may possibly
be accepted as compromise candidate. 1t
is claimed by Grants managers that he
will &c into the convention with Pennsyl-
vania, New York and Illinois pledged to
his support, while he will secure 2l3 votes
from the south, out of the $50 to which
that section is entitled. The total mum
Der of delegates is $50, which would
require 379 votes as necessary to choice,
If Grant secures the votes which Gamer
on claims he viii, he will have 383 on the
first ballot which will be more than
enough to obtain the nomination The
Grant managers, however, may fail in their
plans in Illinois. in which event, his NOM
ination would be uncertain. Changes might
also occur in the southern delegation, in
which event Blaine would secure Ken
lucky and Tennessee, 4S votes and possib-
ly Delaware, 6 votes. In the meantime,
the AZ votes of Illinois, if cot secured for
Grant, would no doubt be for
Washburne. which the Grant people
might be able finally to control. but which.
unless supported by the expected vote
from the south, would not be sufficient to
nominate Grant. Cameron is q shrewd
politician and is keen enough to force the
nomination of his Efavorite, Grant, on the
first ballot, if possible. He knows that
Grants name could not be carried long
IN the convention and that to be success
ful, his favorite must be rushed through
with hurrah, or the jig is up. Blaine is
also shrewd worker, and will not be slow
to observe closely every movement of bis
adversaries and avail himself of the first
evidence of weakness in his opponents
But the trouble is in the inharmonious
nature Of things. Blaine will not comprC-
mise with Grant OF Sherman, nor would
either of the last two enter into bargain
with the Maine senator. Should il become
evident that neither of the three could be
nominated, dark horse will probably be
sprung and the three principal con.
testants left out entirely. At pres
= Il Il c l.
though he may develop strength in the
convention not now apparent. He must
needs make good showing. however, or
he may be ignored even 10 the trading,
should such course be necessary. Jude-
ing from the action of the Pennsylvania
conVention, and the certainty of similar
result in New Y ork and possibly Illinois.
Grant at the present time has the inside
track. Cameron is mot given to allowing
oppor EuDities to slip his grasp. lie is
man OF positive, aggressive determination.
and will follow up the victory in his own
state by others. 1t is not question with |
Cameron as to what the masses OF the |
party want-the ordinary voters-Camer- |
consulted or not. He is of that imperious
class who look upon the ordinary people |
as mere parts OF the machinery, which |
are to be adjusted and placed in order by
the party managers at will Used to
control by sheer force of will, he assumes
the air of an autocrat. and simply
issues his political mandate. taking il
for granted that none will be daring
enough to question his intentions. Don
Cameron. is chairman of the national Re-
publican committee and, as such. every
possible means which his position allows
him to employ will be used to force q CON-
piance of his wishes He has decreed
that Grant shall be the nominee of the
Republican party for president, and he
will see that the decree is properly en-
forced He cares nothing for what the
.peope may say or think-aueslioning his