The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1880-02-11
HoRArIo SEYMOUR THE MAN.
A Republican Opinion With Some RepubIi-
can Forebodings.
TJorparuy

can ForebOdings.
IHarpers' Weekly.l
The Democratic party is not likely to ask
Republican journals for advice, but opponents
are sometim able to see each others posi-
ton clearly, and nothing seems to be palmer
/ to Republicans than that the available presi-
! dental candidate for the Democrstsis Hora
\ ito Seymour, If he can be persuaded to &C
cept a nomination. There are various cliQues
and factions in the Democratic party known
by the names of Democratic leaders, but the
one Democrat who receives universal hon.
age from bis party is Mr.. Seymour. This is
largely owing to the fact that since bis de-
feat in the presidential election II years ago
he was withdrawn from active politics
and has been conspicuous solely
for the efficient performance of
those duties of a good citizen which do not
provoke party prejudice. When he with
drew he was the most prominent Democrat
in the Union, and while, during his political
passivity OF dozen years. the bitterness of
his political opponents has been wholly mol
lifted, the fierce discussions within his own
party in the State have left him wholly un
touched. Mr.. TildeD, Chief Justice Church,
senator herman, Judges Comstock aud Par
ker, John Kelly, and Governor Robinson
have all been involved in the feuds, but the
one New York Democrat whose national
reputation oveTshadows that of all of them
has placidly meditated at Deerfield, like Sir
William Temple, at Sheen, devoted to agri.
cultural and historical and charitable inter
ests, declining to be senator or governor, but
speaking wisely from time to time to stimu-
late the study of the State annals, to ad-
vance the standard of general education, to
awaken the prisoner to self-respect, and to
remind the farmer of his true position and
advantage.
Since Mr.. Seymours frm resistance TO the
attempt OF the State convention of his party
in 1876 to coerce him into the candidacy for
the Office of governor, it has been generally
understood that he would adhere resolutely
to his determination TO remain in retire
ment We have no doubt that such is still
his wish and his purpose. But it is always
possible that If his party could persuade him
that his candidacy Is necessary for 1.-The
safety of the country" which is the latest
fashion OF urging a candidacy, he might
yield consent TO succor republican institu-
tlons. 1t is OF course possible, also, that
Mr.. Seymour does not believe that the safety
of our institutions depends upon him or
upon any other citizen. But il it can be
shown TO him that he is the Democrat whose
nomination offers his party the best chance OF
success, he may again consider it to be his
duty to acouiesce. II might not be difficult
to show him this probability. The impor-
tsnt Democratic candidates are not many
1t is an important consideration in his favor
that he would be very much stronger in the
esSenHhl othte OF new 1Ork LndH any Otner
Democrat. What Democrats IN this State
most fear is some Kind OF occult understand
ing. not a distinct or specific bargain, be.
tween the Republican machine and Mr.. John
/ kelly-a continuation of the smity of the
last tlection-by which il would happen
that the N unicipal power of Mr.. Kelly would
be undisturbed, while the Democratic vote
in the city would be conveniently reduced.
But were Mr.. Seymour the Democratic can
didste, the party enthusiasm would give
him great vote in the city as we'll as in the
State, and however disagreeable il may be
for the Republicans TO say or to hear, there
are many independents and Republicans
also who would vote for Mr.. Seymour as
against some prominent Republicans who
are mentioned for the nomination.
These are considerations SO obvious that
they will occur undoubtedly to many Demo.
Gratis, and they will become stronger as the
canvass proceeds. The ground of opposition
to Mr.. Seymour among Republicans would
be his attitude during the war, his general
"Copperheadism, his assent as president OF
the Democratic convention of 1864 70 the
Mcclellan platform declaring the war fail
ure, bis Fourth of July address in New York
before the draft riots, and his my friends
speech TO the rioters But as counter to
this his friends would urge his dispatch of
troops 10 Pennsylvania, and the thanks of
the administration. 1t is doubtful, also, how
6uCCllNt al duh-OOpp6luedu CSIupGlSn
would be with this generation OF voters, aud
even in 1865 MIR Seymour carried New York
against General Grant. Yet, while it seems to
Us that Mr.. Seymour would be the strongest
Democratic candidate, we would be sorry
for his own sake to see him return to the
political field. Although much younger
for now he is hale man OF lothian Adams
and jefferson in their retirement. he has
passed out OF the zone of party heats into
the serenity of private life which is hon.
ored by men OF all parties. The animosities
that pursued his active political career, and
in which We bore our part are allayed, and
the presidency would be dearly bought by
arousing them again to frenzy. This very
! feeling of regard upon the part os so many
OF his political opponents, however, is one of
his elements of strength as q candidate and
Mr.. Seymour's possible nomination by the
Democratic convention, although he has
been once defeated, is one of the important
facts that Republicans must bear in mind.
No candidate will be hurrahed into the
presidency this year, for the hurrah does
not in the least affect those whose votes are
indispensable to an election.