The Columbus journal., 1880-05-19
The Main Issue.

Rumor has il that the great con.
test in the convention this evening
is to be, not, primarily, whether
Blaine or Grant is to be the declared
first choice of Nebraska delegated
Republicans; o whether Wash
burne or Sherman or Hamilton Fish
is to be second choice, but whether
Senator Alvin Saunders or Senator
Algernon S. Paddock or some "dark
horse" shall be chairman Of the DEL
egstion sent to Chicago. 1t seems
to be thought necessary by the poll
ticians of the State to test somewhat
the relative strength OF aspirsnts for
Z. s. senator to succeed Mr.. Pad
dock. AS this Office, together with
the various state places from Cover
nor down, sre the next things in
sight. and as there is cause for
strong suspicion of a quiet hunt all
around, 1t is nothing to be wondered
at that the different generals will be
here in person or by trusted, conf
dental representatives, to take a
hand in the contest, or watch that
his future prospects receive no
detriment.
This sort of thing may be regard
ed as necessary by politicians, but
the great body of the people (who
are not working for or expecting
oflce), fail TO see even the pro-
priety Of it.
Nebraska Republicans undoubted-
ly have an opinion with reference to
the presidential candidate.
Whether that opinion will be fair.
ly represented in convention, we
may never know, because politicians
In their own Interests may have
labored to more purpose than the
body of the p~eople-they are prone
to do that.
The convention, as 1t will be con-
stituted this evening, Is to choose
six men, to act us they may deem
best, without particular directions /;
or to receive special instructions.
In either case they should be hon.
orable, high-minded men, aud sound
republicans and in neither case is il
at all necessary that they be favors.
BILE to any of the candidates for SEN
ator, governor, sc.
For an instance, Senator Paddock
has very many warm personal and
political friends who will favor his
nomination and election as Senator,
irregsrdless of the fact that be has
pronounced himself in favor of
Grant; likewise Coy. Nance would
be supported as his own successor,
by many Grant men, although he is
supposed to be strongly for Blaine
in this contestant so, also, with
the rest.
Now the JOURNAL, and we think
also the great body of Republicans,
would like to see this convention
utterly ignore all side issues /; show
no Partially to any wing or faction,
but proceed Immediately to execute
the business which calls them to-
gether.
AS to instructions: it looks now
as though the convention would
instruct. If so, let it be not only for
first choice, but for at least a second.
Let the will of the convention In
this matter be expressed as far into
the probable contingencies as posi-
BILE, for 1t is supposed, with good
reason, that quite a number of dele
gates, though nominally for one of
the chief candidates, are really con-
secrated to the use of another, not
by any means the first or second
choice of Nebraska Republicans.
There are men here in Grant and
overcoats, over Washburn
coats, but in Sherman jackets. We
insist that you have a right to know
what kind of a jacket your Chicago
will wear.
AS to men II Nebraska had only
/ first choice, and was determined
o look no further, she could send
her vote in a sealed envelope and be
lone with 1t; but beyond probable
contingencies (for which the con-
7ention can and ought to provide),
he best provision is staunch, repre-.
sentative men, embodying the exac