The Press., 1883-10-11
WASHINGTON LETTER.

Washington, D. C.. Oct. 9th, 1888.
 The coming winter is to be one of great political excitement in Washington. All the indications go to show that the strug- gle for national supremacy between the two great parties will be practically de- cided for some years to come by the events of this congressional session. No one can now say just how the people stand on the political questions of the hour. There has been no recent test, though Ohio will soon show some indication how the peo- pie are going. But after all, the contest in Ohio has taken upon itself too much of a personal and local color to be very reli- able for future political prognostications. The clever managers on either side will not permit the Ohio election to blind them as to what may happen afterwards. It will be almost forgotten before the nation al campaign comes on. It would be in- teresting to the reader, no doubt, to look behind the scenes and see in the dim light, something of the manHuvers which are all ready being made to shape coming events. The candidates who are generally expect ed to take their chances for the nomina- tion are just now in a very trying position. They feel that they must hang back with some show of modesty, and yet not so far back as to be out of view. So the polit- ical work which is going on is mostly in the dark, the candidates only allowing in terviews or sketches enough to keep alive the interest in themselves. But events are coming on notwithstanding, and peo- pie will guess what the chances are and put this and that together to make up the hoo of on f0 hn ho hn next president. Will it be one of the reg ulars or will the gentleman be the "Great Unknown From republican stand point there are many reasons to believe that MT. Blaine is the most popular of American citizens. But this proves little, for the popular man seldom, if ever, at tains to the presidency. The old antag- onisms which were kindled in his name still burn. If the republican party is to succeed it is to be only by perfect harmo- ny; and MT. Blaine has too many bitter enemies in his own party to even permit success to follow, under his leadership A ticket which has lately been presented meets with quite enthusiastic comment. Arthur and Gresham are names which linked together make strong combina- tion. Each represents doubtful state, and the two states which have in recent years held the balance of power in pres idential elections. If they can carry their own states the election is ours, say some republicans. But can they do it ? say the doubtful. There is no chance for the re- publicans, say the prophets, except in choosing some one for standard bearer. who is not tainted or touched with the prejudices of the last campaign. Judge Edmunds of Vermont, said to be unavail- able because of the locality of his state, Senator Harrison of Indiana, Senator Ali son of Iowa, General Sherman and Senator Logan are names occasionally mentioned with dubious shake of the head Among young republicans there seems disposi- ton to believe that the republican candi- date will be brought into prominence for the first time by the events of this session of congress, or this winters political work. They are looking for 8 new man possessing shining qualities as leader, free from past associations, and coming from de- sirable locality. Three qualities which will make the Great Unknown success, but it must be confessed that the chances for the appearance of such prodigy are very meager. In the democratic camp there is as much indecision and conjecture as on the other side. The old ticket, Til den and Hendricks and reform, has many worshipers, and the recent sketch of MT. Tlden's great physical health and activity is interpreted as notice that he is in the field. Mr. Hendricks of course is willing, and MT. McDonald of Indiana has warm supporters. but they are all in the west, so it is said MT. Holman of Indiana is held up by the N. Y. Sun as the coming man, but among politicians it is looked upon as joke. It may be serious one however ol, oA O mon fo tho Y,oo,,1o