Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1883-09-27
HON. William 8. HoLmAB.

The name of Holman, OF Indiana, has
received prominent mention in connection
with the Democratic nomination Tor the
Presidency in 1884. We do not think it
at all likely shas MIR. Holman will receive
this distinction at the hands of she Democ-
racy OF the United States. Nominations
are controlled by politicians. Parties have
leaders, ana conventions Usually represent
the interests, wishes and political fortunes
of these leaders. When the prospect OF
party success is low the chances of making
nominations strong before the people are
enhanced, but with the rise of confidence
in the success of the party the character
or fitness OF tho nominees decline. Pfesi-
Dental aspirsnts may be divided into two
clAsses, 90 AZ thoge strong with the
party leaders, and those strong with the
people. Mr.. Holman belongs to the latter
class. He possesses in an eminent degree
thoae personal elements of character which
are covered by the term "safe" The
quality most desirable 10 q statesman is
pre-smineutly "a safe man." He is not
brilliant, indeed if ne were there would BE-
reason to suspect the absence of those
characteristics which constitute the safe
and reliable craftsman. Brilhsncy and
genius are rarely associated with the moro
reliable traits Of character. The imagina-
tive temperament, TO watch all the glory of
brilhaucy is due, is forever impuIsive,
crrstie. unstable, and generally worthless.
To MS credit be it said Mr.. Holman is not
brilliant. His record as a Congressman,
though long and complete, is Illuminated
by no meteoric flashes of genius, but it Is
luminous with steady, unwavering Light,
sTong in its common sense, steady in its
candoT, and conspicuous by adherence to
the rights of the people Divested of its
partisanship, aud considered from the
standpoint of the position held by Mr..
Holman, relating to the great body of non-
partisan legislation which has been before
Congress during his long service in that
body, and the record of his services, shows
an unfaltering adherence 60 convictions Of
duty which must spring from a self-poise j;
superiority to the Establishments of the
lobby clear insight into the purposes of
rings; an honest opposition to schemes of
rapacisy and plumber, which the greatest
statesman of an time might envy. Down
deep in the character of this representative
American there must exist the substantial
basis upon which this record stands. Can
ouch rnan receive the nomination for the
great Office of President ct the hands of
the American Democracy We think not.
Let US recount the elements in opposition
to him. Among them we will find the
professional politician-potent in Conven-
tiona the manipulation whose place in
public life is fortified by taking care of his
frends; the ring thief, having designs
upon the public lands or Che public treas
ury the great manufacturing interests.
greedy FOR subsidy in the way of tariff,
arxious for the right to despoil the sgri-
cultursl interasts OF the nation by
'levying a tribute in support of in
dustries which otherwise would die
were they divessed of the illicit
advantage miscslIed protection confers /;
The rabid partisan. who measures the
ability OF q man by the standard of his
volubility in party froth and radical raw
ings the venal portion of the press which
sees in party success the hope of future
subsidy the purchssRble material, from
the ward-striker to the State boss,
who make politics trade and the prosti.
tuition OF public service profession. All
these elements of political life will oppose
the nomination of Mr.. Holman.
To counteracs the combined potency of
these influences Mr.. Holman can claim
only the support of whatever genuine
patriotism may etill linger ia decaying
party. In short, the live, active, vigorous
elements Of the Democratic party will be
found in opposition to Mr.. HO!man's
claims, while only the waning clements of
once noble political organization may be
rallied to mis- support.
From the standpoint Of entire justice.
impartial Judgment, csndid consideration
ana stasesman.like criticism, Mr, Holman
has made record OF which his party or
even ais country may well feel proud.