The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1883-10-18
Republican Presidential Possibilities.


The Republican organs are SO much
occupied with the affairs of the De
mOcracy that they have no time to treat
their own party friends with courtesy
Here we are on the eve of political
contest which is admittedly the pre-.
iimiIary skirmish of the Presidential
battle, and while Republican journals
are full of calculations regarding Demo
cratic candidates they have not a word
TO say concerning their own aspirants.
The Republican prospects, it is true,
are not sufficiently encouraging to in
vite severe struggle for the next Presi-
dental nomination.
The field from which the Republicans
have to make their choice is not very
wide one. The old issues of the party
are dead and buried, and with them the
best of its old leaders have passed
away.
Yet Blaine is beyond question the
most prominent and the strongest Re-
publican mentioned in connection with
the Republican nomination. He has a
personal following of which no other
Republican leader can boast. There is
an atmosphere of chivalry about him.
A "plumed knight" glamour surrounds
him. He has enthusiastic followers
and friends. But he has very bitter en-
emies.
1t may safely be set down that Blaine
IS a candidate. He has long wanted
The nomination. He wants it still. 1t
IS wisdom to hold back from the scram-
ole. If now an avowed candidate, the
hounds would be on his track and tear
him to pieces before the Convention.
He has great self-confidence. He be-
!ieves he could win. But as defeated
candidate for the Presidency he would
hold a higher position than as repeat
IDLY defeated candidate for the nomina-
zion. If the Republican party is to die,
why should not Blaine retire with at
least this much honor?
Blaine is a candidate for the nominal
zion despite his literary pursuits, and
his book may smooth away many old
and violent antagonismS. An author
san make friends out of enemies.
Senator George F. Edmunds waits for
tie nomination. But he is as cold and
As honest as Bayard, and like him
comes from a State insignificant in
population. What strength would he
bring to the partyp
Robert Lincoln would like to fill the
office his father hOnOred He is pos
Sibility. but sentimentality. Change
his name and there is nothing left of him
but an amiable gentleman of mild man.
ners and limited capacity.
Senator John Logan will receive the
II tat 10 n,,I
Illinois. 1t is questionable wht Their
his strength does not end there.
Ben Harrison, of Indiana, a very
weak man and an Indifferent politician,
would suit certain set of ''liberar'
Republicans. That fact kills him.
Foster is ambitious. He would be
glad if somebody would steal the NOM
ination for him as he stole it for Gar
field.
John Sherman is still in the position
Of 'Barkis." But Foster gave cunning
Johns ambition death-blow in the
nomination of Foraker.
General Sherman is a candidate. He
would make a hot campaign. Hero
worship would aid him. His military
renown and his ability would make
hlIn an opponent not 10 DE deSplSeu
President Arthur is very much a can
lidate. His friends flatter him. Office
holders and office-seekers fawn on him.
He holds the Southern delegations in
his pocket. His hopes are high. His
disappointment will be great.
Blaine heads the list of Republican
probabilities. He would be coupled on
the ticket with Lincoln, Harrison,
Gresham, Foraker or Foster.
If he should be beaten by Western
candidate his strength would command
the nomination for Vice-Pres;dent. In
that case who could defeat A. B. Cor
nell as candidate for Vice President?
Blaine and Cornell work together.
First, for Blaine for President. Sec
Ondly, for Cornell for Vice-President.-
N. T. World.