The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-12-17
PREsIDnNrIAL CANDIDATES.
a Discussion of Probabilities by Experienced
Politicians.

a Discussion OF RrOOdD1l1tleS experienced
Politicians.
Richard smith, in Cincinnati Commercial Gazette.
while there is organized campaign for the
presidential nomination in operation, there is
something of that kind under and very the
surface, and there is much that may now he said
the subject, and what am to say embOdies
the opinions of others, regardless of personal
views or preferences. I have candidate for
the presidency, and do not propose to have. and
when the convention to meet at Chicago shall
have made Its choice, I shall try to do my best
carry the election, feeling certain in advance,
however, that the nominee, while he may NOT
suit everybody, will fairly represent and be
worthy the support of the party.
1t would naturally be expected THAI the mem
bers of the national committee, composed of
forty-sx men, all more or lees prominent, repre-
ssnting all the States and Territories, would
have preferences, and that these would be clearly
expressed. IT was SO four and eight years ago
but not so row. The expression, without excep-
ton, was: "Show us the best man for the country
and the parry, and he shall receive support"
Of course there were views as to the best man.
but these were NOT expr ssed, and if this position
shall be held until the convention meets 1t Will
be in the fullest sense "A denberative body, and in
this respect will differ radically from that which
assembled at Chicago i'll 1880, or at Cincinnati
III 1876.
1t ia hardly to be expected, however, that this
position will be maintained to the end. Com
hinatons almost sure to he formed, and in
quiet way are forming now. There is no eandi-
date aggressively in tie field, but there
good many waiting to he called. No one need
fear that nomination would be declined.
With this preface, so TO speak, snail proceed
to condense the current of opinion and i shall
begin with Arthur, because at this time he Is
first the list of probabilities It is said OF his
administration that it ls generally acceptable.
he has not sought TO hew out a new path
through the political forest, or to make party
Tor himself but to continue that to which he is
She successor. He has sought TO discourage fac
riuns, and, by cOneliatory policy, TO bring all
The factions together into a united whole. In
MIS- regard his policy has been consplcuUusly
successful. There IS dissatisfaction, of eOursC,
nat this is chiefly on the side of those who were
,.Iassed as stalwarts, and these are dissatisfied
because he did not turn out so-called Garfield
men and put so-called Conkling men In their
lainces. This rock Arthur avoided ana the result
ia no one has any just cause for omplaint, and
all who are in favor OF united party ana "a
,Huited effort in 1884, regardless of past differ
snces. approve his course.
The general course of his administration as
regards the affairs of the country ia also APP
nroved. not only by Republicans, but 10y Demo
Gratis also. have heard very prominent Demo-
Gratis say that no fault can justly be found with
his administration,
But, Republicans ask would New York vote
for him in the combination, or, if nominated.
could he carry the SJate2 1t seems to be gener-
ally conceded, outside Of this State, that II the
dele CATION from New YORK should unite upon
fairly strong man hc would be nominated. he
causetthat7would fOTeshadow probable II not
ss6ereaimyietory at the polls. have. therefore,
made ttiapolnt to inquire as to Arthur chances
zis to carrying the delegation. OF course, II his
.owh6tate should 20 against HIM as a candidate
Die could not be nominated.
A prominent Republican, who is not for Ar
xhur, but who is for another, told me ne could
not carry the delegation, nor could he carry the
Stute if nominated. The same party told me
thWt ConBlinS, Grant and B.alne had been recon