New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-05-24
4 nEESTION OF T4CTICS.


Democratic conventions show that the
nomination Of Mr. Tildcn is more than possible.
The Republican National Convention, being
held first will have to act with the probability
of Mr.. Tilden'S nomination in view.
Whether Mr.. Tilden can carry New-Yorll
again is not a question which the parlor
amateurs and professional refolmers are
qualified to answer. In some respects he would
lie the weakest candidate the Democrats could
nominate. and they we'll know it, but in others
he would be the strongest. HIS strength, what
ever it may be- is in New York; his weakness
is everywhere else. Strength in manipulation,
and a faculty of getting at the shally or
corruptble voters make him dangerous in the
towns, while the public estimate Of his conduct
and character makes him weak wherever honest
votes by patriotic citizens rule the day.
With the prospect that such a candidate may
be nominated in July, the Republicans are
obliged to make their choice in June. They can
take New YOrk candidate also, whose strength
in past trials has been wholly in manipulation
in the adrOit management of cliques and leaders
in the towns. President Arthur, when he was
party manager, had uudeniable skill III that
direction, and the class of workers who are
most experienced in such management are
generally his friends. But such a selection by
the Republicans would stake everything upon
the vote in New-York There is not much room
for doubt as to the result, if Maine, Ohio and
West Virginia should give Democratic
maiorites. Politicians who arc advocating the
nomination of President Arthur are therefore
bound to show clearly that, as against Mr.
Tilden, he could secure majority Ill Mr.
Blaine's State in September, III President
Garfieds State in October, and in his own State
in November.
1t is possible, on the other hand. to nominate
a candidate who would come to New DIRK in
November with the election almost certainly
secured. No one suppoSes that Mr. Blaine
would fail of an overwhelming majority IN
Maine. His relations with President Garfield,
and his own personal popularity with the voters
make him stronger in Ohio than any other
candidate who could be named, with the
possible exception Of Senator Sherman His
success would be certain in the doubtful Pacific
States. Thus he would come to New York with
a reasonable certainty of an electoral majority,
even if no Democratic State should be gained
and if Newly should be lost. But it is also
highly probable, as was stated yesterday that
the nomination of Mr. Blaine would secure
Republican victory in West Virginia iii October,
and there are well. known reasons for believing
that he would be stronger in New-JerSey, as
against Mr.. Tden, than President Garfield
was against General Hancock and the Morcy
forgery.
These are considerations which every clear
headed delegate in the Chicago Convention will
carefully weigh. 1t will not be hard 20 learn
what the chances are in Maine Ohio and West
Virginia with the respective candidates. If
these States can be carried by large majorities,
the conflicting statements about New-York
need occasion no one anxiety. But the truth is
that Mr.. Blaine has shown greater strength,
even in New York, than any other candidate
and particularly in the districts from which
majorites come whenever the Republicans
carry the State.