The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1884-03-21
THE LEADING CANDIDATES.

The questions of who shall be the candi-
dates Of the Republican and Democratic
parties for the Presidency and Vice Presi-
dency are becoming momentous with the
press and public. In the past few months
large number Of "possibles" have been put
up before the public for their brief hour,
and, having played their parts, have been
consigned to limbo. Those who are most
prominently mentioned from now until the
conventions meet are "probsbles," but dark
horses may pass them all. In the Demo
cratic party 1t Is indisputable that Tilden is
the preference. This is largely based on his
creditable campaign against Hayes, when
many Democrats believe he was elected, and
the disposition TO renominate him Is mix
ture of gratitude for the only candidate who
has come near leading them TO victory in
twenty-four years, and hope that he can do
1t again. But Tilden did not, perhaps, give
more strength to that campaign than Hen
bricks, and If there Is any disposition by the
Democracy to "prove it, by fighting over
again the campaign Of IS, it would not be
parallel case unless the old ticket of Tilden
aud Hendricks were put up. If a vindica-
| ton of Tilden's title TO the Presidency is to
be the rallying cry, 1t would be rank injus-
tice 10 leave of Hendricks, who was GER
tainly elected If Tilden was, and who is en-
| titled TO like vindicatioD. But Tilden and
Hendricks are now foes. The breach between
them is deep and wide. This complicates
matters. Beside, Tilden positively avows
he will not accept the nomination. This
might by some be construed into difficulty.
Again, he is very old and decrepid, and If he
lived through the campaign could not be ex-
pected to survive four years, If In an inter-
regnum of kind Providence he should happen
20 be elected, aud In view Of these things the
Democrats, If they 60 beyond Hendricks,
are all broke up on the selection Of Vice
President who would almost certainly be
President. Outside of Tilden "the party of
eternal principles" are hoPelessly at sea
and with Tilden they are hardly better of.
II they do not nominate him he will name
the man they shall nominate, and this name
he does not yet appear to have definitely
uttered.
In the Republican party there seems TO be
an unprecedented unanimity of sentiment in
favor of Secretary Lincoln for Vice Presi-
dent. Three things are tributary to this
He is the son OF Abraham Lincoln. He is
an able, honest man, whom high position
does not spoil nor power render vain. His
geographical distribution" does not conflict
with that of Edmunds, Blaine or Arthur. Be-
tween these three apparently lies the Repub-
lican nomination for the Presidency. While
1t may be to some extent because Of personal
preference, we believe that for commanding
abilities, eminent learning, craftsmanship of
the highest order, and intelligent Republi-
csnism, Edinunds stands first in the estima-
zion of Republicans throughout the land.
His record is clean. No faint of corruption
rests upon him. To party devotion that evil
dences conscientious belief in its principles,
adheres no charges Of self-interest or ring
steering, and IN Identification with 1t through |
struggle anc power when opportunities
we're plentiful, his name is untarnished |
by even the ISLANDERS Of corruption. ale is
partizsn," is the strongest condemnation |
of his foes. 1t Is said Mr.. Edmunds Is not |
candidate. He has domestic griefs that |
cause him TO shrink from the anxiety and |
calumny Of q campaign, and demands upon
his time In the care Of an invalid child that |
would prevent constant campaign work
still, II nominated, he might accept. Sena-
tor Logan has been prominent, but II is be-
lieved his prospects are waning. President
Arthur desires election to the first position /
In the land. For time the tide set so
strong his way that opposition seemed al
most hopeless, and that very fact called out
hostility to him, more noticeable for its We
hemence than Its reasonsbleness. In bis
desire to harmonize the party he has, of
course, rot satisfied the demands Of either
faction, which has its breeding ground in
New York. This, and the efforts of friends
of rival candidates seeking an opening for
their favorites, has resulted in adverse criti
cisms of first administration that has been
singularly successful and prophecies of a
second not justified by facts. 1t is sur
missed that there Is q certain identity of pur-
pose between the friends of Edmunds and
Arthur, and 1t Is not improbable this is cor
rect. There is at least no historic reason
for their being enemies.
Just ct the opportune time, Blaine, who
has heretofore been discreetly kept under
cover, is brought out strongly aud promi-
nently as q candidate, and at present bis
boom Is At full expansion. Blaine manages
we'll. He is as expert In manipulating con.
ventions and canvasses as he Is In the
Speakers chair. He or his friends have
seized the opportunity when there was a
chance for a good hold and at present IL
would hardly be fair TO say that the chances
are against him. He has positive strength
in q large portion Of the element that nomi-
mated Garfield and there Is large element
that Is loose and available for the candidate
that FORCES ahead at the critical moment aud
gives 1t the proper encouragement. Another
month will show II Mr.. Blaine has been
equal to the occasion, or if he too will be re-
legated to an inferior place In the great race.