The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-07-19
MR. RLAINE,s AGcEpTAKoE.

is given to the public to-day. It viii attract
as much attention, probably, as any similar
document ever submitted to the American
people, and will be read in other lands with
almost as much interest as at home. This is
the natural outcome of the nomination of a
man like the Republican candidate,
man whose prominence before
his own people and before the world
has made him an object of interest
everywhere, and given to his opinions a
weight that would not attach to the views of
men of smaller caliber. While long, the let
ter is neither dull nor wearisome, and we
commend it to the careful consideration of
our readers.
Recognizing the intelligence of the people
in all walks of life, Mr. Blaine has addressed
them in simple but dignifed way that
leaves no doubt as to his meaning nor ques
ton of his sincerity. Without resorting
to any Of the tricks Of literary
composition, but with the evident
intention of making himself thoroughly under
stood by all, he has written manly, straight
forward exposition Of his views, relying solely
upon their merits to commend them to the
good sense of the people
With statesmanlike grasp of the situation,
he lays great stress on the tariff question,
mainly or quite half of the letter being de-
voted to the consideration of this great politi-
cal question. Stripping it of local effects,
that in no wise make argument
for or against it as a principle,
he contents himself with an ex-
hibit of its influence upon the country at
large, producing figures in support of his as
sertions that must carry weight in all unbi-
ased minds.
But perhaps the greatest interest viii cen
ter in the american idea that is embraced
in the letter. On this, as ON all other ques-
lions treated, Mr. Blaine has brought to bear
that rare good sense and elevated idea Of pa
triotism that has characterized his career as
public man; and, while conservative, there is
that recognition of and respect for American
rights and dignity that viii at once commend
them to all who feel that the United States is
one among the great powers of the world
Such feeling of patriotic pride is the Nations
best safeguard, and one of the surest guaran-
tees of peace with honor eThe United
States, says Mr.. Blaine, s'has no cause and
no desire to engage in conflict with any power
on earth, and we may rest in assured conf
dence that no power desires to attack the
United States So far from entertaining a
spirit of bravado or 'ljingoism, the writer
commits himself to the most honorable and
most satisfactory policy possible. He says:
sWith the nations of the Western Henri
sphere we should cultivate closer relations, and
for one common prosperity and advancement
we should invite them all to Join with US in
an agreement that, for the future all inter
national troubles in North OF South America
shall be adjusted by impartial arbitration, and
not by arms.
But, while so anxious to provide for and
guarantee peace between us and all the world
Mr. Blaine, with Characteristic American en-
terprise, looks to the Importance of extending
our commercial relations with all nations.
The American idea, as favoring the upbuild-
ing and strengthening of American enterprise,
is visible throughout. In this same line, he
argues the Importance Of eleyating and better
ing our consular service, each individual
member of which is an exponent Of our every
industry The men chosen to act in
this capacity should be peculiarly quail
fled for the duties expected Of them, and in
no case should this important Office be de-
based to serve merely as means of rewarding
incompetent men for party services.
The letter is better than any argument
that can be made in its favor It viii COM
mend itself to thinking people of every posi-
BILE political bias as being remarkable, in that
it stoops to no attempt to cajole, deceive nor
to work men up to that point at which they
forget their duty in their effervescing en-
thusiasm. With full consciousness of
the work before him, as the candidate Of that
party remarkable for its great men and their
still greater achievements, and as the proba-
BILE President Of this republic, Mr.. Blaine has
risen grandly to the occasion, and has given
utterance to series Of sentiments that guar