Daily Kennebec journal., 1884-05-21
Philadelphia Press, 10Th.
Serious Thoughts for Republicans.


Serious Thoughts for Republicans.
The success of the republican party in the
coming Presidential contest is far above all
personal considerations. No individual pre-
ference should weigh in the scale against the
general welfare. A candidate may be per-
sonally unexceptionsble, but IL there are rea-
sons why his selection would imperil the
prospect of the party it should not be made
The friends of Arthur. Blaine, Edmunds.
Logan, Sherman and all other favorites must
equally recognize this truth No friend of
Mr.. Blaine would desire his nomination if it
were not to bring republican triumph. And
IL is because they believe that he would be
the strongest candid that hosts OF republi-
cans all over the land are turning to him as
the best standard bearer for the great strug-
gle The reasons for this conviction are
clear and unanswerable.
7. Mr. Blame is the most popular leader
of the party and the free, spontaneous choice
Of the great majority Of republicans. No
fairminded man will dispute this truth. Ii
has been attested in the election of delegates
and in all public expressions. The movement
for Mr.. Blaine sprang from the people. He
neither spoke a word nor lifted hand. No
leader on his behalf organized any canvass.
Without effort, without organization, without
patronage. State after State was carried for
Blaine because the people took the matter in
to their own hands. No candid man. whether
for him or against him, will deny that the
publicans Of the States that must elect the
republican candidate, il he is to be elected at
all, are overwhelmingly for Blaine. Ii was
so in 1876 and again in 1890 This shows
that the feeling is earnest and deep-seated
Ii shows that Mr. Blaine is the favorite of
the republican masses, and in itself is com
.t...I H.. IL H. n
and why he would be elected.
II. W., Blame IS stronger than any other
man for the September and October States
whIch riH set the current for Noren,ber.
This is a vital consideration and must not be
overlooked. Every political observer knows
the decisive influence of the preliminary
contests. There will be three State elections
prior to the Presidential battle-Maine in
September. and Ohio and West Virginia in
October. Mr.. Blaine is, of course, the
strongest of all candidates for Maine. His
nomination would bring a sweeping majority
there in September which would set the ball
rolling. Ohio, because Of its recent doubt
full attitude. will have a powerful bearing on
the final result, and everybody knows that
Blaine il strongest where the memory of
Garfield is most cherished. He would carry
Ohio with a whirl and its voice would have
q commanding influence in New York and
elsewhere. There Is good reason also to-
believe that Blaine would carry West Vir-
ginis y ith its deep interest in protection he
certainly is stronger there than any other re-
publican; and victory in the three States
would settle the Presidential election.
Ill. Mr. Bistne IS as sure TO carry Ner
York as any republican,, and surer than any
other republican 10 be elected rtfhoHt Ner
York. We believe that this is the literal
"a 4
carefully considered by republicans all over
the country. New York at the best is
doubtful State. We feel confident that Mr.
Blaine would carry II; we firmly believe that
he would carry IL il any republican could;
and we say this with full appreciation of all
that the free-trade independents threaten
In the interior of the State Mr.. Blaine would
unquestionably be stronger than any other
republican; In the city of New York he
might lose few votes in one garter. but he
would gain double the number in another.
The old sntsgonisms are healed. A conspic-
uous republican of great experience who
knows the sentiment and politics of New
York through and through and long an oppo
nent of Mr.. Blaine, said to us the other day
that Blaine would be n, 900 stronger in that
State than any other republican. and in all
candor we do not regard il as an exaggerated
statement. But. however that may be. il
will not be wise 10 stake everything on New
York. and Mr.. Blaine is the one republican
who would be reasonably sure of election
even without New York. He would carry
California. Oregon and Nevsds-which would
be doubtful with any other csndidste-and
these with the sure republican States would
secure his success.
". NJ. Blaine riH best meet any erigen-
cies Of the democratic campaign. II the DEM
4 l-., st.
strongest man to pit against him because,
first, against such an antagonist we shall
need an able, aggressive, mastery candidate
and not a mere chance dark horse; and,
srcond, the nomination of Tilden would
mean terrific battle in New York against
any republican, and Blaine as already shown,
could be elected even il New York should
happen to be lost. II the democrats should
nominate Payne, Blaine would still be our
best candidate because his name ould rouse
the enthusiasm which would save Ohio
against Payne's money. If the democrats
should nominate Randall-which, TO be sure
is not probable-Blaine would be needed in
Pennsylvania and New Jersey. There is no
phase of the democratic canvass that can be
anticipated for which he would not be as
strong rs any candidate that could be named.
and for most of them he would be stronger
than any other.
v. Mr.. BlaiHe can best oreseome the sreak
or dangerous points Of The caarass for the
repabitcans. Republicans must no, lay the
hattering junction to their souls that il will be
an easy fight and a sure victory. In spite of
differences in Congress the enemy are likely
to present united front. Then. there are
other eiements in the situation which thought
fui men will not overlook. With long