The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1884-06-12
In Position.

The republican party has again
taken position under its favorite
ehieftains,and upon ground of its own
selection. AS Blaine is the free choice |
of the delegates in the late conven-
ton, so is the platform the free declar- |
alton of principles upon which they
plant themselves. Ali this is volun-
tary. They have not been forced
either to adopt the platform or to NOM
mate Blaine. The series of official
party acts and principles, leading up to
this conclusion, are to be taken as
the real sentiments in active play.
working for the results and bear
ing the fruits intended, desired
and endorsed by the aggregate of re-
publican public sentiment. The plat
form was made to be disregarded, but
in the meantime so constructed as to
easily catch the unthinking masses.
1t is skillful document, and presents
the devilish ingenuity of the trained,
ruthless and unfrank party manipula-
tor. 1t Is a finished piece of party
mechanism, and means everything
and nothing, and 1t is explicit in
nothing savein its re-statement of the
republican party's devotion to the
principles Of protection, and all the
dishonesty and wretched partiality of
the corrupt combination to hold up
the manufacturing interests of the.
country at the cost of agriculture.
and all other industries generally.
Then, so far as distinct issues or spe-
cific principles are concerned, the re-
publican party demands nothing of
its votaries other than to vote the
ticket and stand by protection. These
two duties performed, and the indi-
vidual republican has absolution In
advance for any sin he may commit.
Blaine's nomination Is only one in
dication that the republican party de-
sires to go before the county not upon
its principles, other than the single
one of protection, but upon the per-
sonal qualities of the distinguished
gentleman they have put at the head
Of the ticket. There Is no denying
the fact that Mr.. Blaine has, as man,
a very strong individuality. In
deed, he is closely knit fellow
has his mental legs well under him at
all times, and Is generally self-poised
and cometable. Probably for that
sort Of canvass he Is the best man
in the party. His personal magnetism
and lovable qualities, socially, have
drawn about him very wide circle of
warmly attached friends, and they are
found in all ranks of life and In all
parts of the union, even among the
southern democracy whom he has out
ragged and insulted in wanton and
cruel way a thousand times In con-
gress. But he has personal idiosyn-
cracies also which may operate
to drive votes away from him. 1t is
already quite observable that the bus
mess men not only of New York, but
Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore and
other large cities manifest GOODNESS
before this nomination, which at first
blush seems unaccountable. But there
is competent explanation, and it
rests upon the personal qualities, or
rather, the apprehension in the minds
of the business men as to the probable
effects of loose-reining those personal
qualities in the position of president
of the United States, holding as will
the Individual the phials of wrath and
war, or swaying the white banners of
peace. While secretary of state Mr..
Blaine manifested the true fllibuster
instinct, and a decided disposition to
interfere Extensively in the business
of our neighborlng governments, out
of which grows a serious apprehen-
sion in the minds of the business in
terests of the country, of war and the
consequent unrest, discomfort and
danger growing out of it. We are
frank to confess that we do not per
sonally stand aghast before the idea
of acquiring Mexico, Central Amer
lea, Cuba and the West Indias gener.
ally, nor even all of South America,
but not so with the business
interests Of the cities we have
named. These are powerful and vote
/ Yrn6nafnr n pA
thrown solidly against him the
plumed knight will require all the
strength found in his wonderful mag
netism to pull him through.
Objections will be further raised
that when the war commenced Mr
Blaine was very poor young man.
He is now after twenty-five years
spent principally in the public service
mot considered a favorable condi-
ton for honest money making-a
very rich man. The inference is a
plain one, and every light will be
thrown upon the means used in
the accumulation of this wealth
and well indeed will it
it be for Mr.. Blaine if he can make
such showing as will leave him with
stainless hands, and unscorched and IN
.besmirched garments. Heavy charges
will be made, and they will be urged
with all the earnestness of earnest
men, striving to beat pernicious
principle, and to establish one that is
wise and wholesome. Mr.. Blaine's
personal qualities will not protect him
from the fierce assaults of men who
honestly believe he heads a pernicious
and dangerous theory of government,
which will surely be fraught with
danger and mischief to the country, If
he is elected.