The state journal. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1883-1885, 1884-03-29
Presidential Candidates.

James G. Blaine seems 10 be stead-
lily gaining in popularity; but his
great drawing powers, or magnetism,
as some have seen fit to term it, seem
to be confined to the limits of this
State. Were it as prominently dis
played in some Of the other large
States, we might at once conclude
that he is destined to receive the
nomination, but this cannot be truth
fully said, hence we are at loss as
to our conclusions. Mr.. Blaine, while
not a candidate in the concrete, is
avowedly the choice Of many far
sighted, deep thinking and well or
gained politicians, which fact unques
tionably makes him prominent, in an
abstract sense, which fact mystifies
his potential strength We have no
doubt, that if nominated and elected
he would make good President.
His extensive knowledge and vast
influence would be great auxiliary
in the discharge Of his presidential
duties, but has he the moral courage,
and sufficiently deep grounded humane
instincts to see that condign punish
ment is served upon those, especially
in the South, who SO wantonly mall
treat and murder our brethren for
political reasons alone. If he will
enlist the authority and power vested
in him by the Constitution for the
supremacy Of right in this special di-
rection, then there is no cause to be
displeased with such result as his
election.
John A. Logan, a true and tried
soldier and friend, is also developing
much strength as presidential can
didate, in the concrete sense, and his
endorsers are legion. Mr.. Logan has,
during his public career, inaugurated
many just measures for the benefit Of
the oppressed, and has not been spar
ing in his efforts to have the numer-
Gus miscreants Of justice and right
brought to punishment. These mi
tiatory movements we take only as an
evidence of what he would do if he
had.the power He is not SO conser-
vatiye as to let the aggressors slip
because of an apparent good excuse,
or any other pretext, but we believe
would see that justice were properly
meted out. Nor is he SO stalWart
that he would punish an alleged law
breaker because he happens to hsil
from the South, or any other special
section, but we believe he would see
right and justice done to the humblest
of his subjects, if we may be allowed
to use the term, and by all means put
a stop to the hellish system Of killing
men for political opinions. His rec
ord in many hot contested conflict
in the halls Of legislation and upon
the battle field, necessarily makes him
an acceptable candidate, and the pros
pect is not displeasing.
Hon. G. f. Edmunds is statesman
of no mean calibre, and his legislative
record, social standing, and vast popu-
larity among the masses, especially
among the best thinking and az
knowledged literary minds Of this
Republic, justly entitle him 70 favor
able consideration, and the confidence
which he doubtless enjoys. Of the
whole people. AS President, he
would be exemplary and just, or
bring ruin upon the offenders. He
has always been consistent, and this
fact warrants us in believing that our
interest would not suffer under his
care. His hailing from New England
is stamp guarantee that the anti
slavery doctrine, which had its glo-
rious origin in that section, will in
substantial substance be exercised in
a satisfactory manner, and upon the
whole would properly represent the
whole Nation irrespective Of section.
Let the good work 60 on
President Arthur, who assumed the
duties under such trying ordeal, has
made satisfactory Executive. We
find nothing to complain Of in bis ad-
ministration, save, perhaps, apathy as