Daily Kennebec journal., 1884-04-28
An Anti-Blaine Bugbear.

The Blaine organs express great
concern about Mr. Blaine's fate should he
be nominated They declare that he could
not be elected if placed before the people
rs a candidate. In editorials aud cOrre-
spondence this opinion is prominently,
duly. and frequently set forth. The OBJ
iect is so evident that no one can mistake
it. 1t is to frighten timid souls from the
support of Mr.. Blaine.
IL Mr.. Blaine were an unknown man,
or an unpopular man. or man OF weak
intellect. or without experience in public
affairs there might be some sense in doubt
ing his ability to run well as a candidate.
But certainly he is not man unknown to
the people of this country. What man is
better known than James G. Blainep Who
IL so ignorant as not to be familiar with
the name and career of the great states
man from MaineP In intellect, and in ex-
perience and ability in public affairs he is
certainly the peer OF any man living in
this country. This is conceded even by
those who oppose him politically. Be-
cause of these qualities his name is men,
toned everywhere with admiration. As
to popularity who can match him' There
are few politicians who dislike him for
reasons greatly to his credit. but among
the people there is no other name that
arouses the enthusiasm which the name
of Blaine does. lie is preeminentlv
popular. and especially so right among
the common people. the men who cast the
votes that decide the tate of Presidential
candidates. In the State of Maine there
is not town or school district in which
the name of Blaine is not potent enough
to overthrow all opposition. 1t would be
difficult undertaking to pack caucuses
and conventions against him in this State.
and never more difficult than this year.
when he has not raised a hand in his own
behalf. And as il is in Maine so it is the
country over. Office-holders attempt to
control conventions against him. but the
common people take up his cause with
arior and zeal. and carry it forward as
the leading name Of all mentioned as
Presidential candidates. Even in Massa-
chusetts. where the press and the leading
politicians are combined to repress the
Blaine sentiment of the State. they are
unable TO crush it out, and evidence ap-
pears that he is popular there among the
masses as in other States.
Still with the hills of New England. the
prairies of the Mississippi valley. aud the
distant States aud Territories on both sides
of the Rocky Mountains atire with enthu-
siasm for Blaine. few papers deprecate
his nomination because they fear that he
c,nnot be elected il nominated. What
bugbearl What folly! What misrepresen-
ta,ion of public opinioul What shame
to the republican party il it shall
permit its foremost man. its great
est chieftain, its most valuable and
available leader to be Killed off by this
pitiful and puerile bugbear!
The instinct of the republican party is
right and can be trusted in this matter
Thatsays nominate Blaine. He can sweep
the country in the election. His name
win kindle fame that no opposition can
withstand. Accusations have been brought
against him; malice. envy and jealousy
have done their worst to soil his character,
but through all trials he has passed safely;
Investigation has made him stronger and
increased the hosts of his friends.
If Mr.. Blaine cannot be elected Presi-
dent if nominated, then 10 man can bs
elected BY the republican party. 1t win