New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-08-12
NATION SEEKING THE RIGHT

Tho arrival and welcome OF Mr. Elaine have
y nhilosophical significance which is felt ly the
Nation, though many may fail to explain IL 10
their own satisfaction. The private cltizen,
who has returned after year OF Weli-earhed
rest from labor, receives greeting such as
scarcely any other American has ever received.
Mr.. Tilden. when he was the idol of great
party and its undisputed leader, never met any
such evidence of popular regard. ii PresiuehC
Cleveland were TO return from Europe To- dN'
clothed with the appointing power crowd oil
officials and office-seelers would greet him, but
not man of his party imagines that even
single train-load of citizens would take the
trouble to meet him returning as ex-Presldent'
or to listen to his opinions, If he were TO cohe
back not in office, a private citizen without
power. Something deeper and stronger Than
the desire for place or the zeal of party may be
seen in the warm welcome given to Mr. Blaine
by the Thousands who were able to seek his
presence, and by the millions more whose
duties kept them away, but whose hearts greet
cd him not less warmly. How many Amer
cans were there, within reach OF morning
paper who did not look yesterday morning
with intense interest for the first words from
the lips Of Mr.. Blaine?
Personal affection for such a man as Mr..
Blaine, kindly, generous and thoroughly man
". explains much, but leaves much more 10 DC
explained. How many Of the thousands VINO
greeted MIR. Blaine on Friday, or who tined TO
greet him on Thursday, had ever met him face
TO face? TO the large majority, probably ne
was entirely a stranger, save as bis activity III
| 10 n
! Of the millions who waited for his first words
but small fraction had ever been within the
magnetism Of his personal presence. IheJ
loved and trusted the public leader, or as his
oDponents or as heSitating voters realized th&'
his words might be Of supreme importance
for the individual, comparatively few had the
attraction Of personal acquaintance.
Thus there comes into light the vital fact
that Mr.. Blaine's principles, and the cause
which he represents, have strong hold upon
the affections and the regard Of the people
Millions believe thoroughly in those principles
and feel that the welfare of the entire Nation
depends upon the success Of that cause. Mill
ions more, not yet entirely convinced, nave
been impressed with the arguments oiieied
for the American policy, and feel that II MI
Blaine has been right in the past the moment
has come for them to break every tic that may
restrain them from supporting the cause fol
which he speaks. Ii has deeply impressed then
that the policy Of protection has been IN tlmC
coincident with the srandest industrial &c
velopment of the Nation, with remarkable
advance in wages and cheapenng Of products
and with wonderful improvement in the con
ditiOn Of individual American citizens. They
feel that they have no right to ignore these
facts. or to cast a vote which may affect tE'
we-bcing Of sixty millions Of men, women an'
children without serious inquiry. such mel
want to hear what Mr.. Blaine now has to say
Mr.. Blaine's welcome was most honorable u
him. But in deeper sense it was also honor
able to the millions Of citizens VINO therein.
manifested their earnest desire to learn tn
truth. This statesman, trusted by nearly hal
the people. would not fail TO speak for the IN
terests Of the people, it was felt, ana not 10
the ambitions of politicians. American voters
all honor to them for it. want TO know Whic4
policy is for the best good Of American citizens
and their anxiety to hear what might be sal
by the one man who has been found sufficient
unsolGsh and noble to refuse a nomination 10
the Presidency in order that great cauS
might by no personal antagonisms be endan
gcred, is at once a proof OF their gocd sense jill
Of their appreciation Of true patriotism
--------"--------