St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1888-02-16
COMMENTS OF THE PRESS.
Ns,n York Herald. Ind.


We accent the action of Mr.. Blaine
as conclusive, and looked at from
republican point of view, it must be
regarded as wise, and we might even
say magnanimous.
Neao York Tribune, Rep.
A letter from Mr.. Blaine withdraws
his name so far as it is in his power to
do SO from the consideration of repub
licans for nomination at their ap-
preaching national convention.
Boston Globe, Dem.
Oae thing is clear; Mr.. Blaine's
chances of obtaining the nomination of
his party next June are greatly in
creased by the publication of this let
ter. 1t is very pretty stroke
of strategy.
Ne,o York World, Dem.
This letter has the air of sincerity.
1t is plain that Mr.. Blaine has made up
his mind that he cannot be again NOM
mated for president, and that if nOmi-
mated he cannot be elected. This is
the Interpretation that will he placed
upon the document.
Newport Express, Rep.
There is now nothing to prevent a
cordial and hearty union of all branch
es of the republican party upon some
one man, who will sweep the country
next fall. Mr.. Blaine has done ines
Unable service to the party and the
country by his withdrawal from the
contest.
Boston Advertiser Rep.
Mr.. Blaine's statement that he will
not be again a candidate for the presi
\ L.
writes it. The suggestion already
made by over-zealOus friends that he
shall be renominated in spite of it is an
affront to him and uncomplimentary to
the party which has the nomination to
bestOw.
Burlington Free Press Rep.
There will be those, no doubt, who
will treat Mr.. Blaine's letter, declining
to be again a candidate for the presi-
dency, as fresh bid for the nomina-
ton but it cannot be that. When he
says, without qualifications or condi-
ton, that his name will not be present
ed to the convention, he must be taken
at his word and he will be so taken
beyond doubt by the party in general.
Mr.. Blaine will hereafter be out of the
canvass.
Springfield Republican, Ind.
We observe a disposition to question
whether Mr.. Blaine really means it..
This is neither complimentary toward
him nor is it kindness to the republi-
can party, or even good sense. If the
gentleman who wites from Florence is
not in earnest, if he contemplated an
artful bid to secure in a more binding
way the republican nomination for
president,-then,m men and brethren,
he stands convicted of being what so
many people are convinced that he is,
a double dealing schemer. He is pill
loried by his own act.
Boston Herald, Ind.
Aside from the brief allegation of
personal reasons, the letter affords no
explanation of the withdrawal. On
the contrary, it is, from first to last, an
argument for second nomination of
the plumed knight, who came so near
to winning four years ago, and would
enter the coming contest under condi-
tions so favorable that he could hardly
miss of leading his party to victory.
That is the political situation as Mr..
Blaine paints it. The logic of his
letter runs directly counter to the
withdrawal which he announces.
St. Adams Messenger, Rep.
Mr.. Blaine's letter will set at rest all
doubts as to his relations with the re-
publican party. The letter
takes him out of the list of political
aspirants for the presidency at any
rate, and sets him right before the
country. So far as he is concerned the
COM ention will meet and deliberate
hi
may impartially decide. Under these
circumstances if the nomination should
come to him it ought to be respected
upon another it will have the pledge
support.
Neao York Times, Ind.
The submitting of Mr.. Blaine's
name to the national convention is a
matter beyond his control, for it may
be submitted by his enthusiastic friends
in spite of his present statement and
carried through to a triumphant nomi
nation even against his later protests.
What he would do, in that case, the
country is not informed, and the presi-
dency of the United States is an honor
which tempts ambition SO nightly and
so far transcends all the other cOmpli-
ments of life that no man may be said
to have declined it until he has de-
clared, as Gen. Sherman once did, that
he would not accept it even if he were
elected.
Boston Journal Rep
What is the significance of this let
ter7 Simply this that it leaves an
absolutely open field for the candidacy
for the next republican convention. &.
At the same time it is obvious
that Mr.. Blaine cannot control the &C
ton of the convention. If all other
suggested leadership should prove i'm
practicable or unwise, and there should
be an unmistakable concentration of
republican opinion and desire upon Mr..
Blaine as the leader best suited to the
occasion, his friends would doubtless
hope that the demands of the party
would impel him to sacrifice his incli-
nations.
Montpelier Waterman.
There is considerable diversity of
opinion in regard to his declination.
Many assume it to be absolute and
final; others believe that should the
convention, with practical unanimity,
tender the nomination to Mr.. Blaine,
it would not be declined. That is to
say, if it should be determined by the
great majority of republicans that Mr..
Blaine is the strongest candidate for
the party he will then deem it his duty
to accept the honor, unless there are
more reasons for his positive declina-
tion than at present appear on the sur
face. 1t is now certain that, SO far as
Mr.. Blaine is personally concerned, the
office will have to seek the man.
P.uLond Herald Pen