New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-02-15
DISPLAYS or STUPIDITY

Why should Blaincphobia make an .unmitl-
gated idiot of a man? Three days ago every
Mugwump and frcc-trade independently in the
country was declaring, with intense conviction
born of his own passionate hatred and fear. that
Nlr. Blaine had the Republican nomination alb
solutely secure, that he controlled the entire
1arty organization had manufactured public
opinion everywhere with supcrhuman adroit-
ness had contivcd clubs in every part Of the
country which were really Blaine clubs and
would make his nomination irresistible. and
that no other candidate had ghost of chance.
Now these same unspcakable donkcys are de-
claring that Mr. Blaine prctends TO withdraw,
knowing that he would otherwise fail OF
nomination. on the desperate chance that his
party may be disposed to offer him the nom
nation nevertheless
Men and brethren, this is too silly even for
Mugwumps and free trade independents. a
man really ought not to display himself lin
public as a dwelling idiot the exhibition is
offensive TO the nerves Of sane humanity. III
Mr.. Blaine wanted the nomination. he had 10
beyond all possibility CT question. Certainly
more than two-thirds Of the delegates would
have been in his favor without hesitation,
argument or the slightest effort, SIMPLY be-
cause in more than two-thirds of the constitu-
encies the great majority of voters preferred
Mr.. Blaine They knew what he was. and
what splendid leader he had proved in fight,
and how effectively he had aroused public
opinion to defend American industry and Amer
lean rights. That was enough for the millions,
and it was enough for the great majority OF
the political managers and workers. If Mr..
Blaine wanted the nomination. he had nothing
to do but to keep still. The letter, therefore.
must be regarded by men whose hatred or
fright has not taken away their senses as the
candid expression of Mr.. Blanc's desire not to
be nominated though his nomination but for
that expression would have been inevitable.
SO much c0mmon-sensc cOmpels ono TO believe.
whatever may be conjcctured as to his reasons
for withdrawal. sane man can believe. If he
sees it, that Mr.. Blaine withdraws because he
sbrinks from another deluge of personal abuse I;
CT because he thinks be might not be elected
and does not wish to risk another defeat OF
his party. But the creature who attributes the
letter to desire TO secure nomination.
which Mr. Blaine could have had without a
doubt or word, only defines himself as an
idiot
Those who know most of Mr.. Blaine's real
thought have been entirely united in stating
that he was exceedingly reluctant TO accept the
nomination in 1854. and has never desired 1T
since, 80 far as his most intimate friends could
gather his wishes. Men Of unquestioned hon
csty. whose intimacy with Mr.. Blaine is espe-
crily close. have repeatedly made that state
ment and it would be everywhere believed
we're there not some persons crazcd with fear
and hatred who could not measure the weight OF
evidence in any matter connected with Mr..
Blaine II is no secret. either, that Mr. Blaine
has never been especially sanguine regarding
his own interests. Brave beyond most men IN
battling for the welfare of the country and THO
interests of his party, he has always placed
less confidence in his own personal strength
than any of his friends There is the best
reason for believing that no apprehension OF
the result this year has prompted Mr. Blaines
withdrawal The simple truth is that he has at
no time felt willing to be candidate again.
and desired to make that known so early that
the party could select with due de'iberation
candidate upon whom it could heartily unite.
andswhosc election would be victory in the
best and highest sense.