The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1888-05-19
CHAIRMAN B. I. jones
Says Mr.. Blaine Has Expressed
No Personal Preference.
OTHER FALsEHoODS NAILED.
Reports About "schemes" ofBlalnc's
Friends Dcnied-A Question for
the Convention to Decide.
Blalne's Strength.

PITTSBURGH, PA, May 1s.-B. F. Jones,
Chairman Of the Republican National
Committee, who returned from the east
last evening, made the following answers
to the questions OF n reporter:
"NIy visit to New York was on private
business and had not the slightest polit-
ical significance. 1 regard the prospect
for the success of the Republican party
as most encouraging, and believe that
any one of the prominent Presidential
candidates who is a thorough protection
list can be elected.
Undoubtedly the controlling issue of
the campaign will be protection to the
American Industries against free trade
or tariff for revenue only. 1t will be
the American system against the British
system. Mr.. Cleveland has made the
issue squarely, and his party must stand
by him or again ANONYMOUSLY retreat
from the position and fight under false
colors. We shall always have as much
trade with foreign countries as shall
be profitable to US. Our home
market is paramount. We have
sixty millions OF people, whose average
consumption per capita is three times
that OF other countries, thus requiring
supplies equal to one hundred and
eighty millions OF the inhabitants OF
other nations. Isnot our home market
worth protecting and defending? No,
sir, that does not mean paternal govern
ment. Personal liberty involves per
sonal responsibility, but the common
interests and the common rights OF our
people ought to be protected and defend-
cd against all attacks and outside infu-
ences.
BLAINE Is FOR THE BEST MAN.
No, Mr.. Blaine has not appointed a
residuary legatee nor has he expressed a
preference for any OF the candidates.
His wishes are that the best man may
win. No, Mr.. Blaine will not write an
other letter affirming or withdrawinghis
'declination. At least see no reason
why he should. That was inten-
ded to be final. Yes, / believe that
Mr.. Blaine would have been nominated
by acclamation il he had not withdrawn
from the field. l do not know what Mr..
Blaine would do if he should receive an
unanimous nomination by the Chicago
convention, but should think that 1t
would be hard to resist the demand OF
the party which had so highly honored
him. Upon the whole, think these
questions are not for me nor even Mr..
Blaine to answer, but for the Republican
party in assembly met.
There is no truth in the reports that
few OF Mr.. Blaine's close friends have
had concerted action for the purpose Of
putting him forward again as can
didate, nor is there any truth in the re,
port that Mr.. Blaine has relented and
would now like to have his name so be.
fore the convention. Any feeling that
may exist here or throughout the coun-
try which favors Mr.. Blaine's nomina-
ton Notwithstanding his declination is
PURELY SPONTANEOUS.
Yes, Mr.. Walter Phelps is one OF Mr..
Blaine's close friends. No, l have not
had any conversation whatever with
Mr.. Phelps for many months.
Yes, have had conversation recently
with MIR. Whitelaw Reid and Mr.. Elkins,
but no mention was made of forcing Mr..
Blaine's name upon the convention, nor
was there anything said relating to his
possible candidacy, except an expression
OF wonder at the remarkable uprising
in his favor, in spite OF his letter ofwith.
drawal. do not know that the gentle
men named have letters from Mr.. Blaine
that would Justify them in ignoring the
letter of declination. On the contrary, |
am confident that they have not received
any letters from Mr.. Blaine since the
date OF the Florence letter which in any
wise related to the politics OF the coun-
try, and know that have not.