New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-06-04
R. c. KERENS STILL sANGUINE

HE THINKS THE OVERWHELMING DESIRE OF THE
PARTY OUGHT TO BE GRATIFIED.
R. c. Eerens, of st. Louis, who is known as one Of
the stanchest of Mr. Balne's Western friends and one
OF the leading business Of Missouri is at the st.
james Hotel, having como on TO New.York with his
family to be present at the graduation of his daughter
who has been a pupil at Mrs. Reeds school He
has recently travelled through tbs western
and Southwestern States. He gave expression the
other day to the belief that Mr.. Blaine should
still be the nominee Of his party al Chicago. In
answer to inquiries, he said
GMr Blaine has done all that lay in HIS power,
acting for himself as an Individual TO let the country
and the party know his personal desires and wishes
II has been known his intimate friends ever since
1884 that lie desired to be relieved Of the burden OF
another and the great responsibilities OF the
party's standard bearer He has now let the whole
world know H. But there are some claims that
higher than personal claims. The Republican party,
comprising II does, much more than half the voters
Of the country when the stled vote OF the South Is
considered the Republican party, which saved the
Union: the Republican party, which gave this young
republic twenty-five years Of such marvellous pros
perity as has parallel In the history Of civilized
nations-thIs party, say, has right to claim ana
even demand the Of any one of its members In
any capacity, high low, If the necessity exists
or the situation shows that such service is essential
TO the party's success, with which we all believe
the success Of the country is bound up. This is es-
ored by the party as Mr.. Blaine. The Republican
party in spite Of the Florence letter and IN spite of
the Paris letter, may still nominate Mr.. Blaine If the
success OF the coming great battle for protection ap
pears 10 depend upon H. 1t would then be matter
Of duty from which no could shrink, and which
no man could refuse 1t would then be the party and
not the Individual desire which would be dominant
But what Of other candidatesln
SNinetenths Of the rank and flo Of the Republican
party for Mr. Blaine for President heart and soul
They desire him to lead the party. They believe he
can lead the party to successful glorious victory.
They want him and they cannot see why they should
not have him, why the tlustrious and unseltsh
and patriotic example no has set should not be fol
lowed by tho decnation Of Others Of the candidates
IN the interest Of the party This Idea does not
TO have entered the minds other candidates, whose
support has not as yet grown beyond the confines
of their States, and stme Of whom know that
Mr.. Elaine The choice of their States
before themselves. II they should signify now to the
party their willingness to leave 1t free select its
choice uDtramDeed by their claims as favoIte sons
Chicago
What DO you think Of the Paris letters
II Is simply reiteration Of the Florence letter,
which does not change the situation Of the party in
ITS deep wish for MI Blaine for It's leader. All the
talk about the insincerty OF the letters is insult
TO the intelligence OF Republican voters. IL was
sincere in the deepest full of dignity and honor
half sc0rs OF the leading OF the party were
cOniendng with great energy for leadership Tech
every one OF them Acknowledges tho party hear
stu offers to Mr. Blaine
How much Of this enthusiasm for Mr.. Blaine Is
the result Of work the part If his friends gn
IL you mean concerted action 10 promote the lee-
Ing absolutely none Of IT, Mr. Blalne's friends. who
might have urged his nomination four eight or twelvs
years ago we've estopped from saying single WORD
by his Florence letter Ills friends are the people
ana wherever men became candidates for delegates
10 Chicago, who were known 10 be opposed 10 him.
ile people defeated them while II the candidate Tor
delegate was known 10 be friend OF Mr.. Blane, ne
was sure 10 be chosen Mr.. Elanes popularity comes
from the people, heartily and Spontaneously, without
plonSntlng or encouragement from his friends.
know personally the delegates ~ four Western States
almost 70 man. and many o., the delegates In the
ten states In which l have judt been travelling on
business. They have told me and written TO re-
pea!ediy that the heart Of tho people IS for Mr.
Blaine why, the Democrats are cbuckling today
because they think Mr. Blaine aas been retired, and
they believe be was cur stronger. candidate"
MI kerenS, you were with fiF. Blaine In Europe
and know something Of his mind. DO you regard him
- ont OF the question Presidential possibility ~
ne only thing that would induce him 10 accept
nomination now, In my judgment, would be a
unanimous or practically unanimous request from the
convention, supported by the requests Of other caId
oates>~ At his age, and with his experiences. the
snuremens Of the Presidential 0fice are trining
Parc1 with what they when in hot ambition he
nrst sought tho place. not violating his
eYh-s--ce In telling you that am now repeating
lFas lie. H.