New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-04-26
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NO ST1APEDE


Democrats and Mugwumps have been congrat-
ulating themselves that they could at least pre-
tend, If Mr.. Blaine should be nominated by the
Republican Convention. that it was not the de-
liberate and sober Judgment of his party, that
he was selected in sudden fit of half-crazed
enthusiasm by delegates who were chosen to
favor somebody else but were carried off their
feet by excitement. There is TO be no such per-
Torrance in the Republican National Conven-
tion. If MIR. Blaine is to be nominated at all.
which rests with delegates most Of whom have
not yet been chosen and who have not yet had
any opportunity for conference and survey OF
the situation, he will be nominated after most
thoughtful and dispassionate consideration OF
the merits and strength of all other possible
candidates, and of the prospects and the wishes
of Republicans in every part of the country, and
not by any " stampede at all. So much is now
certain.
How can that be known? Because some
delegates have now been chosen whose delib-
crate Judgment it is that Mr. Blaine should be
nominated, notwithstanding his disinclination
and who have been deliberately selected by
constituents because the Republicans OF certain
States and districts were of that mind. These
men will undoubtedly give expression to the be-
liefs and wishes of those who have chosen them
While comforting with other delegates, in all
sincerity desiring the fullest possible informa-
ton respecting public opinion and the merits
of different candidates, they will start with the
expression of their personal belief and the be-
lief of those they represent. The question
whether MIR. Blaine should, on the whole be
selected notwithstanding his declination and
his personal unwillingness, must of necessity be
placed before the Convention throughout its
sessions, and before the members of the Con-
vention before its session begins. Whether
th*Convention finally agrees with these dele
gates or not, in either event its decision in re-
gard to the matter will be as deliberate and
carefully considered as the work of such body
ever can be, and there will be no stampede
about it.
So much being settled, great deal OF the
frothy pretence with which Democrats and
Mugwumps have hoped to break the force OF a
possible nomination of Mr.. Blaine, If made, is
swept away. Should the Convention decide
upon another nomination, it will be deliber-
ate conclusion that, In view Of all the facts, II
IS not thought best or necessary to disregard
Mr. Blaine's personal preference. decision
TO nominate him, If reached will be equally de-
liberate, and based upon comparison OF all the
facts. The chronic falsifers, who cannot tell
the truth when they try, will continue their
misrepresentation in either case, but will not
have much power to mislead public opinion.
The course of Mr.. Blaines friends in all this
matter deserves q word of appreciation. They
have studiously avoided active efforts to in
huence the opinion of others regarding the Sc
lection of candidate, in the just feeling that
their fellow Republicans ought to decide and
are fully able to decide for themselves, for they
now know wherein Mr.. Blaine is strong as q
candidate, and also wherein he is weak, what he
is, and what the country thinks of him. There
should have been, and has BEEN no endeavor to
hide the merits Of other candidates, to forestall
a deliberate and careful choice, to conceal the
personal unwillingness of Mr.. Blaine or to de-
prive it of the weight 1t should have The
question to be decided by the Convention con-
Germs the welfare of the Republican party and
of the country, and in that spirit 1t Will be
frankly and dispassonatey met. nomina-
ton made under such circumstances will be re-
spected as the deliberate judgment of the party
and whether it accords with the personal pref
erences of this or that portion, will be sup
ported with hearty feeling and as patriotic
duty.