Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-02-13

Mr. Blaine has furnished by his own voluntary
act key 10 the problem which wholly without
lis agency, had already brought serious vexation
10 the minds OF the republican party. IL was
practically admitted. on all hands, that be could
have the nomination II he wished It, as no other
republican In public life approached him In per-
sonsl popularity. II was evident, however from
his actions that he had no taste for such an empty
honor. II the nomination had come 70 him as the
vote OF a united convention, he world probably
have accepted it: but the mere majority which
would have satisfied an ordinary candidate had no
charms for him.
The question which will arise in many minds on
reading Mr.. Blaines letter IL whether il vas writ
ten In entire good faith or with the Idea that it
might call forth enthusiastic demand from mis-
party that he SHOULD withdraw II and run again.
Ills nearest friends In this country those who have
shared his confidence for many years and who per.
hapS know better ;han any one else the purpose
for which he eut himself loose for a season from
the cares Of politics and the ties OF home agree In
the belief that his words contain no meaning but
that which Is apparent On their face. This how
ever, does not preclude the possibility OF his
sim having political ends In view. He
may prefer debating the nomination to
receiving II himself He may desire To repeat IN
1859 the operations OF 1881, and resume his place
In the cabinet as Secretary OF state. moulding TO
a large extent the internal policy OF the sdmini-
known that he has a program In diplomacy TO
carry out, which was cut short by the death OF his
chief seven years ago: and doubtless his ideas In
this line have been expanded and developed be-
yond their original bounds by his studies On the
ground abroad.
IL being granted that this declinatien In advance
Is 1nal the next inquiry that arises IL Who OF ell
the now prominent republican statesmen viii re-
ceive the support OF Mr.. Blalne's loyal following.
Mr.. sherman and MI Allison are both, doubtless,
in position 10 profit by the withdrawal Of their
most powerful competitor. Mr. sherman is very
strong among the German voters, and his career
as Secretary of the treasury commended itself to
Wall street sufficiently well 10 assure him OF a
pretty solid backing from that quarter; while Mr..
Allisons conservative course IN partisan matters,
and his learning and experience as a fnancier
have made him host of admirers and spared him
the antagonlsms against which men who have
been more active with tongue and pen would be
obliged 20 struggle In a canvass But TWO points
arise at once TO the mind in considering
the partisan eligibility Of either OF these gentle
men: one IS the locality from which each halls,
and the other the position Of each on the tariff
question. which promises TO be the leading issue
in the next campaign. Ohio no longer the doubt
ful state or the October Waterloo which 1t was In
times gone by. and the necessity OF placating its
voters IL not so pressing. Iowa IL In a great deal
more danger OF giving It's electoral vote for a low
tarin democrat Mr. sherman Is protectionist Of
the iron-rfbbed school. Mr.. Allison, II correctly
quoted by the papers Of late has frankly admit
ted the necessity OF a considerable revision and
his farmer constituents are with him almost to a
man His state Is full OF ex-soldiers. who would
rather vote for republican than democrat II
they had the choice presented TO them without any
Incidental issues, but they have other interests to
consult also.
IL will now be interesting to watch the effect
OF Mr.. Biaine's letter upon the organization TO
which IL Is addressed, and upon the several can
didates for its leadership His withdrawal Is
likely 10 leave the republican party where Mr..
Clevelands withdrawal would leave the demo-
Gratis, with nuIaber OF good captains in the aeld
but no general