The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-02-13

an convention as candidate for the presiden-
ta1 nomination. The following is Mr.. Blaine's
letter in full:
FLORENCE, Italy. jan 25, 1888.
"B. IT. Jones. Esq., Chairman of the Republican Ma
tional COMMITTEES:
'Sir-I wish. through you, to state to the
members of tine Republican party that my name
will not be presented to the national convention
called to assemble in Chicago in June next for
the nomination of candidates for President and
Vice-president Of the United States
Il am constrained to this decision by consid-
erations entirely personal to myself, of which
you were advised more than year ago. But
cannot make the announcement without giving
expression to my deep sense of gratitude to the
many thousands of my countrymen who have
sustained me SO long and so cordially that their
feeling has seemed to go beyond the ordinary
political adherence OF fellow-partisans and to
partake somewhat of the nature of personal at
tachment For this most generous loyalty of
friendship can make no adequate return. but
I shall carry the memory of it while life lasts.
4Nor can refrain from coneratnlating the
Republican party upon the cheering prospects
which distinguish the opening of the national
contest of 1888 as compared with that of 1884
In 1882 the Republican party throughout the
Union met with disastrous defeat. Ten
States that had supported Garfield and Arthur
in the election of 1880 were carried by the
Democrats, either by majorities or pluralities.
The Republican loss in the Northern elections,
compared with the preceding national election.
exceeded half million votes, and the electoral
votes of the Union, divided on the basis of
the result of 1882, gave to the Demo
Gratis over three hundred electors out of q
total of four hundred and one There was
partial reaction in favor of the Republicans ins
the elections OF 1883, but the Democrats still
held possession of seven Northern States. and
on the basis Of the years contest could show
more than 100 majority in the Electoral College
aeemsns naturally following the adverse cleo
tions of these two years the spirit of the Repub-
lican party in the national contest Of 1884 rose
high, and the Republican masses entered into
the campaign with such energy that the final
result depended on the vote of single State, and
that State was carried by the Democratic party
by plurality SO small thasitrepresentedl less than
one-eleventh of per cent of the entire vote
The change Of single vote in every two thou
sand of the total poll would have given the
State to the Republicans though only two years
before the Democratic plurality exceeded 1922
000 The elections of 1886 and 1887 have DEM
onstrated growing strength in the Republican
ranks. Seldom in political history has
party defeated in national election rallied i'm
mediately with such vigor as have the Repub-
licans since 1884 No comparison is possible
between the spirit of the party in
1923 and it's spirit in 1867. The two periods
present simply q contrast-the ono of general
depression, the other of enthusiastic revival
Should the party gain. in the results OF 1888.
over those of 1867. in anything like the pro-
portion of the gain of 1884 over 1923, it would
secure one of the most remarkable victories of
its entire existence. But victory docs not depend
on so largea ratio of increase the party has only
to maintain relatively its prestige of 1867 to
give to its national candidates every Northern
State but one, with far better prospects of
carrying that one than it has had for the past
six years.
Another feature OF the political situation
should inspire Republicans with irresistible
strength. Tie present national administration
ues eIaetad with If not ,,nor the ranaat.d o.
sertion Of its leading supporters in every pro-
lection State that issue on the tariff was in-
volved However earnestly Republicans urged
that question the one of controlling mpor-
ocratic leaders and journals with persistent
evasion, concealment and denial That resource
the President has fortunately removed. The
issue which the Republicans maintained and
the Democrats avoided in 1884 has
been prominently and specifically brought
forward by the Democratic President, ana can
not be hidden out of sight in 1888 The coun- |
try is now in the enjoyment of industrial sys-
sured larger national growth, more rapid ac- |
stimulation and a broader distribution of wealth |
than were ever before known to history. The |
American people will be openly and for I
mally asked to decide whether this system shall |
be recklessly abandoned and new trial be made |
,f an old experiment. which has uniformly led to |
national embarrassment and widespread individ- /
nal distress. On the result of such an issue,
'airly presented to the popular judgment. there
Is no room for doubt.
'sOne thing onlyis necessary to assure success
me part Of all Republicans; on the part both Of
hose who aspire to lead AID Of those who are !