New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-02-14
THE .SiTTATfON.


Mr. Blane's review of the political prospect
is open to one criticism. The victories of The
past year. which nc recitcs, the surprising
gains made By the Republican party In many
states, were achieved with general cxpeota-
ton that he would be the candidate of the Re
publican party this year 1t mattered not what
his friends said, though they constantly affirmed
that he did not desire the nomination and that
they were dong and proposed to do nothing
to make their preference the choice of the
party; ninety-nine out of hundred voters,
whether friends or foes, looked upon Mr..
Bainc's nomination as certain. and votes were
cast against Republican tickets for that reason
only, while others were cast for Republican
tickets which would not have been so cast but
for this expectation. No man can say with
certainty how far this prospect influenced tho
strength on either side whether the number
brought to the Republican party by the popu-
larity Of its leader exceeded the number cast
against it in order to compass his defeat or
withdrawal. Opinions will differ widely. We
believe that The expectation Of Mr. Blaine's
nomination increased the strength OF the Re-
publican party as a whole to u considerable
eXtert. If So part OF the gains achieved can
not be counted in its favor with different
candidate, who may nevertheless bring to the
party strength not then secured or expected.
Facing these facts, the Republican party has
to select it's candidate with knowledge that it
may not be able to command in doubtful States
all the strength it manifested in the last cleo
tions, and certainly will not unless it's choice
is sagaciOus. Most fortunately, it will bring
% &, -. of aIo al; ,uJo
BIASED less than usual by passionate and long
organized strife between rivals. large ma
jority of it's delegates will probably be men
who would have earnestly desired Mr.. Blaine's
nomination and election, and who are there
fore in position to estimate without prejudice
the strength OF the other candidates presented.
Such men, having understood Just where Mr..
Blaincs nomination would have made the
p%ry stronger. will be able the better to judge
which of other candidates can add strength
where it is most desired. Especially they know
how powerfully Mr.. Blaines vigorous cham
pionship of the protective policy helped the
party in many quarters, and can appreciate the
importance of selecting candidate who will
command as far as possible the same support.
One thing is TO be remembered that Mr.
Rlaine's withdrawal may have much to do with
the Democratic nomination MIR. Cleveland
has been opposed by some Democrats because
they believe that he would lose a large number
of Democratic votes in case of Mr.. Blaines
IenOmination That reason for setting HIM
aside is now out of the way, so far as MIR.
Elne's letter can remove it. On the other
hand. there were some Democrats who favored
his nomination because they thought the pres
tige of previous success would help him
against Mr. Blaine. They have now to CON-
slider that he would not on that account be
stronger against different candidate. Tho
events of the next few weeks in the Democratic
camp will have much TO do with the final de-
ciSion of Republicans, and there will be gen.
cIal curiosity to see whether, as "The Sum-
evidently anticipates, the withdrawal of Mr..
Blainc will increase the Democratic opposition
to Mr.. Cleveland
1t is pleasing to reflect, at this juncture, that
the Republican party does not find itself lack
ing in strong and worthy leaders from whom
a choice may be made. 1t has men who have
been tried for long and in many ways. and who
have proved their fitness for high trusts. 1t
has men whose splendid record and personal
popularity would count largely in close con-
test. There is more than one man who could
be nominated with bright prospects of success.
No one can begin to name worthy and strong
candidates without naming several, among
whom the choice will not be easy. The man
wanted is one whose strong convictions will not
be in doubt. whose earnest defence Of protec-
ton to home industry and to American rights
will be assured, whose personal knowledge of
men and affairs will enable him to be a positive
force in The Government and in the party,
whose freedom from sympathy with its open
concealed foes will place him in close and
constant harmony with the deep and abiding
convictions which have made the party power
full and honorable. With such candidate
the Republicans would have little reason to
care whether the Democrats nominate Mr..
Cleveland or throw him aside as a used up
embodiment Of false pretences.