New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-02-14
for Ours IL we are wise and conciliatery among
ourselves and courageous toward the enemy
The LETTER LEAVES MIS- FRIENDS FREE.

Senator FRYE saidi mi. Blame 10 absolutely
sincere. have not thought for year past that ne
was willing candidate. In fact did not think In
1884 that be was willing candidate. This letter
leaves oil his friends perfectly free 10 make any
combination that they deem for the good OF the
party II does not bar his fr,ends from
bringing him forward. The Convention must SO,
lect the man. In 1884 was, Tor what neemed
good reasons, opposed 70 Mr. Blame my o. non
vincrd that he Is the strongest candidate 10 inc
party and If | were now In The Convention ana
fouud the other members Of the Convention oil tne
same mind we should nominate him. Bui the ietter
leaves everyone free TO d. rs he pleases.
Senator Henderson said: 1.-The letter gives o
sense of relief to the Republican parry. AZ 10 un
quest ionably sincere aud it relieves Republicans OF
the necessity they might unwil1ngy nave peen
under of going INTO the campaign with canaidare
who had been beaten in the previous contest 10
that extent il affords relief and improves tho
chances of the party" =,
senator Plumb, OF Kansas, said 81 think the
and it expresses his honest convictions. cam
agree with the opinion Of some who are inclined
TO the belief that it MS is subt eriu ss.u on
the nomination. Anv person who is at all
familiar with the political situation knows that
Mr.. Blaine could get the nomination at any time u
be to create mn itude OF candidates to enter the
race and whoever is nominated You can say IT VIII
not be by reclamation. MANY men who have aspl-
man, by virtue of being a candidate OF long
standing. will of course be very prominent IN the
COnven non. think the letter will have bene-
TO prevall IN the party and stimulate action. MT
Blaine believe, Is now out of the race"
IOWA WILL NOW DIX SOLID FOR ALLISON
Senator Wilson Of Iowa" It is only fair to
accept the letter as thoroughly sincere and as in
dicatng that Mr.. Blaine does not wish to be
candidate. In that event, or in any event. Iowa
will give q solid Endorsement to Senator Allison,
and with Mr.. Blaine out Of the contest Mr.
AllsOn's name will be very strong
Senator Palmer discussed the merits Of the letter
with Colonel Dunield, and 1T was agreed that It
sincere and na haye thought S1 Se%e
Mr. Blaine would withdraw from the contest uti-
maely. But the party has ample material lett TO
select frOm-Sherman. Ilawley Allison, Harrison,
and Others. Senator Sherman is probably the
strongest in my State, Michigan, as well as at most
other points"
places the party IN admirable POSITION. There
is no disousiuq the fact that there were some old
sores bard to heal with Mr. BlalHe as a candidate.
These will now heal themselves. | had rather
favored Senator Sherman, but was willing to forego
Available candidate rs Iahsr tai the Sns
Mr. Blarnes retirement will cement the party,
put an end to discords and make us doubly strong
for the coming contest. AS 10 GeheIai, AIRerJJ
there are other names mentioned much weaker
than his" =, a.,
Blaines letter is not sincere and did not mean every
word it saws is a most outrageous one have no
doubt whatever of its genuineness, though | con-
fess that IT a surprise to me, and probably to
most Republicans The PLAIN duty OF the Republic
can party now is TO find man that every one can
support. He ought to be q man that can carry
after all are the pivotal States On tnat ground
the contest VIII be fought and won.
SENATOR TELLER REGRETs Mr.. BLArNE's ACTION.
Senator Teller said: Il have not the slightest
doubt but what the letter is a perfectly sincere
one though why Mr.. Blaine should have written 1T
at the present moment puzzles me- He certainly
did not stand in need of subterfuge 10
engthen his position in the Republican party.
He was running all right His cha ces never were
better. His success was almost assured, and
nothing in ny opinion could have prevented his
beng chosen by the Convention aud elected AFTER
ward For one regret that he haIsee fit 10 decline
to have his name considered by the Convention"
Senator Spooner-It is bona hde letter, OF course.
There was no doubt in INV mind abont Mr. Bialnes
being able TO secura the nomlnationlt he wanted IT.
HIS brlliancv. however. his agRressIveness, and
the unparalleled success :. IN ms long long
w Wonderfully strong with the masses of his
party have inevitably created enmtles which have
been stronger than party loyalty The bitterness
than their loyalty to their party: they would H;.
rather see the party tall forever tnan see MN lin
opinion. will not be influenced by the course Mr..
Blame has seen tit to take They have LETT the
Republican party to stay; none will return. In
Wisconsin, however. protection Democrats are be-
ginning TO take their places.
Senator Sawyer-Nr Blame means just what he
says. His .utterances are, those OF man
think he withdrew because he thought he
could not get oon the S S Soay
wanted HIM to take the nomination, no doubt. AS
for other candidates the field is open. and Mr.
Blaines friends will be at liberty to choose. Who
ever shall be tho successful candidate VIII no
DO a nlaf, haa rfu
Senator Stewart-It was manly letter
There is no question in my mind but what its
writer meant every word OF it. 1t leaves bis
friends free to make whatever new alliances they
may desire. The Pacific Coast has several good
Republican candidates who can carry not only the
Pacific Coast but prove strong IN the East as well.
TALK WITH A MINNESOTA SENATOR.
Senator Cushman X. Davis-I regard it posi-
tive, unreserved withdrawal of Me- Blaine as a can
didate for the Presidency. made IN what he con-
ceives to be the best interests Of the party and it
ought to stop all the talk about his elfseeng and
reckless ambition. 1t apparent that he does not
Withdraw on account Of fear Of any other candl-
date but purely to preserve the integrity and the
harmony of the party. | make the prediction that
Mr.. Blame Will be found in the front rank before
the next election working for the success of who
ever is nominated in his place
NV hO is your next choice I"
Il have nothing to say"
Who will Minnesota be fort"
1T Is impossible TO predict. The feeling for Nr
Blame has been intense in my State; the RepubIi-
cans were all attached TO him anG will not know
where to co. 1t will require great deal of careful
deuberatiOn and consultation aud | am not now
prepared to advise anybody. We must have time
to think"
Senator Farwell-Between the lines it looks TO
me as il Mr.. Blaine was still candidate.
Senator Chace-Of course the letter is bona
fide one In the eye of all Republicans Mr.: Blaine
still stands on a pedestal higher even than the
Presidency from which detractron and malice
cannot pull him. L regard him as one Of
I he letter has mapped ont line of policy for the
Republican party in the next campaign which 1t
can safely follow, and which If earnestly supported
will lead to victory.
Senator Aldrich does not believe that the with
drawai of Mr.. Blame. his refusal to permit the
use of his name will be detriment or
an element of weakness 10 the Repub-
can party. He predicts that the outcome
of Mr. Blarne's retirement will be thorough unity
and harmony the Republican party, and that 10