The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-02-15

ably the party will take him at hia word Mr.
Blame has never, with all his ability. proved
himself = candidate that the Republican party
conid win with, and the solution of the mystery
which has for long time surrounded MIR.
appreciates this fact and percsives the advant
TO the party and to himself of declining to be its
hEure-head in the next campaign.
Press Comment.
Chicago Inter Ocean, The manly and candid
letter of Mr.. Blaine glows like beacon OF self
abnegation; its light will ulumine the proceed
ings of the convention.
Louisville Commercials His decination is
not bid for sympathy. There is nothing
theatrical about it. It does not equivocate
in any particular. He simply declines to be q
candidate for the presidency, and his words
leave no room for doubt as to his meaning or as
To- bis sincerity.
ST. Louis Globe Democrat: That complete
harmony and cordial cooperation" which Mr..
Blaine declares to be the one thing only that is
teed. The only disturbing cause has been op-
portuneiy and pleasantly removed; and the peo-
ple may be trusted to rescue the government
from tho control of party which has shame
fully failed to keep its promises and carry out
its loud professions of patriotism and reform.
Chicago Tribune: Mr.. Blaine ought not to be
exposed a second time to such hideous cam
raigning was practiced against him in 1884;
and, though the Republican party will be the
loser. he viii be in some respects the gamer by
his refusal to be candidate again. Whether he
Is nominated for the presidency or not next
June he cannot have larger share of the af-
fectlon of his party than that which is now so
generously and with such practical unaEimity
bestowed upon him. His enemies he never
hope to concil1ate while he remains candidate,
and there are Republicans left who are pot
his friends. His position as the chieftan OF the
Republican party in voluntary retirement will
be grander than any he has ever enjoyed. At
ore stroke he has made himself the popular idol
Of 5000. 600 of his countrymen and has COM
PEELED the respect even of his political opponents
PHILADELPHIA North American: The fact is
that no man is essential TO the progress of the
Republican party. We believe that 1T includes
no other man so albe in every respect as Mr..
Blaine; yet it is gravsly doubtful whsther tho
success which in this letter he so intelligently
pictures probable in the ensuing presidential
election would not be better assured by the
avoidance OF a campaign in which the contest
would be for the elevation OF an individual
rather than for the supremacy of . principle.
No man will deny that the widespread
affection for Mr.. Blaine on one hand. and on the
other the deep seated antagonsm to him. even
by q large number whose loyalty to Republican
ign cannot otherwise be impeached. would pre-
vent the uniform exaitation. above all personal
issues. of the great principle and its direct ap-
plscation to the welfare of all G classes OF Ameri-
can industries upon which we rely for victory.
Chicago Times: The leading minds of the
Republican party have not concentrated upon
any candidate. Blaines position prevented it.
Tho field Is clear. Sherman. Sheridan,
Harrison. Allison. Gresham and Lincoln
mentioned, and each has his strong advocates,
though several of them have given yet
sign of desire for nomination. OF those men
toned, Sherman and Harrison are understood
to be the only avowed candidates. Allison has
throughout the country a strong backing of sub
stantial business men, who admire his conserva-
tive character and know his unquestioned abil-
ity. If he had General Gresham's military
record he would probably lead the field. If Sher-
idan should be nominated shout would 60 up
that would reach Mr.. Blaine on the other side
enthusiastic element that wants lots of fun out
OF lively and noisy campaign would all fall into
8 me with wkoop and yell.
Tffg STATE PRESS.
Shelbyville Republican: With Blaine out of
the race, the contest for the Republican presi-
DENTAL nomination will bs quite lively. Sher-
and Harrison the leading candidates
aud one the other will most likely get the
prize. Indiana should adhere solidly to her own
son.
Evansville Journal Although it has mot been
certain that Blaine would be candidate for the
presidency. it has been hoped by his multitude
of friends and admirers that he would permit
the use of his name in that connection. This
letter, however, appears to settle the question
of his candidacy.
Lafayette Courier: The admirers and support
ers of the from Maine Republicans OF
the stalwart kind who. without being actuated
by resentful spirit. will naturally incline to-
ward some candidate who has not antagonized
Mr.. Blaine heretofore, and it IS quite certain
that those who destroyed him in 1884 will never
profit by their desertion and meanness in that
memorable campaign.
Anderson Herald It will be read with deep
interest by Republicans everywhere, and with
20 follow the banner of the "plumed Knight"
through the campaign this year. Mr.. Blaines
letter is full OF hope and encouragement for the
party, and he predicts victory for 1888. The
blooms of Sherman, Sheridan. Harrison and
others will now receive fresh impetus.
Warsaw Times: James G.. Blaine has settled
question that was giving the Republicans
siderable trouble and annoyance. He declines
f0 Ta0r hIE mai IN ha daa n tdQta
for the presidency in 1888. and we verify believe
that this will please even bis most ardent friends.
His letter is good one and contains some
cellent advice for the party. There are many
Republicans throught the country who, while
they would like to have him President
were of the opinion that he could not be elected.
Now, let Mr.. Blaines wishes be observed, and
let the attention of the party be turned to some
one else-John Sherman, for instance.
Vincennes Commercial: ut is . proud thing
for a man to hold such place in the minds and
priety. decline nomination for the presidency
before it is rendered him. Such is the case Of
Mr.. Blaine. His lerter is manly and STRAIGHT
forward, and we take it hs means what he says.
AS to the effect-weli, it clears up the atmos-
phere greatly. Mr.. Blaine's friends, and they
are many and enthusiastic believe he was
titled to a denomination, and would have in
sisted upon it. On the other hand there were
many who believed he could not carry the
country. Their opposition was strong and
bitter as the advocacy of Blaine's friends
warm and tenacious There such antag-
onisms over any other candidate named. His
hopeful words are encouraging to the party. and
we all admire him more than at any other time
heretofore.
Terre Haute Express: Mr.. Blaine's withdraw
al cannot be accepted in any other sense than in
bis good faith and we beliave this is the true
way of reading the letter. because believe
that for year more he has considered 1T
best that he should not be candidate. The
list of probable and possible candidates will be
enlarged. with Senator Sherman heading it.
ReDubIIcau mol
as point ID out by MIR. Blaine is manifested in
the entt usiasm and general good spirits of the
party everywhere and in tho many men sug-
gessed for the nomination. The feeling seems
to be to nominate the man who will best bring
out the full vote of the party in the North,
which IN itself can elect president regardless
of The fraud by which the Democratic cand icate
receives thirty forty electoral votes in the
Southern States. Aa the mattar now stands