New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-02-21
FREETRADE ADMISSIONS.

Mr.. Blaine's letter of withdrawal ehcits
from "The New-York IIcrald' certain
articles of strange significance. Rightly treat
ing the letter as unqucstionably sincere on the
part OF Mr. Blaine, admitting that he had no
occasion TO resort to any subtcrfuse In oruer
TO secure a nomination if he had desired one
and rather hastily jumping to the conclusion
that the Republican party will have no Judg-
ment or wish other than that which MIR. Blame
himself has expressed this most Jealous OF
free-tradc organs blurts out feelings which are
undoubtedly shared by many in both parties,
as follows:
We arc now dealing with him, not ~ a Presidential
candidate bat as statesman who has performed an act
Of high states manshp.
Ten days ago this gentleman was not alone the IN
leader Of the Republican party, but It's sure
candidate for the Presidency.
His coming within Few votes OF an election; his
winning a campaign by his genius, which tho
stupidity and heedessness OF his friends at the last
moment destroyed, they only could have destroyed
It his ervid speech at the close OF the election which
adjourned but did not end tho Campaign his alert and
clever reply by cable to Mr. Ceveisnds financial mes
sage ~ere SO many tactical moves, showing cousum-
mate political skill.
To have arrested such a movement by his own act
and In full view OF success a nominee and OF pos
sble before the people az candidate, must 20
regarded when looked calmly and politics 60 m
the United States the courageous act OF great
statesman and great man.
There Is something Of the spirit Of old Athens
in his declaration: / am blaine. the American ct-
zen9 As an Individual act 1t stands out clear-cut,
unique, alone
This ingenious and andacious leader, whom 1t was
yesterday the to portray the Robert Macare OF
Repubcan politics. on tho lookout for anything that
nov tn dfavt
suddenly looms up Of tho highest types Of mag
uanimty and courage that have seen in our poiii
cal experience.
In another article of the same tenor, and
with intrinsic marks OF the same authorship,
The Herald" says on Monday:
wise and magnanmous deed that Of Mr. Blaine
the statesman knowing his mind and the time TO speak
his mind; who that supreme act Of seif-denial
was due 10 his party and due TO the Republic and
with the Intelligence see, likewise the courage TO
do.
with the Republican nomination In his hands Mr..
Blaine required no intrigue to win.
First from New-York in the list of possible
candidates whom the Republican party may
select, this article mentions Conkiing, and
then Depcw, Evars. Curtis, Hiscock, MortOn.n
But foremost in the whole list it names "thc
iiiustrious Sheridan, whose name no American
whatever his party, can hear without tie joy
inspired by the history Of his glorious deeds.o
General Sheridan. however. declines to be used
in that way, and states that re would not accept
IA nomination under any circumstances.
He who can read between the lines percelyes
that the Free Traders feel overjoycd because
Mr. Blaine appears to them no longer a pos
sibe candidate. They sec that there is no
uuestion Of his sincerity. and that his act is
plainly one of lofty craftsmanship and genuine
patriotism, and then they take it for granted
that the Republican party must OF necessity
adopt Mr.. Bane's Judgment and preference
as its own. II may-and it may not With rare
patriotism Mr. Blaine removes from the way all
feeling Of possible obligation to him which
might influence the judgment Of any members
II the party and that is we'll But when the
Republican party, thus mtrammcllcd by past
relations or events, has coolly and patriotically
considered the situation, has carefully and
without prejudice weighed the merits and tho
strength Of other possible candidates, has con
s.dcred all the elements Of helpfulncss or
hndrance in any proposed line of policy, il il
SHIT Md then decide to call Mr.. Blaine 10 the
leadership. and he should then pct ASIDE his
personal preference for the public welfare,
what have the Free Traders left to say? How
are they 10 get rid Of their hearty recognition
# Mr.. Blaine's sincere magnanimous, patriotic
and lofty statcsmanship? Or do they think ii