The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-02-05
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES..
David T.. Littler Thinks Blaine Not Avai1a-
BILE, and Prefers Allison.


Interview in New York Press.
''Did you hear any presidential candidate for
the Republican party discussed in Washlnctonl'
mo. not any in particular. The general
opinion seems to be that there will be divided
delegation, and think so myself. If New York
goes to Chicago with a solid delegation, that.
the candid ate. But it is not always the man
who goes to the national convention with tho
largest number of delegates who wins. In 1860,
when Abraham Lincoln was nominated, was
delegate to the convention. Mr. Seward had the
largest support and it was thought he would be
nominated. After the second ballot he was
dropped and Lincoln nominated simply because
he was available candidate. What we desire
, above all things is available candidate that
will bring harmony and unity to party I
divide the delegates to the convention as fol-
lows: New York for Blaine, Sherman and Sheri-
dan; Illinois urfnStructed, and willing vote
for the available candidate; Ohio and Virginia
for Sherman; Iowa for Allison, and the Pacific
slope divided"
'.You do not think then that Mr.. Blaine will
be nominatedE"
mo. I do not. It would be great misfortune
to the Republican party, and in my since re judg-
ment would mean sure defeat. l am not speak
ing at random or with prejudice. but from what
1 have 1s heard and seen honesty believe that
clear majority of 80, 900 against him. He has
lost strength nearly everywhere, and if he were
here and knew the sentiment among the promi-
nent Republicans, as [ do, do not believe he
could be induced to run. In Washington,
for the past few months, l have seen
great msny Republican leaders and they
that Mr.. Blaine is not available. A
few ostensibiy support him. but at heart they
are against him. They are not loud onthed,
but lukewarm in their adherence, and lack the
enthusiasm that often means success. / was in
this city during the last State election and saw
many Republicans. A majority of them
opposed to Mr.. Blaine and thought as do, that
his nomination meant defeat The mugwumps
are not dead. and they will multiply in this city
if Mr.. Blaine is nominated"
thesa Ram 70
Blaine2"
'.They think. IN the first place, he is not avail
able The business people generally are afraid
of his policy, and do not wish to risk him with
the highest Office in the land. When the GREAT
MAS of business people have such an opinion
they generally vote that way. The Plumed
knight came being elected. and that. per-
haps, has given him and his supporters courage
to try again. It will be egregious error and
one that will ins.fs victory for the Democracy.
The sentiment that was alive in 1854 has
changed, and Mr.. Blaines friends certainly
ought to see it. They should tell him of his
large nnnber of ostensible friends and his
smaller number of real friends. Not only has
Mr.. Blaine lost ground in New York, but
he Is not as strong on the Pacific
speak with knowledge. He may lose some of
the States on the Pacific slope. but / presume
he will be able TO carry the other certain Repub-
lican States. Illinois would doubtless give him
the usual Republican majority. But the fight
is IN New York. and that State is against him.
The Republicans will only bring disaster 70 our
party by nominating him."
will you support him if he is nominated2'
Yes WILL will support the candidate of
the Republican party. l believe there are more
Republicans in this country than Democrats,
and for that reason have the heartfelt desire to
seen available candidate nominated. Unity
means success, and Mr.. Blaine does not mean
unity
will Senator Sherman make q good runl"
He has been in Office thirty years and has
made number of enemies The Arthur mon,
presume. still cherish some bitterness in their
hearts against him. / do not consider him an
available candidates. He would stand . bettet
chance than Mr.. Blaine. Senator Allison would
make q better run than either of the two men
toned. / have no candidate ak grind.
and my ambition is to see the Republican party
successful"