The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1888-05-25
THE PRESIDENTIAL OUTLOOK.

THE PRESIDENTIAL OUTLOOK.
As the date for the Republican Ma.
tional convention draws close to hand,
the murky atmosphere in the political
horizon is passing away and it IL not i'm
possible TO see through the mist and note
what the possible result may be.
II is foregone conclusion that Cleve-
land will again head the Democratic
ticket. In fact he appears to be the
only man in the party whom the leaders
dare present to the country, and they do
this with trembling and fear. They
recognize-(wbile not admitting the
broken pledges charged against him, the
Insincerity of many Of his acts. the by-
pocrisy Of his administration and the MT
ter incompetency Of the man TO guide
the ship of State of such great nation.
To avoid a public Acknowledgement OF
this there is no alternative left the DEM
oerats but TO re-nominate Mr. Cleye-
land.
With the Republican party, the situa-
ton is very different. 1t has Gresham,
Sherman, Hawley, Harrison, an
Allison, and host of others, not to men,
ton that greatest statesman OF them all,
james &. Blaine. The Chicago conven-
ton will meet on the 18th of June to
canvass the situation, ascertain the
preferences of the people of the differ
ent sections Of the country, and proceed
to nominate the man whom it will best
please the masses to support for Presi-
dent. Who that man will be cannot be
determined until delegates come to-
gether, but the spontaniety with which
Judge Gresham's name has been receiy-
ed points strongly to him. Col. Robert
u. Ingersoll, who 30 admirably present.
ed the name of the Plumed knight in
the convention of 1876, is now an ar
dent supporter of Gresham. "Inde-
pendence, intelligence and integrity"
says Ingersoll, are the three essentials
most necessary In the character OF q
presidential candidate, and Judge
Gresham is layishly endowed with these.
For completeness OF qualifications, no
one has ever questioned Judge Gresham,
and who could ask for more in presl.
dent candidate than Col. Ingersoll sets
forth in the following language?
IL the first place, regard him as well quail
fed for the position. He is capable, level
headed, and honest. He has an excellent
record. He went into the army private and
came out a general; this settles the question
of his patriotism. He was made Federal
Judge, and discharged the duties Of that high
and honorable position TO the satisfaction OF
an exceedingly able bar: this settles the ques-
ton of his ability. He was in Arthurs Cab
met and proved himself an able executive Of
ficer, a man of ideas and courage. He was
then made a United States Circuit Judge,
position that he now occupies. On the bench
he has fearlessly administered the law. He
belongs To no ring-no corporation-but does
his duty like man. There can be no higher
title won by mortal man than the just judge.
In the next place Judge Gresham is not in
volved in any of the party quarrels. He be-
longs 10 no faction. If elected he will recog-
nize every Republican. Ali the heads OF the
party know that he is an honest. candid and
generous ma N. and that he will do justice ac-
cording to his lights. They know that he Is an
excellent lawyer, and that he will understand
what his duties and powers are He has q
perfectly clean record. On the page of his
life there is no blot, no stain. nothing but
what is worry and honorable. In the third
place, believe he can be elected. He is right,
and has been, on all important questions. He
will be true TO the people. and the people be-
lieve in him. think he would be exceeding
ly strong in New York and all Eastern States.
am not saying anything against the other
aspirants, but think that, all things consider
ed, Gresham is the coming man. No man has
clearer record, not even excepting Senator
Edmunds. More could not be said.
Col. Ingersoll only echoes the senti-
ment of large body of Independent
earnest voters, whose sole desire is to
see an honest, capable man occupy the
nation chair. There are numberless
other men who possess qualifications
equal to those accredited to Gresham,
but there are not great many who can
command the support which will be ac-
corded him should he be chosen to lead
the Republican army.
The FREE Press does not believe it
consistent with Republican tradition to
coerce Mr.. Blaine into accepting some
thing that he has so positively said he
does not want. Blaine's services to his
party has put that party under obliga-
tons to him to degree never approach
ed by any other public man. Why,
then, should not the party at this time
recognize and grant his request when he
asks not to be considered in the list of
possible presidential candidates? There
is no question, and it goes without say
Ing, that the name of Blaine is dearer
to the American heart than any other,
and we yield our admiration of him to
no one; but it does not follow that he
should be forced to accept that not
wanted simply to appease the feelings
of friends whom he has served so long
and so faithfully.
Mr.. Blaine's desires should be granted.
But whoever the Republicans NOM
mate this year we have an abiding faith
that he will be elected. One term of
Cleveland has satisfied the country that
he is not what he seemed.