The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1888-04-20
THE BEST MAN.

Inc new OK Inuepeuueu, tudil
which there is not more able Journal
or more reliable exponent of Republi-
canism in the country, has all editorial
the current week with the above caption.
Out of the score or more names propos-
ed to head the Republican presidential
ticket, il AYERS that not more .than five
are likely to be considered and thinks
out of these five the candidate will be
selected. Not that the Republican party
has only that limited number of men TO
choose from, for score or more could be
easily named who would honor the
party and satisfy the country rs Presi-
dent. The party has given the country
most of its gieat leaders for II quar.er of
a century past, and it still produces the
soundest statesmen, ablest jurists and
most capable rulers. The difficulty is
not in finding Republican worthy of
the honor, but in selecting the one who
can most surely win. AS to some of the
questions to he considered aside those
of ability and character, the independent
enumerates
docs he belong to a large and impor-
tnnt state? Could he make any doubt
ful state sure? Is there aught i'm his
whole record which would create enc
mics or lukewarm friends for him in the
canvass Is he in particular favor with
the business men? Is he likely TO draw
the laboring classes? Is he popular
with the colored people? Is he objec-
tionable to anv of the religious denomi-
nations? All these are questions which
20 to make up that very important quail
called "availability.
The Independent does not undertake to
decide the matter of availability, but
speaking of probabilities it thinks one of
til, following is likely to be selected
Sherman, Depew, Allison, Hawley,
Harrison. 1t goes on with detailed
statement of the points in favor of each
of these good Republicans, ard does it
SO well that we quote the exact language:
Sherman's name is well fitted to head
the list. Honest John Sherman, the
of the Republican Party,
the sturdy supporter of sound finance,
the champion of free ballot in the
South, the man of integrity, experience,
true statesnlanship-he is a candidate to
beget confidence and make new friends
to the party from every section of the
Chauncey NJ. Depew, steadily and rap
idly growing i'll public favor, is man of
great business capacity, a natural leader,
n discreet politician, an orator of almost
versatility, and candidate
who is undoubtedly able to carry New
York. If the nomination is given to the
East, Depew or Hawley will undoubted-
ly be the lucky man.
William B. Allison will have the unan-
imOus md hearty support of the Iowa
delegation. His public and private rec
ord is without flaw. He is u man of
sterling worth; safe, sound, solid. He
would be heartily supported by all good
Iand.l"ts' If t..S .."D.i.'..ti"" s"oe 90
the West Allison's chance seems now to
be next to Sherman's.
Senator Hawley measures well up to
the presidential standard. His services
in the House and Senate at Washington
have distinguished him for broad states
devotion to the best interests
of the country, and sound political judg-
ment. He Is a speaker of great power,
Il soldier of fame, and a gentleman of
spotless character. He is high In the
of the party in the East, and
a campaign under his leadership would
be brilliant, enthusiastic and aggressive.
Indiana, as one of the uncertain states,
could doubtless be brought into line by
Senator Harrison. He has steadily
grown in public favor, and would be ac-
ceptable to the East as well as the West.
With Harrison from Indiana for Presl-
dent, and Morton or Miller from New
York for Vice President, the Republican
Party would make magnificent fight.
With either Depew or Hawley from
the East, or Sherman, Allison or Harrl-
son from the West, the Republican Par
ty would, we believe, be sure of success.
Let us have the best of these, or still
better man, if he can be found before
the Convention meets, and We will have
a campaign worthy of the issue, an issue
OF the country, and result wor-
thy of united party whose past history
has been without a parallel in tue annals
of the world.