The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1888-06-20
THE WOODS FULL OF THEM.
Thousands of Men in Line for the
Man From Maine.

CHICAGO, ILL.,, June ly.-Ine streets Oh
this city have presented an extraordinary
spectacle for "a hours, and one which is
without parallel in American politics of this
generation at least. There are seven or
more candidates to be presented by their
own desire to the National Republican Con-
vention. One of them, Judge Gresham, is a
resident Of Chicago, and, according to re-
ports which have been coming from this
city for several weeks, the whole population
is enthusiastic in his behalf, and insist, as
one man, ON his own nomination. Those
who watch the streets, however, certainly
do not gain any such impression.
In fact save that one or two bands have
marched in the interests of one or two can
didates, and have been followed by small
clubs, and have seemed to earn their money
in dignifed and formal fashion, every
street has been filed with long professions
of bands and organizations OF every sort and
citizens on foot and in carriages bearing ban
ners of all descriptions, and upon all of them
plainly legible somewhere was the portrait
or name OF James G. Blaine. There was an
Irish-American club from Chicago, fam
beau club from Kansas, large number
wearing the white plume and the Blaine
badge from Nebraska, whole delegation
from California, and parts OF delegations
from many other States, marching for hours
together, keeping step to the loyal music OF
the Union and shouting, as only. earnest
men shout, for James G. Blaine of Maine.
This demonstration was without organiza-
ton. 1t unquestionably was spontaneous.
1t represents the enthusiasm of large masses
of the people. who cling to Blaine with
Henry Clay did to their idol.
1t shows that the enthusiasm claimed for
Mr.. Blaine exists. This was the unrestrained
enthusiasm OF young men,. There was none
of the older leaders in the crowds which
thronged the streets. The older leaders on
the contrary, who have managed Blaine's
campaigns in former years, are closeted con-
sulting whether this unrestrained enthusi-
asm for Blaine can be kept within bounds
inside the convention hall. 1t is plain that
it cannot be outside. The subject now being
considered by the Blaine leaders is, how the
delegations, which insist that under all cir
cumstances they will put Mr.. Blaine in NOM
nation, can be restrained.
The latest device is that the leaders of the
different States shall hold consultations and
insist that their followers shall yield to the
advice which the friends of Blaine give, and
refrain from making his nomination.
Lots of New Workers have joined the
Blaine procession. Every other New York
man you meet, has Blaine portrait on his
silk hat There is some talk that Chauncey
M. Depew will plump Blaine's name into
the convention, after the second ballot. AL
though the footing was kept up all night,
the streets of Chicago at this hour are full of
cheering men, carrying such mottos as:
ENGLAND FOR CLEVELAND; AMERICA
FOR BLAINE"
"GRANT IN WAR; BLAINE IN PEACE"
Joseph H. Manley was closeted with Steve
Elkins all the forenoon. They both say to
all questioners that Blaine's name must be
kept out of the convention.
The Californians have Blaine song of
which this is the closing stanza:
Our candidates are to our country true,
We're for the battle.
Wen firmly march together, and you,
We're for the battle.
Upon peoples platform we will stand,
We're for the battle.
While Blaine is now the watchword of the land,
We're for the battle.
CHORUS.
Then let the ballots rattle, rattle, rattle,
We're for the battle.
We fear no idle prattle, idle pratte,
We're for the battle.
They have distributed thousands of copies
of this song ON elaborate sheets. The from.
tispiece portrays little army carrying bal
lots labelled "Blaine" walking up the steps
of temple of liberty and depositing them
in ballot box.