Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-15
MR.. BLAINE'S LETTER.


Mr.. Blaine's letter perhaps viii cause
regrets on the part of thousands OF
Republicans throughout the country.
but is not surprise TO his more immedi-
ate friends. They have known that Mr..
Blaine would only accept again the
nomination for president through patri-
otto motives. 1t has been known for
some time that personally Mr.. Blaine
prefers private life to being president of
these United States. No political leader
III modern times occupies SO strong a
place in the affections of his followers as
does James G. Blaine.
Born In contest for freedom, and
grown up in struggle for the preserva-
sion of free government, and surrounded
by all that inspires patriots to noble deeds
In its early history, the Republican party
is pre-eminently party of patriotism. 1t
IS therefore only natural that man of
Mr.. Blaine's devotion to the cacse of free
government: to the protection of
American Industries and American
labor, coupled with his brilliant ability
and magnetic powers for leadership,
should be placed upon the pedestal of
of hiseparty's devotion as the typical
American, their ideal personifcation of
the hopes of the Republic. That Mr..
Blaine is the choice of a very large
majority of Republicans for president
there can be no doubt,
Surrounded as he has been for more
than year by the glittering satellites of
despotism, and its ever attendent.
poverty of the masses of mankind. while
declining the nomination by the
grandest party of these or any other
times, for the most honorable office in
the world in the gift of the people, he is
inspired with new and stronger hope
in the success of his party.
Truth is mighty and will prevail is
an inspiration in the heart of
every man who contends for
justice and right This same
inspiration no doubt leads Mr.. Blaine
to prophecy victory for the Republican
party this year. He can not look upon
the poverty and mysery with which he
is surrounded and for moment believe
that his countrymen will ever consent 10
a policy that is the direct cause of all
this suffering. His whole heart and spirit
are aroused in opposition to putting
American laborers in a like condition.
Mr.. Blaine's letter, in our opinion.
should not be taken as meaning that un-
der no circumstances whatever will he
accept the nomination if rendered him
by the Republican party. He has simply
said to his friends that as faveor to him
no effort must be made to secure him the
1t can not be expected
that the ordinary office seeker will re-
gard his letter in this light Their desire
to secure Office at all hazards will prevent
their seeing anything in Mr.. Blaine's
letter than the trick of the politician.
They will not understand the patriotism
which moves this ideal statesman to
place the interests of his country far
above his own personal ambition.
If the success of the Republican party
demands that another than he shall be
the standard nearer Mr.. ,Blaine's whole
force no doubt will be given to the cleo
ton of that nominee whoever he may be.
1t will be very difficult thing to get Mr..
Blaine's admirers to consent to his with
travail from the field. If the Maine
who is conceded to be the
voice of great majority of Republicans
must withdraw in order to secure the
full vote of the party, it can not be de-
ned that such a proposition can only be
considered on the hypothesis that the
'lumed Knights followers are more 10y
u to the party than the minority who
ire supporting other candidates.