New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-06-22
THE STAGE OF OBJECTIONS.

The great Convention has reached its second
stage. Blooms have given place to objections
First the merits Of each candidate are pre-
sented by his ardent friends. Next comes
sober consideration of the objections to each
candidate, and at this stage some OF the names
presented pass out of the list OF serious can
didates. The impression produced at a distance
by reports from the Convention is that the con-
duct of his over-zealous supporters and par
ticuarIy of his supporters who are at bottom
Free Traders, has weakened Judge Greshams
cbances-sound and admirable as he is in so
many ways. Their antagonism to the candi-
date supported by the entire Indiana delega-
ton might render succe., in that state douDt-
full if Mr.. Gresham were nominated, ana IN
other doubtful States he would be less strong
than candidate not preferred by the oppo-
nents of protection. To Governor Alger, also,
the objection is urged that his nomination
would not confidently promise any doubtful
State He would sweep Michigan, which is
safe already, as Senator Allison would sweep
Iowa. But the Convention is bound to look
for strength in States which are not safe.
Senator Sherman has to meet objections from
New-York and from the Pacific States Many
of the delegates from this State fear that he
might be embarrassed here because of the
differences with Mr.. Arthur, while the dele
gates from the Pacific States affirm that his
action on the Chinese question might tend TO
render those States uncertain. 10 these OBJ
iections and not to any want of appreciation
for the Senator's long and honorable service
as Republican, or for his peculiarly valuable
service to the country, the fact is attributed
H. Al. ,ar,tx in,
seemed disposed to seek a different candidate.
A similar objection as to the Pacific States
is urged, with somewhat less force, against
Senator Harrison, but his nomination would
offer the electoral votes of Indiana, and would
undoubtedly stimulate the enthusiasm OF the
party throughout the West. In the Eastern
doubtful States he is less known. But there
is nothing known to his disadvantage; nothing
to prevent his commanding the full vote OF
those who favor the protection of home in
dustry. An able, sound and worthy man,
honorable in life and in record, he would
nevertheless be at the outset less strong IN
Eastern States than Mr.. Depew.
The objection to Mr.. Depew has by no one
been stated more fairly or forcibly than by
himself. In the Republican States Of the
Northwest, he would be met with strong anti
railroad prejudces which would cost the party
some support. But the extent of possible loss
it is not easy to estimate at a distance, for the
heated advocates of other nominees undoubt-
edly exaggerate, while it is possible that his
Eastern friends may err in the opposite direc
ton. Whether it would cost the party single
State or Congressional District is the question
which Mr. Depew himself, as he has stated,
is seriously considering in the light of such
information as can be obtained from the most
judicious Western men. The Convention will
not fail to remember that the electoral vote
of Newly ork is worth something, and would
more than compensate for some loss elsewhere,
and that the entire delegation from this State
believes that New-York would be safe with
Mr.. Depew as the candidate.
When all these objections have been con-
sdered, with the strength Of each candidate
as far as it can be estimated what if it be
found that, in the opinion of majority of the
Convention, sound judgment does not warrant
the selection Of either? An answer in that
event, and in that event only, is the nomi-
nation toward which the great majority of the
party inclined before Mr.. Blaine's wishes were
made known. But for the present the Con-
vention is carefully considering these objec-
tons and honestly trying to determine how
much weight they have.