Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1888-06-07
eLAlNE'S FINAL DECISION.

| The Republicaa Leader Writes . Decisive
Letter-He Declares That ft Would he
Bad Faith to Ills Friends For Him to Ac.
cent the Preside tial Nomination IL Ten.
der-d Him.
New YORK, May 3l-The Tribune pub
fishes the following letter from Mr.. Blaine:
Whnelar Reid, Esq. Editor Nerr York Trisyns:
PARIS. May l1.-MY DEAR SIR: Since my re-
tarn 70 Paris froc1 Southern Italy on the sth
inst. 1 have learned II hich did not before be-
lleye) that NY name may yet be presented to
the National convention as a candidate for the
Presidential nomination OF the Republican
party. A single phrase OF my letter of January
IS from FIorence-which was decisive OF every
thing had the personal power 10 decide-has
been treated by many Of my most valued friends
as not absolutely conclusive in ultimate and
possible contingencies. On the other hand
friends equally devoted and dislnterested have
construed my Letter las it should be construed)
TO be an unconditional withholding OF nv
name from the National convention They
have in consequence given their sup
port 70 eminent gentlemen who are candidates
for the Chicago nonination-some OF whom
would not, 1 am sure, have consented to as.
sumo that position il had desired TO represent
the party in the Presidential contest OF 1888
II should now, by speech or by silence, By
permission or omission permit nv name in any
event 10 come before the convention should In
cur the reproach OF being urcandid with those
who have always been candid with me 1 speak
therefore, because i am not willing to remain
in a doubtful attitude. am not willing to be
the cause OF misleading a single man among the
millions who have given me their SURFACES and
their confidence. l am not willing that ever
one OF my faithful supporters in the past should
think NE capable OF paltering double sense
with my words.
Assuming that the Presidential nomination
could by any chance be offered 10 me, could
not accept II without leaving in the minds OF
thousands Of these men the impression that
had not been free from irdirection and tht.e.
fore could not accept it at all. The misrepre
sensations OF malice have no weight but the
just displeasure OF friends could not patiently
endure.
Republican victory. the prospects OF which
grow brighter every day, can be iInperiled only
by lack OF unity in council or by acrimonious
contest over men. The issue OF protec
ton is intellectually stronger than any
man, for it concerns the prosperity
OF the present and OF generations yet TO come
Were it possible for every voter OF the Rcpub
lie to see for himself the condition and recon-,
pense OF labor in Europe, the party OF free
trade in the United States would not receive
the support OF any wage worker between the
two oceans. 1t may not be directly in our
power as philanthropists to elevate the Eu
ropean laborer, but it will be lasting stigma
upon our craftsmanship if we permit the Amer
lean laborers to be forced down to the European
level. And in the end the rewards OF labor
everywhere will be advanced If we steadily re-
fuse TO lower the standard at home. Yours
very sincerely, JAMES G.. BLAINE