The Washington critic., 1888-06-04
WASHINGTON, JUNE 4. 1883.

lT WILL BE SETTLED tomorrow or
next day who are TO be the Demo
cratic candidates for President and
Vice President in the coming cam.
paign, and what the newspapers may
say on the subject to-day of course
amounts TO little one way or the other.
II is seldom too late, however, to
express an opinion and our willing
ness TO 60 upon record even ut the
last moment when the question may
already be settled, bespeaks at least
certain degree of sincerity if not of
political prescience.
TuE CRITIC fully agrees with the
New York Graphic as to the sit
uation in Illinois and Indiana
Where there are factious rivalres
and jcalousies such rs exist in both of
those States among the friends of the
several candidates mentioned in con-
nection with the Vice Presidential
nomination, itmight prove dangerous,
OF at least be inexpedient, to honor
either of the aspirants with the nomi-
nation. Certainly so, unless the con-
vention could have some assurance
that whoever was selected the party
could be brought into such harmonious
relations with itself as to ensure the
ticket harmonious support,
Whether the Grdphic's suggestion
of Mr. Dickinson, the Postmaster
General, as n compromise candidate
is the best to be made under the some
what embarrassing circumstances is
question more readily put than
answered.
PostmasterG General Dickinson is q
man of great force and ability-un-
doubtedly strong man in his own
State, and Michigan is State worth
contending for. There is much to be
said in favor of his geographical
location, and although Mr.. Dickinson
is not man Of large national reputa-
tion, politically speaking, he is
credited with the attributes of an
energetic, sagacious leader in their
highest degree, and would fill the
position assigned him with dignity
and distinction.
Looking at the matter from Dem
ocratic standpoint, however, we have
all along felt that good politics de-
manded the nomination of a soldier for
second place. 1t is unnecessary to
rehearse the reasons for this belief
the ground has been gone over time
and again; but just rs sure as it is
that the election is to be held, just so
sure is it that the Democratic ticket
would gain strength by associating
with Mr. Cleveland some man ofrecog.
nized ability, who is popular with the
veterans of the late war.
Greater than anybody s war record,
however, say his friends, is therecord
of Allen G. Thurman; and though
this is not fair way of stating 6
proposition upon any principle Of
analogy, The CRITIC has no hesitation
in admitting that Mr.. Thurman:
record is as great as any mans neet
be 10 make him thoroughly acceptable
to his countrymen for any position
Able in public affairs, irreproachabl,
in private life, true to his politica
convictions and party obligations, h,
occupies prouder and warme
place in the Democratic heart to-da,
than perhaps any other man in th'
country.
There are reasons why his nomina
iion for second place, in spite of it
obvious strength, is not advisable; bu
let the sentiment once get control o
the convention--for sentiment
merely is-and all the other Vice
Presidential aspirants will have moth
ing to do but to fold up their tent
and submit to the inevitable.
1t is still to be hoped and sti
probable that the sentiment ma
reach its effervescent point and sui
side before the convention proceed
10 nominate.