The Somerset reporter., 1888-02-29
SELECTED.
A Few Words on the Presidential
Nomination..

/ Language at best is an imperfect medi
! um OF communication. Neither angels
nor men have been able to speak in words
4 whose meaning has not been subject to
debate. The Sermon on the Msant has
not been an exception. Surely, it should
no be expected that Il statesman could
express himself at length ON exciting
i question of politics without having his
i language and motives sharply criticised
/ by SOME and misunderstood by others.
/ The Free Traders who say the letter of
james G. Blaine regarding his Presi-
deatal candidacy is insincere, and double
in lis meaning, do him only a little more
Injustice than those Republicans who
construc his lucid aud explicit words to
declare that he would refuse to be the
standard bearer in the approaching ma
tional contest on the imperative demand
of the Republican millions of the land
| There is not shadow of doubt thai the
Presidency has not the attractions to h IN
that it once had. 1t is equally certain
that time and events have sobered aud
ripcned his mind and character, rs they
generally do those of public men of the
highest qualities. 1t is also probably true,
that if he were allowed TO make his own
choice. he would quite as lief do service
for his country in some other position as
in the Presidential Office. Having been
once the candidate of the Republican
party for the highest honor in its possible
gift, he feels that lie cannot allow him
self even to seem to demand rcnomi-
nation. Every word he utters in the let
ter is - clear AS crystal and thoroughly
sincere, as we have the most conclusive
reason for declaring. SO far as he is cell
eerncd his letter puts aside and abandons
all claims and professions to the candi
dacy, but it does not abate one iota of the
sovereign right of the people. 1t Is very
plain that while he wishes t. leave To the
National Convention absolute freedom
of action, he does not say or imply, does
not intend to say or imply, that if the
Republican mi lions through their chosen
delegates should unitedly demand of him
to accept the candidacy, he would mega
tive their wishes and command. Having
known him intimately in private and in
public life for thirty four years, we con-
ndently say this much, weighing well the
import Of our words, Chauncey Nj.
Depew, than whom no man in America has
Il clearer, cooler head, who KNOWS 1ullN
Mr. Blaine's VIEWS and feelings as to the
candidacy, expresses the exact truth in
these words If, in the failure to agree
in the convention upon some one of the
he .n1dnn md Observation-Disclosures onthu,i-
a.m for Mr. Rlainn md he sbnuld lac
nominated NV arclamntion. and the con-
ynntinn thrn adiournrd de not believe
that hn ,ynnII mike If NECESSARY for the
cnnynn,ion to he call.I tn9rthrr aoain
.rho,o ar. nav, ather canJidat,ts in the
frIi Samr of tbem eminent, worthy.
and nonnlar an whom the choice of The
%atil,,al Conrantion may fan Jobn
sherman has MINER ms supporters. and
ba !. statesman whose lona and dis
,i,i,niSI,cd nni,lir scryirr nrnTe him In
ba,-n n lr,el bead and tbe tolid Qualities
for mn oa,nirahin Chi,r N,.,istr,tr
otbors haYe car,,rst friends in varinn,