The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1888-06-07
Mr.. Blaine's Letter.


nant letter of Hon. James G. Blaine, EN-
phasizing his former formal withdrawal OF
his name from consideration as a Presl'
dental candidate. With his friends 1t
did not require this additional proof to
impress them with the belief that he did
not desire to enter into contest for the
Chicago. nomination. They understood
his Florence letter as conveying decided
purpose to in no way embarrass the party,
or by suggestion or intimation of his for
his friends to regard him as competitor
f n the Presidential nomination. He said
then as fully as language could impart,
that he was not a candidate and that his
name would not be- presented TO the Re
publican National Convention in that re-
lation. The Paris letter is simplya repe-
tition of that conclusion. There could be
no probable contingency that would alter
the plain purport of the Florence paper;
and it would be only the pressure OF an
extraordinary emergency. not likely to
occur. that would make 1t possible for the
intention of 10th the Florence and the
Paris letters to be disregarded. That
emergency could only arise under one
condition. In the event that the Conven-
tion would be unable To agree upon an
acceptable candidate. then if the friends
of each and every one whose name had
been considered, were to unite and with
draw item, and unanimously demand that
James G. Blaine shuu d he nominated, he
could not Jet such a demonstration OF
confidence. AS Republican he could not
Decline But it is not likely tina. such a
condition will be presented and for that
reason it may he practically conced' that
1t is not among the probabilities that his
name will be before the Convention.
The several letters referrtd To; the senti-
meuts they embody al d the delicate sense
of personal and political relations they I'M
fold, place Mr. Blaine even higher IN pub
lie esteem than he was held before he
crossed the ocean. There has been no act
Of any public man in modern times that
has g, idenced such an exalted idea of per
,onal and party duty, and so completely
abnegated self in considering public in
t4resls Mr. Blaine sees plainly that the
tread of public thought and public SYM
pathy favors the success of the R,publican
party. He recognizes that the Convention
has ouly TO act wisely in the ticket that
will be presel ted for the country once
more t O pass under Republican admins
ion and the assurance to be given that
the principles aud policies Of the Repub'
lican party will be practically enforced by
their friends, to the growth and grandeur
of the Nation. He further recognizes
that he was defeated in 1882, not by the
deliberate judgment of the American
people, but by incidents and accidents
whch.can never be repeated: and that it
would be but fair that he should retire
from the field, to allow others who may
aspire to the high position chance,
without the competition of his name.
This duty he has bravely discharged II
will be for the wisdom and patriotism of
the Convention to deal with the situation
and make such choice rs will harmonic
the forces and inspire the confidence of the
Republicans of the Nation. Who the
choices may fall upon is hidden in the
womb of the future. Certain it is that
the friends of the Plumed Knight will
not be Indifferent to the situation. They
will not sit quietly by and witness the in
Auences which have opposed him cOncen-
trated upon candidate whose nomination
would he a rel nike ia their devotion and
invite to the leadership of the party.
those who contributed, by their luke
warmness, or open. treachery, to the de-
feat of the ticket in 1884. There are men,
such as Allison, Alger, Mckinley, Depew,
Harrison, and others, who would com.
mand the implicit confidence and earnest
support of Mr.. Blaine. There are others,
such as Gresham, who could not stir the
enthusiast m of those who have fought the
battles of the Republican party in the
past. and who must be depended upon to
win it's victories in the future. 1t would
be fatal to make choice of such, for it will
require the united and active efforts of
the Republicans of the whole country to
meet and overcome the power of the ad-
ministration and organization of the Dem
ocratic party. in the States which must
determine the result.
We trust the Chicago Conyention will
such ticket will be selected as will as
sure success in the spirit that it will arouse
and the promise it will vOuchsafe.