The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-06-19
GROPiINGIN DARKNESS
The Appearance of the Repub-
licanS at Chicago.
Mr.. Blaine's Friends Hard at Work in the
Interest Of Their Fayorito Gresham
Against the Field.
star Correspondence Constitution.

cropping III inc taih IDf Il llfsAlfcDIIti tichbt
1t is not blind mans buff grope either, for
candidates arc plentiful, and all are being
pushed under the out-stretched hands Of the
party which has assembled in Chicago to find
two mon who can, with dignity, become tie
victims of a second qnadrennial sacrifice.
The woods are full Of volunteers but amid
the clashipg Of conflicting opinions and prefer
ences the foretellng of the re-
suit Of tho convention, would be
AS difficult as to single out the tree
Of forest which would receive the lightning
Of a turbulent heaven. Above the forest of
candidates there towers a few whose promi-
hence makes it appear that il will be to the
lot of some Of them to attract the fatal blow,
though like the strange freak of an uncertain
bolt, in passing majestic oak to bury
itself in an unpretentious saplng,
it may be that the choice of the
republican convention will be some one who
has not figured prominently as probability.
The question on tie lips of most of the dele
gates is: "can New York, New Jersey, Con
nectieut and Indiana or any two Of them be
carried?" The friends of almost every candi-
atde are persistent in the declaration that their
favOrite is the one and the only ono who can
be depended on to do the work.
Representatives Of every one Of the prcsiden-
tal booms arc on the ground and are hard at
work. 1t may DO said that there are six well
matured candidates, as follows: Judge Gresh-
am, Senator Sherman, Senator Allison
Governor Alger, ex-senator Harrison and
Mr.. Depew. Several others have been
named and will DO brought before the conven-
ton, though only to receive the compliment
tary vote Of thcir state. After the first ballot
the contest will narrow down to the six above
mentioned.
BLAINE MEN AT WORK.
II may be said that the Blaine men in the
convention hold tho key 10 the situation. His
followers arc numerous, and the enthusiasm
which his name inspires, shows his
wonderful strength in tho party. All
of the candidates win get the benefit
of the division of his support, though Sherman
and Gresham will get the greater part of it,
had talk with prominent Blaine man
tonight who told me to keep a close watch on
tho man from Maine, "for," said he, 'he will
BIO the nominee of the convention"
GLOW will it be dono?" / asked.
"Just this way" he replied. Nobody de-
MES but that if Mr.. Blaine were in the race he
would receive tho vote OF moro than three
fourths Of the delegates to this convention.
Why, before no wrote his last letter, posi-
lively withdrawing hisname, enough delegates
bad already been instructed for him 10 almost
give him the nomination. A large number
had been chosen before on the supposition that
he was out of the race, this being based on his
first letter; consequently these delegates went
to other candidates. If it becomes apparent
that deadlock is certain, we will present Mr..
Blaine's name to the convention, and it will
so through with storm Of enthusiasm. Mark
what tell you, this viii be the outcome Of the
convention"
There is undoubtedly very strong feeling
in the convention for MIR. Blaine.
and 1t would surprise nobody to see
him nominated, for the impression prevails
that the leading candidates win never yield
one to the other, but that they via throw their
support and influence outside when il becomes
apparent that their own chances are weak
ening.
APARALLEL CASE.
Mr.. Blaine's position now is very much like
that held by Hannibal Halulln, the last time
he was nominated by tho republicans for gov
ernor Of Maine MIR. Hamlin had repeatedly
refused tho nomination, and stated that
he could, under no circumstances ac-
cept it even if it were forced
upon him. Tho convention mot and refused to
listen to him; and Mr.. Blaine himself was the
man who forced him to accept the nomination.
claiming that it was his duty to his party, and
that his personal wishes in the matter should
be made secondary to the obligations which he
owed his party and his people lilo could not
resist, aud yielded TO Mr.. Blaino's persuasive
presentation Of the ease. If Mr.. Blaine is
nominated now, he VIII do just what he made
MIR. Hamlin do then"
The Blaine men arc making the onen state
ment tonight that MIR. Blaine viii not decline
the nomination if rendered him. There is no
telling what may be the developments in this
line during the next few days. and it is not
at all improbable but that Blaine avalanche
viii DO let loose ON the convention, and that il
will sweep everything before it.
STANDING CANDIDATE
This OF course viii upset all of the calcula-
uons Of the standing candidates, the most con-
spicuous among whom Is the senator from Ohio,
MIR. sherman. Io has been harder
at work than any of those be-
fore the convention; and has powerful array
of politicians and eN-oticohuldcrs at his back
His friends claim that lie will rcce'ye over a25
votes on the first ballot, and that he win con-
stantly increase his strength with each sue
occdtng ballot; but Sherman's fate at this con-
vcntion will be like that which no has shared Mt
every other republican convention since tho
war, for he has been a candidate now for
candidate, but Hayes got the nomination.
Eight years ago he went TO tho con
ventiou with much moro reason to
feel confident than he now has, aud vet the
man who placed his name before the conven-
ton became the nomineo-James A. Garfield.
He tried Il again four years later though this
time not with as bright prospects as before.
He is now at it again, working harder than
ever, but his followers don't show the onthu-
siasm which would Indicate that they believe
that they are supporting winning man.
ANOTHER GARFIELD ON pECK.
Ii is possible that the hopes OF the
repetition OF the Garfield incident
OF eight years ago will have great
deal TO do with destroying whatever chances
/ Mn sherman might have. James Il. Fora
kor, the hlaokguard governor OF Ohio, is 10 all
| purposes ono Of the chief movers in behalf OF
/ Mr. sherman, and has been selected 10 pre-
! sent his uamo 60 the convention, and vet II Is
/ currently reported and believed that this
bloody shirt monStroSliy nurses fond hopes
| OF securing ono of the plums foi
| himsolf and that he Is wady 90 stat
Sherman in the back 20 get either. A yory
So q