The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-02-16
Mr.. BLAINE'S WITHDRAWAL
Another Chapter of Personal and Press
Comment on the Florence Letter.
Mr.. Boutelle Interprets the Letter in New
Light-Mr. Hiscock's Chances for the N0m-
ination-John Sherman Talks Again.
THE FLORENCE LETTER.

1t kkoJeaSe0 bsaino'S supporters, Dut ne Ia
still Among the Possibilities.
Special TO the Indianaeokis journal
WAsHINGToN. Feb. 15.-.You slightly mis-
quoted me in your interview, on Monday, in ref
erence to the withdrawal of Mr. Blaine said
Representative Boutelle, of Maine, to the Jour
nal correspondent tonight, I'm making me init
mate that Mr.. Blaine is not in good health. and
that that had in any way Influenced him in
writing his letter. That is exactly not what
wanted to say. Mr. Bxine's health is excellent
I did not intend to say. either. that the letter
took him out of the line of presidential posi-
bilities. or that he may not be nominated. The
letter is simply q complete release of Mr..
Blaines supporters, and they are left free from
obligations on every action in the past, and free
to act rs they wish It does not mean that his
name will not be presented to the convention az
Chicago. nor that he would not be tho candidate
if nominated. It means that his name will not
be presented upon his authority. Ny attitude
toward Mr.. Blaine and the presidency is just
the same now that il was before the letter was
written"
Mr.. Hiscock's Chances - . Candidate.
To the Western Associated Press.
NEW YORK. Feb. l5-A Washington special
to the Times says: while these Western booms
are being started, remark dropped in private
conversation by Mr.. William Walter Phelps has
opened tho ears of the Sherman, Allison and
Cullom men with snap, and caused the Hawley
contingent from the East to raise its in
astonishment Mr. Phelps 10 quoted saying
to Southern man, who asked his opinion about
the meaning of Blaines letter ana its probable
effect in the advancement of other candidates,
that it was altogether probable that Senator
Hiscock, of New York, would become the
legatee of Blaine, and that he would go into tho
national convention with New York. New Jer-
sey, and all the other Eastern and Middle
States, except Connections, behind him. This
report has made Mr.. Hiscock an important
factor in politics. II he was aware of any plan
the part of the Blaine men to
take him up instead of the Maine
knight, il would account for his modesty and
reticence when asked by correspondents to say
what he thought Mr.. Blaine meant by his let
ter. But Mr. Hiscocks chances for a nomina-
ton are certainly not smaller than were those
of Garfield seven years ago. Many Republicans
regard him as man whom they could support
There is growing impression hero among men
who are not well acquainted with the feeling of
the Empire State that Hiscock would prove
extremely popular candidate. It looks as if the
result of the publication of Blaines letter would
be to encourage all the aspirants for the presi-
dency to make heroic efforts to enlarge their re-
spective followngs, go into the national conven-
ton for dozen candidates, and then, perhaps,
under the inspiration of the Kansas and Cali
fornia hurrah, break for Blaine and nominate
him by reclamation the first ballot. All of
his friends agree that he would not refuse
nomination under these circumstances"