Omaha daily bee., 1888-02-15
which One shall Il he.


which one OF those who are known or.
assumed to be still in the list shall the
republican party select us its candidate2
1t will not be untimely to call the roll
OF these distinguished leaders and citi-
zens, who will command the attention OF
the people during the next four months,
and to suggest the special claims to fav-
orable consideration which each pre-
sents.
Senator Sherman unGuestionably now
holds the first place in the minds
Of most republicans as the states
man whom the party could wisely
make its presidential choice. His rec
ord Of party service has been distin-
guished and honorable. His long public
career has been marked by thorough
loyalty to republican principles, and by
much able work in promoting them.
His name is prominently identified with
a great deal that the party is most proud
of. In certain directions his superior
ability is unquestioned, and his career
presents no vulnerable points OF attack
that would place the party on the de-
ltHSlNc III "a VI NhiNii itO "'''
the leader. The financial and business
interests of the country would have con-
fidence in him, and if there is any
faction in the party that would
not be willing to accept him it is not
known to have an organized existence.
The chief flaw in the availability OF
Senator Sherman is the common and
not well-founded impression that he is u
cold man who repels friendship and
stands aloof from the people. This
would perhaps initiate somewhat
agaist the enthusiasm of campaign,
but in all other respects Senator Sher-
mans availability as u candidate cannot
be reasonably questioned.
Next in the Thought of the party is
probably Senator Allison, of Iowa, who
has strong claims to be regarded as one
of the most available men among repub
lican leaders. He also has rendered long
and faithful service in promoting repub-
lican principles, making a most useful
and honorable record in public life. A
careful and conservative statesman, his
wisdom on all questions relating to the
fiscal affairs of the government has long
been recognized, and perhaps no other
man would have more fully than he, as
candidate of his party, the con fidence
| OF the financial and business interests of
the country. Although identified as a
public man and as to all his interests
| with the west, Senator Allison is in
no sense sectional man, and
while western republicans would rally
to his support with enthusiasm
those of the east and other sections
could accept him with every assurance
that if it became his duty to administer
the affairs of the national government
equal justice would be done to all. In
one respect Mr.. Allison enjoys q pecu-
liar advantage. He has never antago-
nized any element of his party and
| would have to encounter no factional
opposition.
| General Harrison, of Indiana, is ap-
parently growing in attention and his un-
doubted strength in his own state, which
it is important that the republicans
should carry, makes the question of his
availability worthy of serious considera-
tion. Besides this he has an excellent
record as soldier and in public life.
His qualifications are unquestionable,
and perhaps no other man would be
more likely to win the following and
the enthusiasm OF the younger element
of the party while commanding the re.
spect Of its older members.
Senator Hawley has received some
favorable mention, and he certainly
has the hearty respect of the republi-
can masses, especially of the soldier
element, but he lives in little state
that cuts a comparatively unimportant
figure in national politics. So far as
his claims on the score Of long, faithful
and useful party service are concerned
hardly any one has better, ant
he is one OF the soldiers who
&. won honor for the volunteer
officers of the army. His career in con
gress has been most honorable, and hi
is Justly esteemed as among the wises
and truest exponents of republican prin
ciples.
There are many republicans, and the
number is increasing, who believe tina
Judge Gresham would be very strong
presidential candidate, and it will no
be surprising if he shall be found t.
have n very large support before the ma
tional convention meets. There is
great deal to be said in his favor. H,
was soldier who made most honora
BILE record; as postmaster general ant
as secretary of the treasury he showed
superior administrative ability, Will
as a judge he has becom
distinguished as most abl
exponent of the law and fearless in tn
administration OF justice. His who'll
career is absolutely unimpeachable
and his reputation for incorrupt
ible integrity, coupled with emi
nent qualifications for executiv
duties would be likely to brin
to his support very large bod
OF Independent voters who would esteer
, it Il great privilege to honor such man
Republican principles would be safe i
his hands, but the country could feel as
sured that under an administration [