Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-05-11
The Complete Refutation of the Phila
delphia Times Sensational Story.

The Pittsburg Dispatch, a neutral and
Independent paper, publishes the follow
ing as conclusive disproof of the lying
newspaper story of the Democratic organ
in Philadelphia
Mr.. Whitelaw Reid was seen to-day about
the story telegraphed to the Philadelphia
Times concerning an alleged agreement on
Mr.. Bane's part to consent to be candi-
date, and authorizing his friends to push his
claims. When asked what truth there was
in the story, Mr.. Reid referred the reporter
to his brief but explicit contradiction of it in
the Tribune, and added:
81 don't believe that there is a word of
truth in it. and know that there is not, so far
as it relates to me, or any knowledge of
mine"
"Do You mean to say that Mr.. Blaine will
not be a candidate before the convention"
"IIe has done all in his power to prevent
it, He was perfectly sincere in withdrawing
his name from consideration, and he did it
in good season. He did it against the earnest
and vehement protest of every friend, so far
as know, who had any idea of what was
impending. The field has been absolutely
open and free ever since to any candidate
who could give reasonable promise of carry
ing enough of the doubtful States to secure
the election. The sound Republican who
can now convince the party that he could
probably get more votes than any other
sound Republican in the doubtful States
would be sure of the cordial support of those
who have heretofore pushed Mr.. Blaine
Another PERT QUERY.
But the Philadelphia Times letter says
that the Blaine junto' in New York have
Mr. laip tba nj
have arranged it all with him"
don't know whom the correspondent
means by the Blaine junto' in New York
If he means the gentlemen whom he had
previously mentioned, there is so far as |
know, nothing whatever in the story have
no reason to suppose that any of the others
have been concerned in any recent combina-
ton or organization to push him, and | know
that have not been myself. have waited.
and think all have been waiting,t to see if
anyb body else develops such popular strength
as would seem to give assurance of carrying
the doubtful states. If good ground could
be shown for hoping that Mr.. Sherman could
carry New York, | should be delighted. and
would give him the heartiest support knew
how. The same might be said of Harrison,
Gresham or Allison. If Chauncy Depew
himself. or his most sagacious political
IrlenuS, peiteNtu tnat WniIe CARRYING certain
doubtful states in the East he would not run
the greatest risk of losing several Republican
states in the West, we should support him
with affection and enthusiasm. The Chicago
convention. when it meets will, above all
merely personal considerations, try to nomi.
nate and win"
"Do You mean to say, then, that under no
possible circumstances can Mr.. Blaine be the
republican nomnee?'
OF course. not. / would have no right to
say such thing. and don't know anybody
else who would"
Mr. Blaine has withdrawn his name,
which was his right. The party is engaged
in considering the names of other candidates
who are offered under the prevailing volunteer
system. and the convention will do the same
If. after full consideration, it fails to find
any other candidate about whose strength in
the doubtful States it feels an equal degree
of confidence, il may finally conclude. as Mr..
Lincoln did at the critical period of the war
that the volunteer business is played out and
that draft must be ordered. That contiu-
gency may never occur, and at present it is
certainly distant, but if 1t should occur be-
lieve the service of the Republican party at
this time to be, in the highest sense, the ser
vice of the country, and see no reason why
Mr.. Blaine, more than any other
citizen who has sought and re-
ceived honors from his party, could or
should be exempt from its drafts. To re-
fuse under such circumstances would, in
fact, seem not unlike desertion in the face |
of the enemy. If the Presidency is not an |