The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-02-14
Senator Sherman Regarded as Being Now in
the Lead for the Nomination. with Ex-
Senator Harrison a Good Second.
Brief Talks with Prominent Republic
ans from All Parts of the Country,
Supplemented by Interviews with Local Poll
ticians and Comments of Leading News
papers on the Letter and Its Effect.
THE BLAINE LETTER
Nine-Tenths of the Republican Party Regard
TIA a Final Withdrawal

THE BLAINE LETTER
Nine-Tenths of the Republican Party Regard
Ita a Final Withdrawal
Special to indianapolis journal
WASHINGTON, Feb. l3.--Mr. Blaine's with
drawing his name from the list Of aspirants to
the presidential nomination was not great sur
prise in Washington although it has been the sole
topic of discussion to-day. Here are now loca-
ted representative Republicans from every Sec
tion of the country aud several authorized
mouthpieces of Mr.. Blaine and in secret his in
tentions have been known to many men ia
Congress and around it that, generally speaking.
they prepared for the proclamation; but
there were few who expected it in such formal
way. A very few Republicans-some advocates
of Mr.. Bane's renomination and somc
who oppose it-reeArd the ietssr as
but effort to draw out an
expression from the people, and TO shift the re-
sponsibility upon the party from Mr.. Blaine in
the event the nomination il thrust upon him
now. But these men are very few Nine-tenths
of the people regard rbs letter in good faith
aud as being final They say it is the mature
deliberation of Mr. Blaine, and that he has had
this is contemplation for months. Many Re-
publicans of national reputation. while praising
Mr.. Blaine for his manly course in coming out
party from any possible embarrassment and Civ
ing it ample time to select candidate purely
on merit, and acknowledging his strength, are
turning their attention to the likely to
be now taken up for the candidacy.
Senator Sherman is first mentioned by every
one, and then in order come ex-senator Harri-
son, of Indiana; Senators Allison. of Iowa, and
Hawley, of Connecticut. One thing is su-e II
o;v boc pnf ahap1 al r. fhn
the nomination. his letter WILL in the opinion Of
tho statesmen here, take him clear out Of the
range of presidential possibilities. 1t is con-
ceded on all hands that he could have been nom
mated and that there was no need of writing this
letter If it were not in earnest. Therefore, the
conclusion is almost unanimous that Mr.. Blaine,
after years reflection and consultation with
his tried and true friends, has come to the con-
clusion that for reasons satisfactory and per-
sonal to himself, he does not want another race
How 1t Looks Through Maine spectacles.
TO the Western Associated Press.
AUGUSTA, Me-, Feb. 13.-In an editorial upon
Mr.. Blaipe's letter, the Kennebec Journal to-
morrow will say:
1--WE know not all the reasons which have caused
Mr.. Blaine send his declnation to the nation
al committee, and ars authorized in sense to
speak for him or to interpret his course of action.
We know we'll that he has strong personal reas-
ons for not wishing to accept tina Republican
candidacy and for avoiding the great response
bilities which the presidency would i'm pose on
him. but the needs of the country and
the demands of the great national
party with which his name and fame
are 50 closely identified should and must
override all personal considerations.
To make absolutely sure Republican victory
over the opponents OF American protection, the
voice of the Republican masses calls James G.
Blaine to lead them. This expression of senti-
ment comes spontaneously from all sections of
the Union, and is equally emphatE from Maine
to California, from Texas to Minnesota, well
as from the debatable great States of New York
and New Jersey. Believing that thoughtful
patriotism. sound policy, and the homes of the
surest victory call for Mr.. Blainss unanimous
nomination. we cherish confidently the hope
that he will obey the popular will when he sees
how necessary it is that private feelings and
considerations should yield to the loyal devo-
ton of his heart to the great party whose past !.
career and future purposes are alike worthy of
the homage and brilliant with the best hopes OF
the American people,"
AUGUSTA, Me-, Feb. 13.-The announcement
in the morning papers that Mr. Blaine says he
will not allow his name to be presented to the
Republican national convention has created
breeze Of excitement in this city, and has been
the only subject Of discussion among Mr.. Blaine's
friends. Mr.. Manley says: 1T does not change
the situation. Mr.. Blaines friends have insist
ed that he was not q candidate. If. however.
the Republican national convention believe Mr.
Blaine is the man who can best unite the party
and nominate him, believe he is toe much of 8
patriot to decline. Having once been the candi-
date. and Aaving been unsuccessful, he could
not again seek tho nomination. He must lsavs
the party free to act. He has right to de-
cline. IT. however, some other Republican than
Mr.. Blaine should be nominated, Maine will
vote for the NOMINEES"
The Letter Means What 1t Says.
gpeciaI to the Indiananolis Journal
WASHINGTON, Feb. 13-Representativs Bou-
telle. OF Maine, who is the most in
innate friend of Mr. Blaine in this Con-
gress was very angry, when asked tAis after.