New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-06-01
PRICE THREE CENTS
DRIFT OF REPUBLICAN TALK.
WHO SHALL TAKE MIR. BLAINES PLACE AS
LEADER2
Mr. DEPEw ON THE PRESENT sITUATION-Nu
PARALLEL SINCE LINCOLN'S TIME-THE
NOMINATION PRACTICALLY

NOMlNAf1ON PRACTICALLY
AN ELECTION.
Many railroad officials were pouring forth thefx
wisdom and experience to Cbauncey NJ. Depew
yesterday at his Office in the Grand Central Sta
ton when Tribune reporter interrupted tho
discussion to ask Mr.. Depew's opinion on Mr..
Blaine's last letter and its effect upon the Re-
publican party. After a moments reflection, how
ever he said in reply TO the question propounded:
Mr. Blaine's letter to Mr. Reid from Paris is timely
and important IL relieves situation that had become
decidedly strained II brings things down 70 first
principles. Previous to the publication OF Mr. Blaine's
first letter there was practically other Candidate
In the field besides himself He had a majority Of
the Convention easily Every conceded this fact.
But after the announcement of his withdrawal tho
friends of other candidates Immediately set to work
The favorte sons' Of tho various states were
shalled out. All Of these developed strength, but In
the opinion of Mr. DIaine's friends Of them
showed much power In the country at large as Mr..
Blaine, even as much as he in any of the States.
Mr. BLAINE HAD A MAJORITY OF THE VOTES.
In consequence of this fact belief, Mr. Blaine's
friends concluded that II the Convention should nomi-
nate him unanimously he could be induced to accept
despite his withdrawal. On this suppositIon they set
to work and again succeeded obtaining the votes Of
o majority Of the delegates.
To the friends Of the other candidates who believed
that Mr.. Blaine was really ont OF tho field this
naturally proved somewhat trying and tho clemens
OF uncertainty abont the whole matter tended TO in&
crease this feeling This unpleasant situation Mr..
Blaine has most happily relieved by second letter
which leaves no doubt about his absolute and final
withdrawal As hc himself says, 1t not written
for the purpose of relieving him from hostile criticism,
but from the Just displeasure Of friends.
The field now, in Mr.. Depew's opinion, is entirely
open. Party sentiment has not sufficiently crystal
LIED In favor OF any other candidate to make Mr..
Baines absolute withdrawal particularly affect
the canvass Of any one Of the men prominently
before the country. He added
The Republican delegates absolutely
unfettered Never before was convention Of
question of paramount importance with all, is to
secure the most available candidate There Is
state pride to crafty, no personal rewards to
We are simply after the best man.
TO SELECT THE STRONGEST MAN.
With the South still in the grasp of the Democ-
racy the margin is too close, he said to take any
one but the strongest man. Who that was he did
not believe could be told until tho Convention had
assembled at Chicago and discussed the subject.
This utter freedom Of choice was peculiar to this
Convention. MIR. Depew added
There has been nothing like 1t since 1860, when
Lincoln was nominated and Loyalty supported by
Seward's friends though. these went to the Conven-
ton to nominate the illustrious New-Yorker Mr..
Lincoln had not been In Congress for years. lie had
not been identified with any OF the questions that had
divided the parties, but his debates with Douglas had
demonstrated his ability to deal with the perplexng
problems that confronted the country. He chosen
because 1t was the opinion Of the great majority that ho
was the most available man. not because he was tho
choice OF any faction Since then Republican nomin-
alton has been equivalent to an election and result
the fight has been made In tho Convention But what
ever is the result at Chicago there Will bo heart
the delegates Will be governed solely by the desire to
make the wsest choice.