The Portland daily press., 1888-06-21
DOUBT IN CHICAGO.
tooNTrNUEp FROM FIRST pAeE.l
ELKiNs REVIEWS THE SITUATION.
He Fears the Nomination of Blaine


This Year.
CHICAGO. ILL.,, June 20.-Stephen b. FL
kins is one of the conspicuous figures of the
gathering here, not only by reason of his
close friendship for Mr.. Blaine, but by rea-
son of himself. 1t has become known that
Mr.. Elkins was one of those friends of Mr..
Depew who advised against his candidacy
An opportunity was sought to learn his rea-
sons. Mr.. Elkins happened to be in COM
municative mood and talked freely. He
said;
The convention is in more confusion than
such gathering has ever been in NV exc
perience of fifteen years. The true reason
OF this confusion is that everybody wants to
see somebody nominated whom thew do NOT
really want at all. They are trying to find
favorlte where they have their doubts and
alarms Ia every case, as soon as the man is
taken up. Why is that favorite then. living
back? There is a perpetual emergency and
that is the bringing forward of Mr. Blaine's
name. would not commit myself to any
movement of that sort and dread it now. I
am as good friend of Mr.. Blaine as / ever
was, but do not think this is his occasion,
Yes, Blaine would run first-rate four wears
hence, If the Republicans elect somebody
this year, it was suggested.
There is wisdom in that remark, said Mr..
Elkins The actual fact is that am afraid
TO see Blaine nominated here. He NAV re-
fuse and compel the convention to be called
again. There is no more information on
that head in my hands than in ANYBODY 3.
nor IS there any danger of Blaine's nomina
tion II the true components of this conven-
ton Will get to work in spirit of organiza-
tlon. As to some other candidates | tell
them that Harrison is as reasonable a man
as they can unite on. lie comes from a
doubtful State where we want support. He
has an excellent family name and he has not
abused 1t. He is acceptable on the Pacific
coast; 1S of their delegates are in favor of
him now New York, New England and
Pennsylvania are the States which we call
upon to settle this question. If they do not
do so there is danger of Sherman's nomina-
ton and we lear that he cannot be elected.
There is feeling on the Prciic coast against
him.
What is the matter with Allison? Moth
ing at all, except that he represents a State
which is surely Republican and in which the
temperance question is somewhat involved
Is there not an undercurrent here toward
Gresham, even at present? think not ex-
cept locally. Gresham is a good enough
man, but Blaine's supporters are human
beings and they were all lampooned ir Mr..
Gresham's interest. | do not think he will
be the candidate, anyhow.
Is there no probability of new names COM
ing forward? Yes there is such probabil-
lty, thought think the convention will nom-
mate by Thursday. | think the very exigep.
| cy OF the case will call for organization and
concession. The danger, as | say, lies in the
delegates becoming impatient and bringing
Blaine up and nominating him before we
know what we are about | sincerely do not
wish to see that done. Therefore. / urge
these gentlemen to come to some immediate
candidate.
viii not Depew do9 When Mr.. Depew
came here he was not certain whether he
would stand or not. | told him that if he
thought had any aspiration for the Senate
or anything within his gift, l hoped he
would not ask me to find out the situation.
He said he knew that l was disinterested
l said, will then go to find the Northwest.
| ern delegations and see If they will come to
| your support in case your name is presented
| by New York. saw the influential men on
the delegations Of Indiana, Michigan, Iowa
NEBRASKA and Wisconsin. They said that
| they would vote for Mr.. Depew in the con.
| yention that if he was nominated they
thought they might carry their States for
MN but 1t would be heavy work. The railroad
question embarrassed them all. made thi:
report, and told Mr.. Depew that no man adj
mireo hin MN more than | did and appreciated
MS personal prowess on the stump and his
nigh talents The greater portion of his del.
egatlon want him, and believe that he car
carry New York. OF that | think there
IS but little question, but if we are to lose
the election from the Western States we are
Just as badly off as If we had not carried
New York.
What secondary or abscure characters are
there who might come forward?
In the first place" said Mr.. Elkins. 'thert
is Governor Porter, of Indiana He seem,
to have the confidence of almost eyervbod,
from that State. Then there is Governor
Foraker, of Ohio, who is a very strong char
acter, and about 80 to 50 of the Ohio delega
tion are in favor of him at bottom. The o1l,
| point against him is the bloody shirt cues
| tion. Then there is Mckinley, of Ohio. who
may turn out to be considerable of a ouanti
ty. If Depew should be presented and ge
considerable vote, It might result in th,
nomination of John Sherman Those ele
ments which are afraid of Depew as a rail
| road man might hasten to nominate Sher
man in order to set over that diffieulty
You see Blaine is the choice of California
and they cannot be diverted from him. Yves
| Virginia can be handled better than that
they are under influence more. But if th,
convention is kept here sitting out lonI
session, Blaine will be brought on. an,
hence it is the point of those persons who do
not want to see him nominated to organic
on somebody else. They might organize OF
| Harrison or Alger."