New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-05-19
A TALK WITH CHAIRMAN JONES.
SURE OF WINNING ON THE TARIFF ISSUE.

No KNOWLEDGE OF Mr. BLAINE's INTENTIONS IN
THE EVENT OF HIS NOMINATION AT CHICAGO.
Pittsburg, May 1s.-B F. JONES' chairman of the
Republican National Committee, who returned from
the East last evening, made the following ans swers to
the questions of reporter:
MY Visit to New-York was on private business. and
had not the slightest political significance I rs-
gard the prospect for tho Of the Republican
party as most encouraging, and believe that any
Of the 'promnent Presidential candidates who 10
thorough protectienst can bs elected
"Undoubtsdly the controlling ISSUE in the campaign
Will be protection to American industries against free
trade tariff for only. 1t will be the
American system against the British system. Mr..
Cleveland has made the issue squarely and his party
must stand by him again ANONYMOUSLY retreat from
the position and fight under false colors. We shall
always have much trade with foreign countries as
shall be profitable to us. Our homo market is para
mount We have sixty millions of population, whose
average consumption per capita IS three times that
OF other countries thus requiring supplies equal to
hundred and eighty millions Of tho Inhabitants Of
other nations. Is not our homo market worth pro-
tectiDg and defendngl
mo, sir that does not mean paternal Government.
Personal liberty involves personal responsibility but
the common interests and the common rights Of our
people ought to be protected and defended against all
attacks and outside influences.
"No: Mr.. Blaine has not appointed a resduary
legatec nor has he expressed a preference for any
Of the candidates. His wishes that the best
man may win.
"No; Mr. Blaine will not write another letter affirm
Ing Withdrawing his declination; at least 1 SEQ
reason why he should. That was Intended as final.
"Yes; believe that Mr.. Blaine would have been
nominated by scclamation II he had not withdrawn
from the field.
Il do not know what Mr. Blaine would do If ho
should receive unanimous nomination by the Chicago
Convention but should think that IL would be hard to
resist the demand Of the party which has so highly
honorcd him. Upon tho whole think these quss-
tions not for mo nor Mr.. Blaine to answer,
but for tho Republican party In assembly met.
"There Is truth In the reports that few Of
Mr. Blanes close friends have had concerted action
for the purpose Of putting him forward again as .
canddato nor Is there any truth In the report that
Mr. Blaine has relsnted and would now like to have
his namo 60 boforo tho convention. Any feeling that
may exist hero throughout the country which fayors
Mr. Balne's nomination, Notwithstanding his declina-
tion, is purely spontaneous,
Yes; Mr.. William Walter Phelps Is one OF Mr..
Blans's close friends.
"No: l have not had any conversation whatever
with Mr.. Phelps for many months.
Yes; have had conversations recently with Mr.
whitslaw Reid and Mr. Ellins, hut mention was
made of forcing Mr.. Blainss name upon the conven-
tIon, not there anything said relating to his
possible candidacy except an expression OF WONDER
at the remarkable uprising IN his favor In spite OF hs
81 do not know that the gentlemen named have
letters from Mr. Blaine that would justify them 10
ignoring tho letter Of ascnatien On the contrary,
confident that they have not receives any letters
from MI Blaine siscs the date Of the Florence latter,
country, and know that have not"