Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-02-21
A Few Words on the Presidential Nom
nation.

1natlOn.
Language at best l. an imperfect medium
of communication. Neither angels nor
men have been able to speak in words
whose meaning has not been subject to
debate. The Sermon on the Mount has
not been an exception. Surely, it should
not be expected that "A statesman could ex-
press himself at length on exciting ques-
tions of politics without having his Ian
guage and motives sharply criticised by
some aud misunderstood by others. The
Free Traders who say the letter of James
q. Blaine regarding his Presidential can
didacy is inSincere, aud double in its mean
ing, do him only little more injustice
than those Republicans who construe his
lucid aud explicit words to declare that he
would refuse to be- the standard bearer in
the approaching national contest on the
imperative demand Of the Republican
millions of the land. There is not a
shadow of doubt that the Presidency has
not the attractions to him that it once had.
II is equally certain that time and events
have sohcred and ripened his mind ,nd
character, a. they generally do those of
public men of the highest qualities. 1t is
also probably true, that if he were allowed
TO make his own choice, he would quite as
lief do service for his country in some 9TH
er position ~ in the Presidential office
Having been once the candidate of the Re
publican party for the highest honor in its
possible gift, he feels that he cannot allow
himself even to seem to demand renom-
nation. Every word he utters in the
letter j. a. clear IA crystal and thoroughly
sincere, rs we have the most conclusive
reasons for declaring. SO far as he is
concerned his letter putt aside and aban-
dons all claims and pretensions to the
candidacy. but II does not abate one iota
of the sovereign right of the people. 1t
Is very plain that while he wishes to leave
to the National Convention absolute
freedom of action, he does not say or
imply. does not intend to say or imply.
that if the Republican millions through
their chosen delegates should unitcdy de
mand of him to accept the candidacy, he
would negative their wishes and command
Having known him intimately in private
and in public life for thirty-four years,
we confidently say this mnch, weighing
well the import of our words. Chauncey
NJ. Depew than who no man in America
has clearer. cooler head. who knows
fully Mr. Blaine's views aud feelings as
to the candidacy. expresses the exact
truth in these words: "If. in the failure
to agree in the convention upon some one
of the admirable names presented, there
enthusiasm for Mr.. Blaine. and he should
be nominated by reclamation. and the
convention then adjourned do not
believe that ne would make it necessary
for the convention To he called together
again.
There are now other candidates in the
field Some of them eminent. worthy.
and popular. on whom the choice of the
National Convention may fall. John
Sherman has numerous supporters, and
he is n statesman whose long snd dis
tinguished public service prove him to
have a level head, and the solid qualities
for an admirable Chief Magistrate.
Others have earnest friends in various
States, whose abilities and merits need
not he ignored. The Republicans of
Maine are ready to give their votes in
November for the choice of the Conyen-
ton, whoever he shall be. But at this
time, and that is likely to be their position
until the Chicago Convention shall have
made its decision. they believe that they
are entitled to the services of Mr.. Blaine
in whatever duty the Republicans Of the
Nation shall impose on him. and that it
devolyes expressly ON the people to make
the candidate. Above and before all. the
nomination should not be made by Con-