New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-06-17
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COOPERATING ITSELF


The future ruler of the most powerful Nation
on earth. These citizens have been CHOSEN
by half the people of the United States, VINO
agree with them in political opinion, and VINO
will ratify wise choice by an election next
November Through the instrumentallty Oh
a convention, therefore, the people do IN TACT
select their rulers, although, when the election
comes their choice will be restricted to the
candidates who represent the opposing con-
victions and aims of two great parties.
This week also new ruler for the German
nation. next to the United States perhaps the
most powerful in military sense, will enter
upon his sovereignty without any popular
choice whatever From infancy he has been
trained in preparation for the honors and re-
sponsibilities which now come to him by the
death of grandfather and father. The people
have loved these three rulers, and probably
would have chosen each in turn, il entirely
free to choose. Their deep affection for the
aged Emperor and not less for his son, the
strong soldier who has just departed, has been
shown in many ways, and the young heir who
now succeeds has been peculiarly popular.
Yet the great German Nation does not choose
its ruler, nor determine his policy. The con-
trast between the two methods Of government,
striking as it is to the superficial observer,
goes deeper and has more influence in shaping
the national life than many realize. Germany
is ruled; the United States rules itself. Happy
Germany, if the power is wisely exercised and
in harmony with the will of the people, not
happy otherwise. But this country, IL by
mistake il chooses Cleveland, has power
within few years to make wiser choice.
1t is the prevailing impression, even among
intelligent supporters Of popular government,
that the Republican method of selection tends
to, the choice Of inferior men. The great
leaders of thought, it is often said, are almost
invariably pushed aside, and men are pre-
| ferred whose very obscurity or lack OF positive
| qualities renders them more available as can
| didates. Events do not justify this impression
In spite of the opinion Of many politicians
Abraham Lincoln proved by far the ablest
and most worthy leader of all the strong men
who sought the Presidency in 1860. Presi-
| dent Grant, in like manner, disappointed poll
! ticians who had expected to find him a mere
| soldier; with all his shortcomings, he was
| clearly the strongest representative man OF the
Nation during the entire period of reconstruc-
| ton and financial restoration, and his services
to the Nation will not be denied by those who
were his opponents. President Garfield, again,
proved a man of the highest rank and force
| in character and in intellect. The nomination
of MIR. Blaine, all will now admit. was the
| selection of the foremost man In the great party
which had long ruled the country. His an
| tagonist, though comparatively unknown, has
| quickly made himself master OF the other great
party, has shown higher qualities Of leader
ship than any other Democrat living, and.
vicious as his influence is considered by all
who oppose him, is unquestonably the right
man to rule if Democracy and Free Trade are
| 10 prevail
1t is the current opinion, too, that personal
| popularity has in q free country too great
| weight in the selection Of a ruler; that the
| wOrtheSt and strongest men are often shut
out because of personal attacks, or because OF
rivalry of less worthy men. or because OF
popular prejudices against their occupations,
| or associations, or localities, or their opinions
on trivial matters. But the facts point the
other way. When the people come to vote,
they pay very little attention to scandals or
rivalries, preudces or trivialities. They are
| apt 30 conclude, when a contest gets hot that
| q man worthy enough to be elected Senator
or Governor of great State, by the people
who have best opportunity to know him, will
| be found On the whole fit representative OF
| the opinion they prefer. Broad differences Vi
public policy control an overwhelming ma
jority Of voters. No candidate was ever so
savagely or persistently assailed as Mr.. Blaine,
and yet he polled more than the full vote of
his party. Almost the entire strength of the
actual opposition to him came from Free
Traders, and because of the strength OF the
protective sentiment he gained more than he
lost. No other Democratic candidate for
generation has been as Objectional in private
character or personal associations as Mr. Cleve-
land, and yet he was elected
The convention at Chicago has only to choose
the strongest and worthiest representative
of Republican convictions and aims, especially
| in the doubtful States. Those will command
victory for such a candidate. Personalities.
minor issues, trivialites, will be sunk out OF
sight before many days. Mr.. Clevelands
frailties will not defeat him, if the country
wants free trade. Nor will minor objections
sway many votes Of those who prefer pro-
lection, against any candidate who is really
acceptable and strong in the doubtful States
| as a champion of that policy.
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