The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-02-08
Activity Of Mr. clevelands Enemies.

Activity of Mr.. Clevelands Enemies.
Mr. Cleveland's political enemies within
his own party in New York are very active
and full Of resources. They are leaving no
means untried TO convince the people that
he ought not TO be re-nominated. 1t is as
serted that Gov Hill is the only Democrat
who can carry New York in the Presiden-
tial election, that Mr.. Cleyeland's tauH
message has 50 hopelessly split the
party that be hasn't a ghost of a chance
of carrying New York again and
that he cannot consistently accept a
! denomination, because, in his letter accept
ing the nomination in 1Ss 4, he pointed out
that it would be better for the country if a
President were not eligible for reelection.
There is not an objection offered against
Mr.. Clevelands denomination that is valid.
It is probable that Gov Hill would Ike to
have the Democratic Presidential nomina-
ton, and it may be that he is trying to get
it, 1t certainly looks as if he were making
an effort to have a New York delegation
10 the national convention favorable
to him. The truth is, however,
there has been no time at which
Gov. Hill has been thought Of seriously
for President, either in his State or outside
of it. He is not recognized as man Of con-
spicuous ability, or Of any great force OF
character. He is a sharp attorney and
shrewd politician, and that is about all
Since ne has been Governor he has not done
a single thing that has given him promi-
hence beyond what his Office gives him. 1t
is said that he tried TO have friend Of his
made member of tine Democratic State
Central Committee couple of weeks ago,
but, although backed by the whole power of
his great Office, he was not able TO do so.
All the talk about Mr.. Cleveland's mes
sage having caused dissatisfaction in the
ranks Of his party is nonsense. The mes
sage strengthened him, for two reasons:
First, because it outlined strongly the pol
icy of his party, and second, because 1t
proved him TO be man who has opinions
and the courage to express them. The mes
sage gave backbone to his party, and its
good effects will be seen in the approaching
Presidential campaign.
1t is true that Mr. Cleveland, in his letter
of acceptance in 1884, approved the one
term idea, and no one is able 10 say that he
does not now approve it. But because he
believes the best interests Of the country
require that a President shall not be re-
elected, it does not follow that he is bound
TO refuse denomination. A fair reading
of his letter Of acceptance shows that the
thought that was in his mind when he
wrote it was that a President is
tempted to use his vast power TO secure a
second term, and that the public interests
must suffer if this power is used for per
sonal ends. But who is there who will say
that Mr.. Cleveland is using his power to
secure a re-electionl Here and there a
charge of that kind has appeared in the
public prints, but it was apparent that it
was mere assertion without particle of
truth 10 support it. But as there is neither
precedent nor law against a second term it
does not follow that Mr.. Cleveland would
be inconsistent if he should accept a re-
nomination. 1t should be keptsteadily in
view that he is not seeking second term,
and that no clique nor faction is trying to
secure it for him. If he is re-nominated
and reelected it will be simply becauSe the
people are satisfied with him.