The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-02-14


opinion went toward General Harrison and Sem
ator Sherm an as standing excellent chances for
the nomination With this there was uni
versal feeling of satisfaction over the letter as
largely relieving the campaign of possible COM
plications Everybody said. either directly or
in effect, that the field open, and that
the friends of the several candidates could go
into the convention on a better footing than
probable with uncertainty attaching to Mr..
BIaine's purposes the chance expressions that
came in the way OF reporters yesterday followed
very much the opinions given below.
Senator Harrison: The letter of Mr.. Blaine
surprise TO / had supposed that he
would neither, the one hand do anything to
promote his own nomin alton, nor. on the other,
any thing to prevent it. If majority of the
convention rhould be favorable to it. as seemed
90 be almost certain. He certainly was not
actuated In taking this step, either by fear OF
defeat in the convention or at the polls he has
given his own reasons, and, nave no DOUBT,
sincerely. Mr.. Blaine will continue to be a
leader, whether his name is on the ticket or not
The letter breathes the same intelligent and earn
est devotion to the principles of the Republican
party that has always characterized him
Ex-Governor Porter, when questioned by
reporter about the letter, said that he regarded
it as the deliberate ADD sincere determination of
Mr.. Blaine regardiu 2 the use OF his name as
candidate. AS to the effect of the declination
npon the contest between other candidates be
thought that Senator Sherman would probably
be benefited most
Northumberland Robertson: It is an hon
est, earnest letter, and regard it as inten
fional declinaton. l read 1t carefully twice,
and L for believing that Mr..
Blaine is insincere. He is too great a to
resort to the tricks of a demagogue. Informa-
ton was given to me some time ago that such
letter would appear at the proper time was
infoI med also that he decided TO decline on ac-
count of his health. he could not undergo the
excitemeDt and worry OF another campaign
But believe MIR. Jones has other Information
which would put the letter beyond any suspi-
rion to honesty of purpose. He ought 10
have given it to the reporter when asked to DO
80. ! think the character of the contest. If there
is any, for the presidential nomination from this
until the convention will be Sherman against
the field.
Stanton j Peelle: The letter no doubt is
great disappointment to Mr.. Blane's friends and
Rdmirers. While it ought to be accepted as
sincere defamation, it does not preclude his
friends from rendering him the nomination 1t
is too early to determine the effect it will have
on other talked of for the position
Int public opinion will crystalline in few days
and think will center Western man. In
that event do not see how Indiana can be over
looked especially since General Harrisons popu-
larity and strength have been so fully tested.
Attorney general Kitchener: Well you may
ray that Bane's letter is surprise to me- /
learned two months ago that he expected TO
write such letter before the LIST of March. l
feel sure that he means just what he says, and
that he docs not intend to permit his name to
be used any longer in connection with the presi-
Dental nomination. Whether candidate for
the typical American citizen and the most
conspicuous Republican since the days of Lincoln.
The declination will, in my opinion, cause
more general discussion OF the merits OF those
who have been mentioned in that connection,
and this discussion, 1 think will end in the
nomin alton of General Harrison. My reasons
for entertaining this opinion that General
Harrison is recognized universally as man or
BDotless character, great ability, and as a
stanch Republican He lives in ., pivotal
State, and has proven his ability to
carry it. in q struggle which looked like
a forlorn hope. He has been long enough in
public life to be perfectly familiar with public
men and measures, and yet not SO long as to
have created personal antagonisms among pub
lie men. His a soldier is one of which
any man might be proud, and which endears
him to the soldiers and to the friends of the
soldiers. All factions of the party can unite up
on him. for he does not belong to any faction.
His character and abilities would call forth
the best endeavors of united party, and the
result would be glorious victory, in my judg-
ment do not know of any one else who so
nearly possesses all of the qualities most de-
sired in presidential candidate, or who would
fiji the presidential chair with greater credit to
himself or benefit to the people. While In Wash
ington learned that there great deal of
talk Favorable to General Harrison in all parts
OF the country, and heard many prophesies that
he would be the nominee of the Republican
party for the presidency.
Secretary of State Griffn-Tm not surprised
Mt the announcement that his name would not
be presented to the convention. / have always
been ardent admirer of Mr. Blaine, and for
the past six months have believed that if he
should ask for the nomin ation he would secure
1t by accamation; and still have had grave
doubts to his availability. But his dec-
linaton puts the matter entirely at rest
There is no reason in the world to
doubt his sincerity, and / think it was
n wise and perfectly consistent thing for him to
do. If ne did not intend To become candidate
lt was due to the party, to his friends and to
the friends of the other candidates that that
fact should be known. His letter of decination
ia a very able document, and the manliness OF
his statement will endear him still more to the
hearts of the people. 1t will have tendency
TO unite and harmonic the dscordant elements
In the Republican party. The effect of
Mr.. Blaine's withdrawal or all other
candidates depends very largely upon
npinion that Senator Sherman and General Har-
rison will profit most. 1t is possible that Blaine
personally. would be friendly to Mr. Allison,
hut if the nomination comes West it is much
more probable that it will come to doubtful
State like Indiana than to a certain Republican
State like Iowa
Ex-Lieutenant Governor Hanna: The letter
places the Republicans of Indiana in better shape
As to the nominee. Sherman will likely have
the lead, but after all the question is the survl-
val of the fttest
George J. Langsdale president of the
Soldiers Monuments Commission, and editor of
tine Greencastle Banner: think Blaine means
Just what he says He is In such position be-
fore the country that he can't afford to play the
demagoRue. like ward politician 4 man OF
any parts can't do that. The Republicans must
look elsewhere for candidate. l think that if
the Republicans of Indiana act with discretion
IN this emergency they can have both the candi-
date and the next President; but to do that our
delegation ought to go to Chicago
uninstructed, and prepared to do their best for
that son of Indiana whom the Republicans OF
the other States feel most certain carry the
Republican flag to victory. At such times
this all personal ambitions should be put aside
for public good. Ii Is not my personal choice
want to nominated but the man who
heat the Democrats. Who is hel Let that be
developed at Chicago.
Roscoe Hawkins: 1 not surprised at the
letter. have always thought that when the
time came Mr.. Blaine would let his purpose be
known and retire from the field. IL is anybody's
race now, and Indiana stands as good chance
in getting the presidential nominee any other
State.
George F. Branham: did not read the letter.
The headlines were good enough for me. Tho
declination advances Sherman whom would
like to nominated. although my first choice
decidedly is General Harrison
Judge Lamb: have not much faith in the