The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-07-23
ALWAYS READ TIE TINES
WEDNESDAY, JULY %, 1890.
SECRETARY BLAINE,

The position which secretary Blaine oc-
cupies in the Republican party just at this
hour is in many respects a peculiar ono. and
not the less so becarse II Is by his own de-
Iberate course ~ conduct that this is the
case. For nearly two years after Mr..
iaine entered the Cabinet Of Mr.. Harrison
he Withdrew into as much obscurity as the
conspicu0us character of the office which
he filed would allow. 1t was only in con
nection with the Pan-Americen ( Conference
that, during this time, hc came prominently
before the country. and that in way that
did not associate him with any Of the cur
rents Of contemporary politics. 1t was said
at the time in explanation Of his apparent
disposition 10 withdraw himself from gene
raj public notice, that he was beginning 10
feel the effects Of adyancin. age, or that ne
was growing weary Of political alairs, and
finally, that he remained 80 quiet because
he did not wish 10 arouse the easily-eXcited
jealousy Of his chief. The latter was con-
sidcred 10 be the most plausible c>plana-
ton Of his remarkable silence.
IL seems now As if Mr.. Blaine was merely
playing 'possum with his usual acutencse
aud shrewGness. He desired 10 remain for
time in the Secrctaryship Of state, an Of
lice that would keep him prominently be.
fore the people, and for that reason. he was
careful not to excite the in Will Of Harrison
10y seeking to oyershadow him by taking an
active part in the general course Of ma
tional affairs. II j. now only two years be-
fore the next Presidential nomination will
be made, and in this short interval it will
De easy enough for Mr.. Blaine 10 keep him
self cOnspicuously before the American pub
lie, whether a member Of the Cabinet or
not, by frequent discussions Of the public
questions which will grow rapidly in inter.
est as the Presidential election approaches.
Ipon the line Of this policy, Mr. Blaine
has already started In reckless Indifference
a. 10 whether he arOuses the jealousy Of
Mr.. Harrison or not. His first step was 10
declare himself very strongly in favor Of
reciprocity treaties with the South Amer-
can Republics. This created a sensation In
political circles throughout the country.
His mex; step was boldly to attack the Nc
hniey bill, in a letter to prominent >ena-
tor. This also created a sensation Of hardly
rss importance than the first. And, finally,
in an anonymous article in a monthly re-
view, he exposed the fallacy of Mr.. Reeds
parliamentary rulings. In consequence Of
all these different steps he has brought him.
self forward most conspicuOusly in the pub
lie eve. He will continue to hold his posi-
ton in Mr.. IIarrison's cabinet until the
President freezes him from the board, but
hereafter it may be confidently anticipated
that he will seek by every means in his
power to maintain himself IN the highest
degree Of prominence before the country at
large until the Republican convention As
sCmbles in 1S92.
What is Mr.. Blaine's object His object |
is either TO secure the nomination himself |
or to so enhance his political influence by |
playing an active political part now, that |
he will practically hold the balance Of
power, which will enable him 10 dictate the |
nomination, if he cannot, or does not, wish |
10 secure it for himself. 1t may be taken |
for granted that if Blaine occupies such a
controlling position as this in 1892 HaTi- |
son will be deprived Of the barren honor Of |
"A denomination.