The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-04-23

There is no doubt that Mr.. Blaine is by
far the most popular OF the leaders Of the
Republican party. The enthusiasm with
which the mention of his name was greeted
in the convention Of the republican
league in Cincinnati, on Tuesday,
shows that. Delegates of the league
from nearly all parts Of tho country
were present, and throughout the proceed
ings Of the first day s meeting there was no
mention of the President or his administra-
ton. This omission OF all mention Of the
name of the President in the speeches is
somewhat significant
But Mr.. Blaine's name was mentioned, and,
in one instance, in a way that was interpre-
ted by the Indiana delegates to be an inten-
tional ignoring of the President. In his
address of welcome ex-Gov. Foraker spoke
of Mr.. Blaine as the greatest living Ameri-
can aud said, ''he has given US a magnifi-
cent administration.
The Indiana delegates hotly denounced
what they regarded as an attempt to belit-
tie the President, but were quoted by being
told that perhaps ex-Gov. Foraker had ref
erence only to Mr.. Blaine's administration
Of the state department. But even if ex-
Gov. Foraker only meant that
Mr.. Blaine's administration of the
state department had been exceptionally
brilliant. and not that he was entitled to
whatever credit is due for the achievements
Of the administration, his remark cannot
be construed otherwise than as uncompli-
mentary to the President. And II is worthy
of notice that the compliment to Mr.. Blaine
was loudly eheere1, notwithstanding the
fact that the evident purpose of the exc
governor was TO express a feeling akin 10
contempt for the Presi dent.
The reading OF the first days proceedings
Of the convention will hardly give the Pres
ident pleasure He is making a tour Of the
country for the purpose of strengthening
his chances for a denomination. If the
sentiments of the delegates to the republi-
can league convention are those Of the
party throughout the country, he might as
we'll give uD at once all hope of having his
ambition gratifed.
When the President reaches the west he
will have a chance to see whether or not he
Is as popular as he has believed
himself TO be. He has no following worth
noticing in the south, and he knows very
well that the welc 5me he received from
the southern people meant nothing more
than respect for the great office which be
occupies. But in the west he expects to
find welcome that will indicate that he is
personally popular, and that his course as
President is approved. If he finds nothing
Of the kind he will be justified in concluding
that his party is tired Of him, and that it
will be advisable for him not to seek a re.
nomination.
OF Blaine's popularity there is no doubt
He is the favorite of his party. If he makes
an effort for the presidential nomination in
1899 there is every reason to think that he
will be successful.
1t is said by his friends that he is not a
candidate for the nomination, and that he
would not accept it if it should be offered to
MIN. But it is question whether or not
these friends are authorized to speak for
him. The probability is that they are not.
Whether or not he is a candidate will not
be known, probably, until the meeting of the
national convention in 1892.