The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1891-12-23
Blaine or Western Man-.-RepubIi-
cans versus Democrats.

1t is becoming more evident every
day that the republicans have practi-
cally but one choice for presidential
leaders, as we'll as the rank and file,
two years Mr.. Harrison has been a
diminishing political quantity. He has
been thrown into eclipse by the more
effective qualities of his secretary of
state. Mr.. Harrison will not be his
party's choice except as relentless
necessity. And if direful circumstances
should make him dernier resort. the
republican national commit ee will Or
ganize the campaign with considerable
trepidation. Mr.. Blaine, on the other
hand, has won the enthusiastic support
of his party throughout the country.
His position reminds us of the famous
race in which the yacht "America
outsped all competitors. When her
majesty asked, Which is frst?" the
reply was "The America" "And
which is second?" she continued.
"There is no second" was the answer.
1t is becoming more evident every
day that if the democrats would look
forward to a clear field with no en-
tanging side issues they also have but
one choice-a Western man. The pub
lie opinion of the party is rapidly ac-
cepting that statement of fact. There
was once superstition that the East
is the only soil in which conservative
statesmen can be produced, but it has
been relegated to the national attic, the
receptacle for our household rubbish.
The sinews of the West have hardened
during the last thirty years. 1t has the
young blood of the country in its veins,
it has as large an interest in the general
welfare as the East and is quite as able
to carry candidate to victory.
The political importance of the
broad-shouldered West was recognized
by the republicans when they NOM
mated Abraham Lincoln. From that
day to this, with single exception,
they have taken their candidate from
the same part of the country. AS long
as they adhered to that policy they
elected their standard bearer-Lincoln,
Grant, Garfield and Harrison. The
only occasion on which they pursued
another course and chose an Eastern
man, in 1884, they were defeated.
From 1860 to 1888 the republicans en-
loved series of triumphs which was
only interrupted by the four years OF
Mr.. Cleveland. A long succession OF
Western candidates and long success
sion of victories-that is the story.
They might well be excused if they
came to believe that Western man
meant success and an Eastern mar
meant failure.
: There are, however, special and par
amount reasons for changing theil
course next year. Their party, in the
West as well as the E lst, is agreed thai
Mr.. Blaine has a claim which canno
be ignored. For the second time
therefore, they will defect from theil
general rule, but only because the cir
i cumstances are as exceptional as they
e are imperative.
g Equally exceptional and imperative
q circumstances demand that the demo
Gratis shall drop their fixed rule o
y choosing an Eastern man, with defea
h. as the result, and take a candidate from
t the West. They should do this for tw,
Il reasons-frst, because the West has
= right to the distinction and, second, be
% cause a Western candidate would de
It stroy the rivalries and competition
e which politically endanger this state