The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-09-12

Among the most graphic and effective car
toons that have recently appeared in the
pages of Puck is the one in the last number,
which represents Blaine as giant reclining
on seat while he extends his right foot
which is enveloped in enormous folds. n II he
were a sufferer from govt. In one hand ne
grasps hugo saucepan. large fire is burn
ing in tho fireplace, while in an opposite
corner imprisoned in an iron cage. which -
swung By chain to the ceiling but which is
too small 10 allow him to stand upright or lie
ct length, Harrison is observed, his counte-
nance expressing the last degree of woe and
despair Upon the face of tho giant Blame
there is look Of indecision, as he admits TO
himself the daintiness Of the morsel but eI-
presses some doubt as TO whether he was sui
fciently hungry then 10 do it full justice.
The cartoon is not only drawn with remark
able skill. but it also describes pictorially the
exact status Of the case involving the polti-
cal relations Of Blaine and Harrison. Blaine
is the giant. Harrison the pigmy who in po-
litical sonse can be as easily deyoured by the
Secretary of State as a man deyours quail
That is the leading question of the hour for
the Republican party.
There is an unmistakable feeling that Mr..
Blaine can secure tho presidential nomination
if no should express desire to that effect,
but whether he really wants it is a matter DOT
so definitely ascertained. If he consulted
what will only promote his health he will de-
cline to enter upon al exciting campaign that
must necessarily tax his physical power of
endurance 10 the utmost. The long illness
through which he has been passing is warn
ing that he cannot now as formerly expose
himself to all the fatigues Of high position.
We are disposed to believe that Mr.. Blaines
silence as to his intentions is largely due TO
bis uncertain feeling as to his health. The
most reliable accounts represent him as being
an anxious patient. who takes morbid in
terest in his condition that often degenerates
into a profound dependency. The prostra-
ton from which ne has been suffering in an
acute form in recent months Is the result OF
overwork and il has been coming on for
number Of years. Only the most careful at
tenton to the laws of health will insure for
him comparative immunity from attacks
resembling that which has compelled him 20
withdraw temporarily from public life.
If Mr.. Blaine were thoroughly himself in a
physical sense, blast from his horn as the
political Roderic Dhu of the Republican party
would soon be heard and the petty chieftain,
around whom the clans have gathered in the
absence Of the real leader. would be aban-
doned amid general contempt and indider-
once. The question which is now agitating
the soul Of this political makeshift is, will Mr.
Blaine consider his health sufficiently restored
to justify him in seeking the nomination or
accepting it if it is thrust upon him? Ii all
depends upon circumstances which may or
may not arise.
In the meanwhile Harrison is in the posi-
ton described by the artist of Puck. He is in
political cage waiting upon the appetite Of
an OGRE who, # he is 50 disposed, can gulp
him down at one swallow.