The Iola register., 1891-05-08
Mr. Rl.ins.. Purposes.

Globe Democrat: 1t is not reasona-
bly, to be doubted that Mr.. Blaine could
get the republican nomination for the
presidency next year If he desired it,
just as he could have had it in 1888 by
saying that he wanted it; but the fact
seems to be that he no longer has any
ambition in that direction. He has not
yet formally and positively said as
much, to be sure, but the declarations
of his closest friends indicate that such
a statement is to be expected from him
in case he shall think it necessary thus
to silence all doubt and speculation
upon the subject. His reasons for not
desiring to go through another cam
paign involving much hard work and
great anxiety are well understood. He
is not the robust and energetic man
that he was some years ago.
A long period of public serv-
ice in various capacities requir-
ing much mental and physical exertion
has told upon his strength to an extent
that admonishes him that he cannot af-
ford to assume any unusual risks in the
way of labor and excitement. He is in
fair health at present. but he has not
the superfiuous vitality that would jus.
tify him in making such a canvass as he
would feel bound to make If he should
accept the nomination. He is well sat
isfied with the position he now holds,
its duties being OF such a character that
he can perform them with comparative
ease; and it may be safely inferred that
he chooses to remain there for the Dur
pose OF closing his career with the as
sured success OF his policy OF reciprocity.
There are those, of course, who will
say that this is mere make believe, or
that he forsees defeat in the event OF
his nomination: but there is no just
ground for assertions of this kind. We
know that he was in earnest in 1888,
and the situation is practically the same
in this instance. He could have been
elected then, and he could be elected in
1892. The devotion OF his supporters
is as pronounced and enthusiastic as il
ever was, and his general standing with
the country is better than it has been at
any previous time. This makes the
nomination a very tempting thing, but
he has evidently resolved to put it aside
under any circumstances. The
impression now prevails that
a longing for the presidency is
an ineradicable fever, and that when a
man once acquires it he never loses it
until he dies: but Mr.. Blaine appears to
be an unquestiOnable exception to the
rule. There was time when the hope
and expectation of reaching that grew
Office absorbed his thoughts and con-
trolled all of his proceedings; but he
has come to take different view OF the
matter. The qualification of knowing
that his party has implicit confidence in
him is worth a great deal to him, as he
says: and experience has taught him
that this could not be augmented, but
might be diminished, were he
to become president. He pre-
fers, therefore, to let well
enough alone, practically speaking.
His fame is secure, his name is house
hold word, and his life is gliding smooth
ly and happily to its close. He has
been one of the commanding figures in
American politics for many years, and
has reaped large share of the honors
OF public service. In the spirit of true
philosopher he declines to reach forth
for other laurels when by so doing he
might forfeit more than he would gain;
and the people can best please him by
taking him at his word when he says
that he has ceased to care for the presi-
dency