River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1892-02-11
NOT a CANDIDATE.


Secretary Blaine writes q Letter Decliu-
Ing to Allow His Name to BE Brought
Before the National Republican Conven-
ton.
WASHINGTON, Feb s.-Mr. Blaine is
not a candidate for the presidency. He
makes this official announcement in
the following letter to Chairman Clark
son of the republican national commit
tee:
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6. ls92.-Hon. J. S.
GARRISON, Chairman OF the Republican National
Committee-Dear Sir am not candidate
for the presidency and my name viii not go be-
fore the republican national convention for the
nomination. make this announcement in due
season.
''To those who have rendered me their sup
port owe sincere thanks and am most grateful
for their confidence They Will, am sure,
make earnest effort in the approaching contest
which is rendered especially important by
reason OF the industrial and financial policies OF
the government being at stake. The popular
decision on these issues is OF great moment and
win be of far-reaehing consequences. Very sim
cerely yours, JAMES G. BLAINE"
The fact that the letter was coming
has been known in Washington for
several days, and has been impaired
confidentially to a number of gentle
men who think they are candidates.
Mr.. Blaine has told his friends that
they should know his intentions in
time, and his announcement that his
name will not go before the conven-
ton gives them ample notice. They
are free to choose for themselves.
That a regard for his health has
something to do with Mr.. Blaine's de-
cision is not unlikely. At present he is
in excellent health, and his doctors as
sure him that he has no chronic trouble
to fear. But he is not willing to un-
dergo all the fatigues and excitement
of a presidential campaign when he
finds it necessary now to husband his
strength. II is also said that it is the
wish of Mrs. Blaine and the secre-
tary's family that he refrain from a
renewal of the strain which was so
great in 1884. 1t is true that the old
malignant fight could not be fought
over again, but the strain would be
none the less Since he became secre-
tary of state Mr.. Blaine has cared less
and less for the powers of the presiden-
tial office with its infinite cares in the
way of patronage.
If the office could be entirely disas-
ISOLATED from this and given over to
public policy he might think more of
it, but it has been an admitted relief
for him in fulfilling the duties of secre-
tary of state to be able to give his time
to the great questions with which that
department has to deal. Some time ago
in talking to a friend he discussed the
situation freely, saying in substance:
II don't suppose any man who has once
sought the office can truthfully say he doesn't
care for il. confess / would like to be presi-
dent, but will never risk my health and life in
seeking it. The office OF secretary Of state is a
broad enough field for me during the rest OF my
public career"
The democrats agree with practical
unanimity that Blaine not being in it
nothing can prevent President Har-
rison's denomination. The republican
congressman, though keenly regretting
MIR. Blaine's declination, are mostly of
the same opinion. Some are found who
say that there is nothing in the letter
to prevent the Minneapolis convention
from nominating Mr.. Blaine, that he
simply says he will not be a candidate,
and 50 on. But this is not the view
taken by those who best under
stand the secretary's mind.
They are satified that regard for
his health and other considerations
have fully determined him and that
his candidacy must no longer be
thought of by the republicans in elect
ing delegates. In the meantime they
expect Mr.. Blaine's policy will be
shown in shaping the issues of the
campaign along the lines of reciprocity
in the time between now and the Min
neapolis convention.
Secretary Blaine is not accessible to
callers. The letter to Chairman Clark
son contains all the views which he
thinks il necessary to give TO the public
at present His friends are well in
formed of the causes which led up to the
letter, and they themselves have little
comment to make except to reiterate
their belief that the letter is to be
taken as final. That is the impression
they have received from their personal
intercourse with the secretary. They
further say it means another four years
of Mr.. Blaine at the head of the state
department.