The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-06-09


Pear 1t in mind that up to this time of
our writing Mr.. BLAINE has not uttered
ore word inconsistent with the purpose
expressed by him in his February letter to
NJ. CtARKsoN.
SO far as Mr.. ELAINE himsclfis concerned.
that letter remains his last public word
upon thHsuhic"t.
Or Irhat ground rests the almost uni
ycrsnl assumption thnt Mr.. BLAE;E has
changed his plans. shat he IL actively n cnn-
dIdn,c for the nutrination which only n fcw
months ago was at his disposal without n
contest, that his Indifference to further
political honors has suddenly given pacc
to an ardent determination to- risk life or
health in Il struggle for II prize which he
has twice voluntarily renowned?
Tho assumption does not rest upon any
public declaration by Mr.. BnAlNr, or by
any person authorized I" speak for him. II
is purely matter Of Inference f!uu certain
facts such as these:
1. Half or nearly half. or perhaps more thnn
half OF the delegates To Minneapolis havn
boon proceeding upon the suprosition TINT
IL tho Convention should call upon Mr.
BLAINE to lend the party. Mr.. BLAINE would
not say No.
Q. Some of the most sklfu ard successful
OF tho Republican leaders some Of the most
adroit and farsccing interpreters OF politi-
cal sentiment. have been proceeding ut
Minneapolis precisely as they would pro-
rrrd il they were managing BLAISEmove-
mcnt at Mr. BI.AINE's request and us his
accredited representatives.
b These new managers for BLAINE are
n 4
aigns with his personal interests. HALE
MANIEY, BouTELLE. are not at the front rs
In years past. They are strangely quiet
and inconspicuOus ut n time when their
natural enthusiasm for the Maine states.
man would be likely to find expression In
active efforts of leadership. This is taken
as signifyng that there is a perfect UNDER
standing between Mr.. BLAINE and his
closest personal friends on the one side. and
Mr. PLATT Senator QUAY. Mr.. FAssErr, and
,Ir. CLAKKsON on tho other.
/. Mr.. EAMoNs BLAINE. tho discreet and
trusted son OF the cx-Secretnry. is Mt Min
Ieapois as an observer OF events. although
not delegate to the Convention.
D. just at the moment when Mr.. BLAINE'S
relations with President HARRISON would
become embarrassing beyond tho point of
tolerance. supposing Mr.. BLAINE to be IL
candidate actively and consciously running
against Gen. HARRISON. Mr. BLAINE with
draws from the Cabinet, writing a let
ter that betrays in it's studied curtness of
phraseology personal irritation and po-
litical hostility.
This Is fair statement Of the reasons
which people have for believing that Mr..
pT fn' pl Ot
apolis. and that he has made up his mind
to take the nomination II he can get it.
The reasons are strong enough. perhaps,
30 warrant the main inference. but are they
conclusive?
Mr.. BLAINE has twice made the Repub
lican candidate. He made GARFIELD and
he made HARRISON. In allying his polit
ical fortunes with GARFIELD's. he pledged
himself directly to do all that might be Ii
his power to make GARFIELD the candidate
for second term. If he registered n sim
liar pledge In the case OF BENJAMIN HAIR
RIsON. the second creature OF his politica
genius. the fact is not known.
The simplest explanation OF apparently
mysterious and Machiavellan conduct II
often the truo explanation. Suppose tina
Nr. BLAINE has at no time wavered from
his decision as announced in February. II,
Is man whose fame Is secure. and To-
whom health and happiness are thu
most precious prizes which the future
has In store. Suppose that Mr.. BLAINE
course is not uniniluenccd by desire t.
unmake tho President hc made four year
ago and whom he has found to be q crea
ton ungratcful and unsatisfactory. and
In his opinion. unprmising rs regards tn
future Of tho Republican party Mr. BLAINl
Is no moro than human.
Suppose that II the Convention nominate
Mr.. BLAINE, Mr.. BLAINE points to Ibis Feb
ruary letter. With what breach OF goo
faith. personal dignity. or party loyalty col
Dir. BLAINE then be justly charged