The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1892-06-07
Illustrated by a Scene

VI GiielI CdAuludUG DIS pOIlUiCdt u6C0S-
sity is
illustrated by Scene
which occurred in General Clarkson's
room just after the report reached here
that the New York Tribune had just is
sued an extra declaring, on the authority
of Whitelaw Reid, that Blaine would not
accept a nomination. The report had
created great deal of excitement and
the representatives of several delegations
at once hurried to the Blaine headquar-
ters to learn from Clarkson the truth
or falsity of this statement. Gen. Clark
son came into the room looking cool
and self possessed. He said there
was no truth in the report as
he had a positive denial from New York.
Gen. Clarkson then went on to assure
the delegates that Mr.. Blaine was in the
fight to stay and that his nomination was
not only agreeable to him but political
necessity. He dwelt at length and with
considerable earnestness on the fact that
while he was not unfriendly to Harrison,
and that he had labored faithfully for
him four years ago, it was the best judg-
ment of the leaders of the Republican
party that he is not the most available
candidate at this time. In view of the
fact that SO many states that have been
regarded as Republican strongholds are
now in the doubtful column, it is neces-
sary, he said, to save the party from de-
feat to nominate man who can
command the full vote of the Repub-
hcan party He went so far as
to admit if Harrison could poll ninety-five
per cent. of the party vote, it would not
save the Republicans from defeat 1t was
imperative, The said, that a man should
be nominated who would get the other
five per cent in order to make success as
sured. That man is believed by the lead
ing Republicans, he said, to be Blaine.
At that point one of the delegates
Asked How Mr-Blaine Stood
on the financial question. HE is for
sound money! was the reply, land on a
sound money platform with reciprocity
and protection for the campaign cry we
believe that Mr.. Blaine could be elected"
Senator Gallinger and Senator Wash
burn also addressed the delegation in the
same strain. In addition to the doubtful
states enumerated by General Clarkson.
General Washburn alluded to the fact
that Minnesota had only elected its pres
ex-governor by majority of two thous-
and when Mr.. Blaine carried the state in
1884 by 5000.
One of the delegates asked the Sena-
tor what assurances had been given by
Mr.. Blaine that he would accept the
nomination. In reply, Senator Wash
burne said that personal friend of Mr..
Blaine's of IS years standing was author
lied to say that Mr.. Blaine did not desire
the nomination. and if his personal CON
venience was consulted he would decline
it, but that leading members of his par
ty, after looking the field over very care
fully, had shown him that it was his
duty to step into the breach and save, if
possible, his party from being turned
down just as it was beginning to reap
the benefits of protection and reciprocity
and the American flag was making it's
appearance in all the ports of the world.
1t was not till two weeks ago yesterday.
added Senator Washburn, that Mr..
Blaine finally consented to serve his par
ty if it called him to the front. This I'M
equivocal definition of Blaine's position
was, the delegates said afterward, the
first definite Information that they had
received.