New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-02-08
Mr.. BLAINE NOT 4 CANDIDATE.

Mr. Blaine tells the chairman Of the Republi-
can National Committee and through him the
party and the country that he is not a candidate
for the Presidency and that his name will not 20
before the Minneapolis Convention. This fer
nal announcement will cause >0now and dl>ap-
pcintmeAt TO thousands Of Republicans, and there
is no reason for assembling that TACT. NJ other
living American has inspired such ardent deVo-
ton. and upon no other have 50 many Americans
lcnged to confer the greatest distinction within
their gift. That is a simple and obvious truth
which nobody doubts and which diSparageS no.
body. The certainty that the foremost citizen OF
the country will not be the next President of the
nted States, and the presumption that he VIII
never occupy that great Office cannot fail to aiilct
multitude of his fellow-CitizenS with a keen
sense of personal grief
Having reached this determination, Mr.. Blame
shows his native sagacty and loyalty i'll the time
and manner Of its announcement. His letter 10
Mr.. Clalkson is explicit and conclusive. He says
not merely that he is not a candidate, but also
that his name will not 90 before the convention.
He means t. end now and finally the uncertainty
which has been felt by the leaders and the masses
Of the Republican party. Had the possibility
that he might be willing to accept the nomlna-
ten remained, while also the belief was common
that his health or his Discrimination would inter
fere the party could not have concentrated It's
energies for the impending conflict. But this
decisive announcement at the right moment and
with the right impulse opens the way for hIr-
monious and fruitful activity. What we have
said already should be repeated here, that Mr.
Blaine has had perfect right to allCw his name
to be used in connection with the Presidency
while holding the office OF Secretary CT State
and nobody has pretended to doubt his right
except in the silly hope of producing dscoid
in the Republican party. General Harrison and
Mr. Blaine have had no misunderstanding On
mat subject. They have perfectly appreciated
the matter in all its relations.
The withdrawal of Mr.. Blaine may not mme-
diatey settle beyond controversy the result of
the Republican Convention, but undoubtedly it
does in large measure, clear the field for
General Harrison. He has given the country an
admirable administration, and he is amply ell
titled to the great advantage Of position which
he thus secures. Those who are mast reluctant
to lose the satisfaction Of voting for Mr.. Blaine
will cordially acknowledge that the President
deserves the undivided confidence of the party, !
and that he has made the election Of Kepub |
can successor the most encouraging probability |
Ct the present year. And in common with all
loyal members Of the party, they will be apt 10
reason that this probability can he most securely
confirmed by his nomination t. succeed himself. |
The party has put great and beneiiccnt policies
III operation during the last three years. and the
welfare and content which they have produced
aye the most conspicuous features Of the time
hut the country does not yet enjoy the full !
measure Of prosperity which they are capable 0i
engenderng. The peoi1s, we believe will in |
sist upon their further development under the
care Of the party which has created and pro-
noted them. 1t is for the party TO decide |
upon the individuals 10 whom this continuing |
honor and opportunity shall be entrusted. That |
the decision will be wise we have no doubt. |
That it will be rendered in favor Cf General Ilar |
rson is to-day the most natural expectation.
In accepting as final Mr. BlancS determination
not to be Presidential candidate the party, and
we believe, the whole country, will still hope |
to have the benefit for many years TO come Oi
his invaluable services in public station. His |
knowledge, sagacity and experience, his com
prehcnsyc understanding Of the American pco-
pie and American institutions, and his lCrvent |
patriotism, are National possession which must
not DC diverted from the service % tbs Nation.