The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-06-06
NOT A CANDIDATE.
Secretary Elkins Says Thnt Nothing Is
Changed.

NEW YORK, June 5.-The Tribune Wash
ington special says: AS a result of in
quiries among Republicans this afternoon
the Tribune correspondent learned that
wide differences of opinion still existed in
respect 10 the causes and motives, as we'll
as the probable effect OF Blaiue's resigna-
ton. While the majority seemed TO be con-
vinced that the act had placed him in the
attitude Of contestant for the Presidential
nomination, strong minority held the op-
posite view and some declared that he would
not accept a nomination if it should be
offered to him. The strongest upholders of
the latter opinion were found among the
men who advocate the denomination Of the
President and they supported their posi-
tlon by one argument, to which the paIt-
lsans Of Blaine could not strongly object
In substance it is rs follows: There is
no Republican living whose Loyalty
at the principles Of his party is
more devoted, none whose desire
for the party sue eSs is stronger or more
earnest. and if Blaine sees or believes that
his nomination would ALLEVIATE portion of
the party and thus jeopardize its success
he cannot be prevailed upon TO accept it,
We believe that lie will SEE and believe this
before a ballot shall lie taken at Minneapo-
lis
In the course of a conversation with
Tribune corresp pOndent man who has long
been prominent in public affairs, and who
enjoys the friendship and confidence of
both President Harrison and Mr. Blaine.
said: Il confess that the retirement of
Secretary Blaine was not so great a sur
prise to me as it appears to have been to
many Others. Indeed, | should not have
been surprised If it had taken place long
beforehand wholly irrespective of any con-
sIderation relating to the Presidential noul-
inaton. l do not think that the relations
between the President and his Secretary of
State have ever been so cordial as between
the Pres dent and the other memb bers of his
Cabinet They are both men of
stroug convictions and great tenac-
ity of opinion, and have not al
ways been able to agree on questions
OF policy and administration affecting the
State Department. This has naturally, l
think, made Blaine's official position some
what unpleasant and disagreeabe at times
The severe domestic affl ctions which Blaine
has suffered since he entered President
HarrisOn'S Cabinet and the precarious con-
ditlon of his health at times have also con-
tributed in large degree to make him
more sensitive than he otherwise would
have been, and l have thought several times
within the last year that the Secretary of
State was about 10 lay aside the cares Of
Office. which his habits Of industry and ap-
plication and his singular devotion TO duty
have made exactng and burdens0me to an
unusual degree.
I "a e
which impelled Blaine TO offer his resigna-
tion at the time he aid, but | can readily un-
derstand that the use Of his name as a can
didate for The Presidential nomination after
his letter to CIarkson declaring that he
would not be candidate, and the unfriend-
ly criticism which has thus been provoked.
have affected him seriously, and may have
induced him to suddenly take steps which |
believe he had contemplated on more than
one previous occasion. 1t is said that Seq
retary Blaine's February letter was written
without Mrs Blaine's knowledge or consent.
and that if she had been consulted it is not
probable that the letter would have been
written. 1t is certain, however, that she
knew all about her hus stands letter of res
ignati0n and approved the step most hearth
lily. Yesterday and to-day she has frankly
expressed her satisfaction over Blaine's
retirement from the Cabinet 1t is believed
that if Mrs. Blaine had any doubt whatever
of her husbands health her influence would
be sufficient to prevent him placing himself
in position to accept the nomination. His
health is her first consideration, and there
fore their near friends declare that BIalne's
health is no longer an obstacle in his way
to the White House."
Mr.. and Mrs. Blaine will close their house
here and leave Washington Tuesday for
Bar HaIbOr.
Secretary Elkins said: 81 am not talking
much now, but l will be frank and say that
l don't think the resignation of Blaine
changes the situation one particle. | have
never believed since Blaine wrote his
famous letter to Clarkson. nor do | believe
now, that he means to be q candidate before
the Minneapolis convention, and the re-
ports have received from there indicate
the soundnrss of my views"