Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-05-27
POLITICAL GOSSIP.
Drift of Opinion Gathered From Statesmen
at the Capitol.

Drift Of Opinion Gathered From Statesmen
at the Capitol.
1t is a mistake to assumes that the anti-Harri-
son folks are not considering the possibility
Of a declinatiOn from Mr.. Blaine to run
for the presidency. While they do not
expect defamation it is pretty GER
tain that they have not vet received
positive assurance from Mr.. Blaine that he
will not resist every effort to make him Presi-
dent. They are, therefore, while quite con-
fident of Blaine, considering all possible con-
tingency to make certain the defeat of Harri-
son.
The rush is for Blaine and his name is the
magnet which is drawing the delegates. The
conferences that have been held have been di-
rected to q general consideration of the solu-
ton, with an idea of making the line of opposi-
ton SO compact as to have Mr.. Harrisons de-
feat not dependent upon Blaine.
The conference between Messrs. Garrison,
Reed, Boutelle and others at the Capitol just
before the adjournment of the House yesterday
afternoon was directed to this point.
A very prominent republican, who has been
in close communication with Mr.. Clarkson, said
expect that he will be nominated, but if he will
not accept the nomination that will not help
Mr.. Harrison"
THE SITUATION AS IT APPEARED TODAY.
The situation to Mr.. Blaine's acceptance
seems to be this: He has listened attentively to
the declarations of prominent politicians that
they intended to nominate him. has evaded a
direct reply to their opportunities and has not
told them that their efforts were being wasted.
Declarations that silence would be regarded
rs consent have not provoked from him any
command that his name be dropped. These
things are construed to mean that be does
not feel that he has a right to
denv his service to his party. though
he does not want the nomination. 1t is argued
hat he could not decline the nomination after
letting the matter go SO far, but it is probable
that Mr.. Blaine has made no further declara-
ton one way or another.
1t is far from improbable that if Mr.. Blaine,
contrary to all expectations, should decline his
friends, with his approval, would throw their
influence in favor Of Mr.. Reed.
As The STAR has stated before, the old time
unfriendly feeling between the two Maine states
men no longer exists. Mr.. Reed would give his
support to Mr.. Blaine and Mr.. Blaine,
unless some of his close friends do
not understand him, would in no
way antagonize Mr.. Reed and might use his in
fuence to assist to Reeds nomination in certain
contingencies. Should Blaine decline Mr..
Reed might be the nominee if the opposition to
Harrison was successful.
MR.. aRoUT's VIEWS.
Mr.. Grout of Vermont said to q STAR re-
porter today that he believed that Mr. Harrison
would be nominated II do not think, ~ he said,
''that Mr.. Blaine will permit the Use of his name
as a candidate. He declared himself on this
subject IN his letter to Mr.. GARRISON and do
not think any one has q right to doubt
the sincerity Of his declaration. i am
fully convinced that be has given no
Encouragement to the effort to force him into
candidacy. am sure he does no. want the
nomination and 1 do not believe that he could
be induced to accept. Calm judgment
will dictate the action of the Mime
apJlis convention, and I think that the
declaration Mr.. Blaine has made that be will
not be a candidate will be accepted as final
But if the attempt to force him into
satisfied that the country will hear from him
again on the subject and that he will make it
clear that he will not accept the nomination"
MR. HESDERsoN's VIEWS.
| Representative Henderson Of Illinois said to
STAR reporter today that he could not pre-
tend to keep track Of the multitude Of presi-
DENTAL rumors, many of which, he believed.
were idle and unfounded. As to the talk about
Blaine. he said that there was no doubt about the
very great popularity Of the Secretary, and
II ne were the nominee he Henderson,
would support him heartily, as would the
that Mr.. Blaine had i given dive nU "ny osn ene
the right to suppose that he was
in the field for the nomination. and.
for his part, he didn't see why the republicans
couldn't 'let well enough alone, and renomi-
nate the President, who certainly had given
the country q splendid administration
Representative Henderson aaid he still belieyed
that the President would be rsnominated, and
be thoueht the prevailing opinion among the
sepubtc.ns 1t Illinois IVES n lavor Of his ~
lomtnation.