Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1892-02-12


the following letterto Chairman Clarkson.
WASHINGTON, d. c.. Feb. 6,ls92.
Hon. J, S, Clarkson, Chairman Repab-
loaH National Committee.
Ny Dear Sir
1 am not candidate for the Presidency
and NV name will not go before the Re-
publican National Convention for the
nomination. / make this announcement
in due season.
To those who have rendered me their
support owe sincere thanks and am most
grateful for their confidence. They will,
7 am sure. make earnest efforts in the ap-
preaching contest, which is rendered es-
pecially important by reason of the indus
trial and financial policies of the Govern
ment being at stake. The popular decl-
sion on these issues is of great moment and
will be of far-reaching consequence
Very sincerely yours,
JAMES 6. BLAINE
At Washington. that night. this was
considered positive and absolute deell-
nation. and mean the re nomination OF
Harrison.
WHAT MCKINLEY SAYS.
COLUMBUS. o. Feb Gov Mckinley
was seen late tonight and asked 10 give
his opinion of the Blaine letter of with
drawal. He was considerably surprised
when told by the reporter of the purport
of the communication TO Chairman Clark
son. LET me see the letter." he asked,
sometimes letter does not say that which
people imagine it does. He took the As
sociated Press dispatch, read it slowly and
aloud, and after brief pause as if engag-
ed in communing with himself or measur-
ing the meter and bounds Of the eommuni-
cation, said impressively.
81 am not surprised at the declination
of Secretary Blaine. All my advices We're
| to the effect that his health was such that
he could not in justice to himself or family
accept the high honor that his party might
have conferred upon him, if he only re-
| mained silent. He is to-day the most pop
| uIar statesman of either party in this
| country. and stands at the Gpex in public
| estimation and esteem. The presidency
could have but few allurements for him.
| Some eight years ago be did want the nom
inaticn. but since his defeat the place has
4
| had no Charms for him.
| ~ do not know what other candidates
will be in the field, but with Mr.. Blaine
out of consideration and with President
| Harrison's splendid administration, the
latter will certainly go before the. conven-
ton with strong following from all parts
of the country. Republican sentiment
| will now turn to him.
Interviews with Republican members Of
the Legislature says: "The Blaine letter
means Harrison"
John Dalzell said: "The letter is what
every one 10 touch with affairs in Wash
| ington anticipated. i believe Mr.. Blaine
! is entirely sincere in his withdrawal. In
my opinion, do not think any other can
| didate than President Harrison is really in
the race. 1t would be interesting to note
| the position taken by those who have beeT
using Blaine's popularity as cloak FOL
their personal interest.
Representative George T. Huff, of West
moreland county said: "What do | thinl
| of the Blaine letteri / think it positive
and absolute withdrawal rom the presiden
tial race. Who ir to be the NOMINEES
selected at Minneapolis President Harri
| son beyond q doubt. He deserves a re-
nomination; he has earned it, and ought t'
have it. The business men of the country
want him. General Harrison has been 81
closely identified with reciprocity, and th'
best business interests of the country, tina
he is the natural choice of those who hav'
such interests at heart. Pennsylvania
particularly, should send solid delegation
to Minneapolis.
Other members expressed their firm be
lief that Blaine's declaration is final, ant
that President Harrison is the only logica
candidate.
Senator Sherman's possible candidacy
for the presidential nomination made hin
much sought after by those anxious to lear
his views on the withdrawal of Mr.. Blaine
Contrary 10 mis- usual reticencs on matters
of such vital political interest, Mr.. Sber
man did not hesitate to express himself oi
the Blaine letter. He said he did not con
slider Mr.. Blaine out of the presidentia
race. As for himself he said the use Of hi
name as candidate for the nomination
was unauthorized. Il am not candid
ate,s be said. emphatically.
| Representative John Lind, the only Re
publican in the House from Minnesota
said: 81 believe Mr.. Blaine's Withdrawal
il inaI and made in ull sincerity Of purpose
1.-The question then recHrs upon who shal
succeed him in the choice of Northwestern
Republicans. 1t is my sincere belief tha
Secretary Rusk will be acceptable not onl!
to the people of Minnesota, but to Wis
eonsin Republicans, and, in fact, through
out the Northwest.