The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-06-10
A DARK HORSE.

There comes from Minneapolis the usual
prediction, when national conventions are
sharply divided between two conspicuous
candidates, that "a dark horse" may yet
carry off the prize. and Governor Mckin-
ley, of Ohio, is named as the probable
compromise candidate. There were no
cases of dark horses" carrying off the
presidential prize in the first fifty years Of
the life of the Republic. In 1874 Martin
Van Buren, was beaten in the Democratic
nominating convention by "the dark
horse" Polk. In 1852 the clark horse"
Pierce won the Democratic nomination,
and the nomination of James Bu-
chanan in 1856 was also that of q
compromise candidate. The nomination
Of Horatio Seymour in 1853 was that OF
q Democratic clark horse" suddenly
brought forward to end contest between
Pendleton. Bayard and Hancock Gem
eral Hayes was the Republican "dark
horse" in 1875; General Garfield in 1880,
and General Harrison was compromise"
candidate in 1884. The nominations Of
Horace Greeley by the Democrats in 1872;
of Hancock in 1880, and Of Cleveland in
1884 were at least unexpected; for Bayard.
Hendricks and Thurman, ali statesmen OF
ability and experience, were then in their
intellectual prime and high tide of popu-
larity. The nomination Of Winfield
Scott in 1852 in the Wing ma
tional convention over both Webster
T,lI - 1oos "a
triumph of a mere soldier when the mill
tary popularity won by the Mexican war
had been exhausted by Taylor in 1S4S.
The nomination of Governor Mckinley
of Ohio has much to recommend it, If a
compromise candidate should be agreed
upon between the warning factions Of
Harrison and Blaine. Mckinley would
be the logical candidate Of the party,
since the tariff which bears his name will
be the leading issue before the country;
he is entirely sound on the currency issue.
as he joined John Sherman in supporting
the silver act OF July, 1890, and defended
it on the stump in his gubernatorial CAM
paign. He would therefore be entirely
satisfactory to the Republicans OF the
doubtful states of the East; he is "a
very able man." as even so reserved and
cool critic as John Sherman comedies;
he is q man of unstained personal purity
of life; he has never been identified with
the political conspiracies of great corpora
tions to shape legislation: his congress
sional record is absolutely above suspicion
80 ind Ea - - Gr
ence. and an orator of superior intellect
ual weight and impressiveness, and his
victory over Governor Campbell, the
ablest and most worthy Democrat IN
Ohio, has given him the prestige of vic
tory. Major Mckinley won his mill.
tary title by gallant service in
the Union army. enlisting in the
ranks early in 1861 and serving to the
end of the war; he il always an attendant
upon the National Grand Encampment of
the G. A. R., and Is welcome speaker;
his nomination therefore would appeal
strongly to the soldier vote of both parties.
Up to the present convention Governor
Mckinley has always been great admirer
and strong supporter of James G. Blaine,
but he came to Minneapolis supporter Of
Harrison. His selection for the place Of
permanent chairman shows that he is held
in high esteem by both factions, and it
would surprise nobody in event of a COM
promise candidate being selected to see
the choice fall upon Governor William
Mckinley, Of Ohio. Governor Mckinley
is about 4S years old