Los Angeles herald., 1892-11-26
is GREAT CAREER ABOUT TO CLosE9

There is little doubt thattne c0nQltlon
of James G. Blaine is highly critical. 1t
has been all along said in certain quar-
ters that he was suffering from Bright's
disease of the kidneys, and all the pecu-
liarities of his repeated ailments point
in that direction. His complexion and
moods also confirm this idea. If it be
true, it is just as well to accept the fact
that he is not long for this world. This
disease, to man of Blaine's habits and
enfeebled physique, is necessarily fatal.
The experiences Of this foremost OF Re-
publcans of late years have been spe-
cially unfortunate. The death OF his
favorite son, Walker Blaine, followed by
that Of his favorite daughter, Mrs. Cop
pinger, followed in turn by that OF EN-
mons Blaine, his last son in whom he
could take any pride, leaves him under
an eclipse which of itself would break
down an ordinary man. But, long be-
fore these terrible Affections, the old oak
showed signs of decay. His Florence
letter, withdrawing himself ION further
consideration as possible candidate tor
the Republican nomination for the pres
idency in 1888, was undoubtedly inspired
by his knowledge of the real dangers
which menaced his life. There can also
be no doubt that he was inspired by
similar motives when he wrote the letter
declining to be candidate before
the Minneapolis convention. He never
A. ,oI, a1 that lotfQr
In all probability he winked at the use
of his name by Quay, Platt, Warner
Miller snd Clarkson to relieve his party
from the incubus of Harrison's can
didacy. He knew that, with Harrison
as the standard bearer, his party had no
earthly chance of success, and he doubt
less retained enough fondness for the
organization which had honored him 30
often and so highly to wish to see it
avoid the political breakers. II he had
been an avowed candidate, and had
been known to be in good health, no
living man could have been chosen over
him in Republican national conven-
ton.
lu6lo ChI UC III llSGAtotIOl III oth ho"i
edging that Blaine rendered signal serv-
ices to the country. He and he only
could have defeated the third term con-
spiracy which aimed to place Grant |
again at the head of the nation in 1880. |
Had that plot succeeded the United
States would have been treated to sea-
son OF Mexican politics, and Grant would |
have occupied towards this country the |
attitude that Diaz discloses in Cur neigh |
boring republic. With Grant again at |
the head Of the government of the
United States, after the successful! count
ing out of Tilden four years before, this
country would have been republic only
in name. The will of one man would
have had the force of law, and the peo-
pie would thereafter have had but a
trihing voice in the selection OF their
rulers.
Not less decisive and beneficial was
his action as speaker in defeating the |
force bill. By his ruling that members
present and not voting could not be
counted in making up quorum OF the
house of representatives he preserved |
the liberties of the southern people and
of the whole United States as well. This
action of James G. Blaine was in marked |
contrast to that of Autocrat Reed, who
rode rough ehod over the rights of mem.
bers by counting in his quorum those
present and not voting.
Ashe grew older Blaine steadily be-
came more conservative. His dissp'
proval of the Mckinley bill was out !
spoken and patriotic. The fact is that
the Plumed knight, from having been
one of the most hated OF Republicans,
had gradually become great favorite
with many Democrats. This was par
ticuiarly the CAGE in Washington, where
his personal popularity had grown to be
irrespective OF party lines.
The present illness of the great Re
publican leader may prove to be less
grave than it seems to be. The HERALD
heartily hopes that this may be the
case, and that he will carry out his an
nounced intention OF passing the winter
in Los Angeles county, where he would
receive warm welcome in all quarters,
but the indications are certainly not
favorable to his coming amongst us.