Los Angeles herald., 1892-03-05
SANTA BARBARA.
Opinions as to Democratic Presidential
Candidates.

Candidates.
Special Correspondence to the HERALD.
SANTA BARBARA, March 4.
The all-absorbing topic discussed in
political ranks in this city is the presi-
Dental possibilities for '92. This ques-
ton and our proposed boulevard lead
all others. The question of candidates
for municipal Offices is put "way in the
shade;" indeed, it is reported that some
men have even forgotten to eat, so abb
sorbed were they in harping upon the
merits of their favorite candidates. Be-
lieving the presidential! question of gen.
eral interest, your correspondent took
occasion the other day to interview
several leading Democrats. Below we
give the substance of some of the inter-
views, by which it will be seen Santa
Barbara leans strongly toward Grover
Cleveland, though David Bennett Hill
will do, provided he is nominated.
The first interviewed was A. w. Pot
ter, an old Jeffersonian Democrat from
the east, who is spending the remainder
of his days in balmy California. "Give
US Hill for New York. but Cleveland for
the country, said Mr.. Potter. "David
B. Hill is the greatest Democrat the
party has ever had in New York. He
can pay the Republicans in their own
money; but as for a Democrat for the
nation prefer Grover Cleveland"
E. w. Gaty was the next gentleman
interviewed. Mr.. Gaty, though a great
supporter OF Mr.. Cleveland, was not
entirely agreeable to his denomination.
"The Democratic candidate, to be elect
ed, is compelled to carry the doubtful
states" said Mr.. Gaty. "Those doubt
full states are New York, Connecticut,
New Jersey and Indiana. Cleveland
carried them in 'S4; he failed to do so
in 'SS. In 'S4 Blaine got 1872 of the cleo
toral votes; Cleveland got 219. In 's8
Harrison received 233, while Cleveland
got 1853. As a matter of course, the state
on which the pivot turned was New
York. Had Cleveland carried New York
that time he would have had majority
of seven electoral votes. The popular
vote, however, went for Cleveland
over Harrison by $4,000. AS
to the availability of candidates,
the common practice has been
to renominate, except in the
cases of Pope, Pierce and Buchanan.
The Democratic party has always nomi-
mated where a candidate has had prior
and efficient administration, and they
always make strong effort to re-elect
him. But in the history of this country
l know of no instance where candidate
in the Democratic party has received
third nomination when he failed to be
elected on the second. Because man
is supposed to exert all his strength in
his official capacity to further his re-
election, and where be fails under such
circumstances both political parties gen
orally drop him as being too weak to
carry the standard to victory. Ceve-
lands Buffalo silver letter has injured
him very materially with the silver
people; his tariff views were premature,
hence he is unavailable as a candidate.
Hill's friends knitted Cleveland in 1888;
Cleveland's friends remember that &C.
ton, and they may possibly and doubt
less will return the compliment. Hill
has done great deal for the Demo
cratic party, and he may be rendered
the nomination, but if he ia personally
fear for the result. In my judgment
Russell and Boies would make the
strongest ticket. Such a ticket would
unite both factions-the Clevelanditss
and Hillites."
Attorney b. +. Thomas: II am a
supporter OF Mr.. Cleveland and would
like to see his nomination. Will vote
for the nominee"
Judge r. B. Garfield was seen in his
Office by the reporter: II prefer Mr..
Cleveland," said he, "but l think if
New York does not want him he would
be defeated if nominated. Yes, GER
tainly; if neither gentleman is nomi-
mated the nominee will be western
man. Flower, of course, is possibil-
ity, but his nomination is not probable.
Mr.. Hill is great man for the New
York Democracy"
S. w. Condy and j. N. Hitler were
averse to Mr.. Hill. Both believed
Cieveland's defeat in 'SS due to Mr..
Hill, and neither gentleman could con.
scientiously vote for him.
Geo. Walker, G. 0. Garretson, L. D.
Hardy and Mr.. Lehman were for Cleve-
land first, last and all the time, but
would vote for the nominee.
G. A. Storke: IF either Hill or
Cleveland is nominated the Democracy
will be defeated. The party had better
onp Z f<.v o.