Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1892-02-13
NOT A CANDIDATE.

Secretary Blaine Writes n Letter Deoliu-
ing to Allow His Name TO Be Brought
Before the National Republican Conven-
tion.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 8.-Mr. Blaine is
not candidate for the presidency. He
makes this official announcement in
the following letter to Chairman Clark
son of the republican national commit
tee:
"WAsHINGToN, Feb 9, lS0o-Hon. j. s.
Clnrkson Chairman of the Republican National
Committee-Dear Sir, 1 am not candidate
for the presidency and my name will not go be-
fore the republican national convention for the
nomination l make this announcement in due
season.
ITO those who have rendered me their sup
port owe sincere thanks and am most grateful
for their confidence. They will, L am sure,
make earnest effort in the approaching contest,
which Is rendered especially important by
reason of'the industrial and financial policies OF
the government being ut stake. The popular
decision on these issues is OF great moment ard
will be of far-rcaching consequences. Very sin
ccrcly yours JAMES G.. BLAINE"
The fact that the letter was coming
has been known in Washington for
several days, and has been impaired
confidentially to II number of gentle
men who think they are candidates.
Mr.. Blaine has told his friends that
they should know his intentions in
time, and his announcement that his
name will not 60 before the conven-
tion gives them ample notice. They
are free to choose for themselves
That regard for his health has
something to do with Mr.. Blaine's de-
cision is not unlikely. AT present he is
in excellent health, and his doctors as
sure him that he has no chronic trouble
| to fear. But he is not willing to un-
| dergo all the fatigues and excitement
| of presidential campaign when he
finds it necessary now to husband his
| strength. 1t is also said that it is the
wish of Mrs. Blaine and the sccre-
tary's family that he refrain from a
renewal of the strain which was So
great in 1884. 1t is true that the old
malignant fight could not be fought
| over again, but the strain would be
none the less. Since he became secre-
tary of state Mr.. Blaine has cared less
and less for the powers of the presiden-
tial office with it's infinite cares in the
way of patronage.
If the office could be entirely disas.
sociated from this and given over tc
public policy he might think more Of
it, but it has been an admitted relief
for him in fulfilling the duties of secre
tary of state to be able to give his time
to the great questions with which tha
department has to deal. Some time age
in talking to a friend he discussed th'
situation freely, saying in substances
Il don't suppose any man who has onc
sought the office can truthfully say he doesn'
care for it. / confess would like to be presi
dent, but will never risk my health and life il
seeking it. The Office of secretary of state is
broad enough field for me during the rest of m
public career"
The democrats agree with practica
unanimity that Blaine not being in
nothing can prevent President Har
rison,s denomination. The republican
congressman, though keenly regrettin
MIR. Blaine's declination, are mostly O
the same opinion. Some are found wh
say that there is nothing in the lette
to prevent the Minneapolis conventio
from nominating Mr.. Blaine, that h
simply says he will not be candidate
and so on. But this is not the vie'
taken by those who best under
stand the secretary's mint
They are satifed that regard fo
his health and other consideration
have fully determined him and thu
his candidacy must no longer /
, thought of by the republicans in elec
ing delegates. In the meantime the
expect Mr.. Blaine's policy will
shown in shaping the issues of til
$ campaign along the lines of reciprocit
in the time between now and the Mil
: neapolis convention.
}. Secretary Blaine is not accessible
: callers. The letter to Chairman Clarl
son contains all the views which
S thinks it necessary to give to the publ
at present His friends are well il
c formed of the causes which led up to tt
9 letter, and they themselves have lit
: comment to make except to reitera
!. their belief that the letter is to
taken as final. That is the impressic
y they have received from their person
intercourse with the secretary. Th'
IS further say it means another four yea
70 of Mr. Blaine at the head of the sta
"A | department