New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-02-09
MR.. BLAINE'S WITHDRAWAL.
REPUBLICANS GENERALLY DISPOSED TO RE-
GARD HIS ACTION AS FINAL.


on THE sECRETARY's LITTER
TO COLONEL CLARKsON.
tBY rxLEoaAPa zKiBUyE.i
Washington Feb. s.-Thc general tone in which
Mr. BIaine's letter was discussed among Republic
cans was one of sincere and genuine regret, which
gave fresh evidence of the affection and admiration
in which he is held by members of his party. few
Republicans were disposed not to accept the letter
Is final but to insist that Mr.. Blaine should re-
consider his decision and accept the nomination II
offered 10 him. One of them said 10 Tribune
correspondent:
We obeyed Mr. Blace four years ago. and he
ought TO obey the party this time. OF course the
condition OF his health cXcites the fears OF himself
and his family: but it certainly is better than it
in 1855, and since that time he has done an
enormous amount of work and undergone and en-
dnrod much severe domestic aiiction The people
want him for President and if he will accept tho
nomination we will elect him without any worry
or labor on his part
In general, however, R'pubcans were disposed
to regard Mr.. Blaines action as final and to agree
that the reasons which controlled il must BE- ac-
ceptci satisfactory. One of them said:
Il am proud that we have in this country man
who il great that he afford 10 decline q
Presidential nomination without having his mo.
lives InpugBcu. MI. Bldlne uOuDIesS leels HOW,
as he did in 1883. that his nomination would lie
equivalent to election but that the condition
of his health forbids him to undertake the labor
or attempt to endure the strain and excitement
of Presidential campaign. lie feels, too, that
the future of the policies which he has been SO
influential in shaping is safe in the hands of the
Republican party, without his making the personal
sacrifices which would be required if he should
accept a nomination for the Presidency and he
knows that his fame aS statesman Is secure
do not take Ills letter 10 mean that the Repupll-
can party Of the country is 10 be deprived OF his
counsel or services. but that in the future. as in
the past, it will have the benefit Of both
Other Republicans spoke in the same strain.
OF course there was some gossip about other
candidates. but the prevailing opinion was thae
the withdrawal of Mr. Blaine assures the re-
nomination of President Harrison. This opinion
was expressed by prominent men from New-Eng-
land; New-York, Ncw-Jersey and Pennsylvania, as
we'll as from Ohio, Michigan. Iowa and other
Western States II is undcniabe that President
Harrison is much stronger with his party now than
he was wear ago, and that his Administration
has Won the confidence and respect even OF
Democrats in a remarkable degree, especially dur
ing tie last few months.
4 prominent Republican in discussing the
probablc denomination of President Harrison said
Ills Administration has won the confidence of
| the people and he is daily gaining strength. In
my opinion his denomination is foreGonc con-
clusion Mr.. Baincs letter sets at rest forever,
| hope, the absurd and silly stories about want OK
harmony between him and the Presidcnt-stores
for which there never was shadow Of foundation In
| fact They are both great men: and both
are earnest Rcpubhcans-devoted TO the interest
| of their party and country. There Is
and has been the most cordial agreement and SYM
| pathy between them from the beginning In regard
to matters of public policy The relations be-
| tveen President Harrison and the other members
| of his Cabinet, and between them and Mr. Blaine.
| have been equally cordial and harmonious To
use an expressive phrase they have all pulled to-
rct!cr: the Administration has been unit, and
has impressed itself upon the country as an able,
wise and patriotic one. ] therefore believe that
President Harrison will he renominated but in
expressing that belief, do not wish TO be under.
stood 10 intimate that there are not other men in
the Republican party who are worthy and might
| he able To lead it 10 victory next November.
b am glad that we have many strong leaders; any
one of them would be worthy 10 carry our
! banner in the impending contest and could
follow him with confidence and enthusiasm. But
this seems TO TO he a Harrison year
The Democratic Representatives. with whom
Tribune correspondent talked all expressed the
opinion that the withdrawal of Mr.. Blame insurc5
the denomination of President Harrison, and most
of them affected 10 believe that this might benefit
their party. In what manner IL would do 50
they were not ready 10 explain. except TO say, N
substance as one of them did in words Well.
if we must have "A Republican prefer Blaine 10
any other who could be named.
The truth j. that Democratic CQ;..ressmen are
rapidv losing hope: the party Is divided IN the
House as well as AT home. Scores of Democratic
Representatives feel the greatest anxiety and I'M
certainty in respect to their own political fntue,
and most of them have lost the aggressive con-
fidence which they displayed before the orglnlza-
tion of the House. That many Of them nave
great admiration for Mr.. Blaine is unquestioraDln,
and vet if he were candidate for the Presi-
dcncv they would oppose him as bitterly as they
would any other Republican. The average opinion
Of Democratic Repres entatives in regard u Mr..
pniris letter was expressed by Mr. Chapman, of
Michigan who said to a reporter:
Mr. Blaine will now be a greater man than he
has ever been heretofore. The election TO the
Presidency could not place him in as high posi-
tion as he now occupies; and in thrusting aside
The temptation lie shakes off all restraint and
timilty and places himself in position TO give
NH sweep to the broad craftsmanship OF whcn
be is capable and t. he of the greatest service
10 his country. As strong a. lac has Dcel Ia
the past his fame will grow from this hour
COMMENTS By WESTERN POLITICIANS.
Chicago Feb SPECIAL" Blaine's letter OF "ltr
drswal he's been expected for some time by leading
Republican politicians. and therefore does not surprise
them a, much as Il may the general public said ex-
ra1,