The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-05-11
A TRIFLE TOO EARLY.

candidates for the Presidency in '96 and
their methods of working for that honor,
were such contest not injudicious at
the present time. Ex-President Harri-
son has been swinging round the circle
| considerably during the past six
months, and is now holding import
ant conferences in New York City,
with many of the leading Eastern
Republicans. Tom Reed is doing appar-
emily little work himself. but is keeping
himself prominently before the coun.
try in one way and another, or per-
haps it would be more correct to say
that he is being kept before the public
by the 10 yic OF events, and the acts Of
his friends.
Easily, the leader of the Republican
party in the House, he is recognized
national leader and an avowed candi-
date for the Presidency. Personally
popular with the masses, which Harri-
son is not. he is the Presidents most
dangerous rival.
Joe Manley says Harrison cannot be
re-nominated and is out for Reed. This
is natural, as the hatchet between Reed
and Marley has been buried, and both
hail from the same State. MIR. Manley's
reasons are as follows:
1t seems to me verv probable that
Benjamin Harrison would accept the
denomination if he could get it; but
/ do not see how that is 10 be brought
about. He has been twice nominated,
and once not elected, and TO nom
mate him again would be contrary
to the traditions of the Republican
party. General Grant, with all OF
his prestige and the earnest and
enthusiastic support of his old army
comrades. and with an army OF Federal
office holders devoted TO his interest,
could not secure third nomination;
and, irrespective of the man, that seems
to me to be a principle which the Repub-
lican party is not likely to ignore. 1t
has been suggested that Cleveland was
three times nominated; but Cleveland
has been an eGomaly in our politics. and
an exception to all rules. Such
exceptions are not found in the Repub-
lican party. Mr.. Harrison has no
such enthusiastic following as General
Grant had and l do not see how he
can look forward to nomination
for third term, which thar
distinguished soldier and statesman
could not secure. l do not know where
Benjamin Harrison will get his follow
ing to secure the nomination. But there
are some indications which have C me
within my knowledge that he would
not refuse a nomination."
To this the Portland Press, which is
controlled by Mr.. Reed, adds:
In all probability Mr.. Harrison
would not have been nominated in 1892.
but for the influence his friends were
able to exert in the selection of dele
gates through the power and prestige
which flowed from his occupancy OF
the Presidential office. We do
not believe he was the popu-
lar choice of the Republican party
then. Much less Is he likely to
be in 1895 when the popular wish is
likely to control. We have no doubt
that Mr.. Manley's prediction will be
verified when the convention meets and
that Mr.. Harrison will not be nomin-
ated. Indeed we believe that his friends
long before that event will be so thor
oughly convinced of the hopelessness of |
his cause that his name will not be pre-
sented.
While of course in Mr.. Manley's case
and also in that of The Press personal
wishes inspire the sentiments expressed,
still in both cases the reasons advanced
are sound.
The methods by which Mr.. Harrison's
was obtained in the last
national convention, did not commend
to any but his personal
friends and unquestionably cost him
thousands of votes.
But THE News regrets to see these
signs of antagonism cropping out thus
early between the friends of these two
big leaders. Mr.. Harrison made a good
President. Mr.. Reed might make as
good or even better one, but it strikes
us that it is trfle too early 10 start into
any discussion of the comparative merits
Of the two men, or TO inaugurate any
systematic wire pulling for the nomin-
alton.
Both are good men, and with either
one the Republican party is sure to
sweep on to victory, but the first duty
Of the party is to take care of the coming
fall elections. After that the consider
alton of the standard bearer in 96 may
be in order.
Mr.. Harrison's friends are unwise in
pushing him into the contest so early,
and the evident willingness of Mr.. Har-
rison to be pushed is to be regretted.
Any bitter contest between Harrison
aud Reed will kill both men, and it il
an open secret that the hatred between
these two men is something that can
never be bridged ovor. This makes the |
early disee-sion- of rithJr's variability |
something t. be depreca ed.
AN UNNECESSARY CRUELTY.
The society with n long name will |