Goldsboro weekly argus. [volume] (Goldsboro, N.C.) 1885-1909, 1896-01-23
PRESIDENTIAL PROSPECTS.

EAS
AS an indicati on of the strong
drift of public opinion toward the
inevitable. regardless of former
convictions, we produce from the
editorial columns of yesterdays
Richmond Dispatch the follow
ing timely and true comment on
the present political situation
and outlook:
Ia the matter of presidential
timber" the Republicans have no
scarcity. Morton, Reed, Me-
Kinley, Harrison and Allison are
only a few of the many Republic
cans of prominence who are am
bilious and hopeful of serving
themselves and their country in
the White House. The Demo-
Gratis occupy quite a different
position. We don't know who is
seeking our nomination. We
have it from an undisputable
source that Mr.. Cleveland says
he does not wish to be a .candi-
date again; that he asks to be
considered not in the race, and
that it is the fondest wish of his
heart to surrender Office at the
end of bis present term and der
vote some years to rest and
travel. There is also said to be
in existence a letter written by
Mr. Cleveland declaring, in eff
feet, thai he will not accept a
nomination. This alleged letter
has not yet seen daylight, and
until this occurs Mr.. Cleveland
will be looked upon as willing to
become a candidate should his
party ask that service of him.
Yes, so long as the present
status continues unchanged Mr..
Cleveland will be considered a
candidate-by many as the only
candidate. Morrison and Ste.
venson will not be able to gather
their friends around them as
they otherwise would be able to
do, unless Mr.. Cleveland comes
out with a written declaration of
his purpose not to allow his
friends to vote for him. We're
such a letter written and pub
lished, it is not unlikely that
both Carlisle and Olney would
enter the Presidential race.
For our part we heartily hope
that Mr.. Cleveland will not keep
his party in suspense. The peo-
pie ought to know his purpose
before they hold their primaries.
We have heard it said that Mr..
Cleveland cannot decline a nOmi-
nation before it is offered him,
etc. True; but such an up-and~
down out>spoken man as he has
the reputation of being, a find
a becoming way to let his wishes
be known. For instance, should
Carlisle or Olney, either or both,
become recognized aspirants for
the nomination it would be we'll
understood that the President
was ''out of it,"
Notwithstanding the popular
objection to a third term, at this
writing we know no man who
could get more votes in a Demo-
cratic convention than Mr.. CleYe
land. There would be strong
opposition to him, too; but much
would depend upon the issue OF
pending foreign questions as to
whether he would have strength
enough to win a nomination in
spite of the third term precedent
and the two-thirds rule.
Of one thing we feel certain.
and this is that we have an ins
teresting campaign before us.
We do not forget that the Popu-
lists and the Prohibitionists viii
be in the field with their electora
tickets, nor that the Populists
are likely to carry a Republican
State or two as we'll as a Demo
cratic State or two. Nor are we
SO upset by the troubles in oul
own political family as not to sec
that the Republicans have thorns
in their flesh in the shape of sew
eral very insubordinate silver
States. And then there is the
Venezuelan question. Who knows
what will be the result? Be il
remembered that the commission
is as nearly a non-partisan body
as any ever appointed by any
President for any purpose. II
England and Venezuela shall not
have not have previously arrangs
ed their dispute in a manner to
which this country can take nc
objection. the report of the COM
mission may cut a great figure IN
the campaign this year.