The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1896-03-25
Cleveland the Candidate.
No Other Man has a Show to
Win the Race.

Washington, D. C, March 22.-
"Cleveland is our only available eau
didate. aud if the Democratic party at
Chicago tenders him the nomination be
will accept it. even if he does so at
great personal sacrifice. " This very
significant remark was made by mem
ber of Mr.. Cleveiand's Cabinet few
days ago, while discussing the political
situation With several Democratic Con-
sressmen. No confidence is violated IN
repeating the remark. for it was made
in the most open and free.haoded man,
per possible, and, strange to say. it did
not excite the slightest surprise among
the gentlemen present, for more than
one Of the group has entertained slml-
lar views for some time past. The con.
versation was proceeding in a general
way. and the entire political field, lu-
cludiug Kentucky, Alabama. Georgia.
New York aud ether States, was sur
veyed with view to sum ming up the
Democratic prospects 10 the coming
campaign. There was a difference OF
opinion as to the chances for Democrat
ic success, 10 view of the result of the
last Congressional aud State elections,
nevertheless the majority Of the gentle
men present favored an aggressive COZ
test to maintaiU the supremacy of the
Democratic party The discussion was
confined to the consideration of Presl-
Dental possibilities, who are supposed
to be in complete harmony with the
present Administration aud the quail
fcasiops of Secretaries Olney, Carlisle
and Postmaster General Wilson briefly
referred to and quickly disposed of 1t
was recalled how quickly the crocus-
like booms Of Secretary Olney aud Sec
retary Carlisle perished, aud the Will
son seed died in the ground without
putting forth shoot to mark the place
of its planting. Thus numerous names
we're suggested. but they were weighed
and found wanting, in the estimation OF
this cougenial little coserie of selt-con
stisuted President makers. Finally the
question was asked "Wbo can we
nominate, who will have ghost of
chance to win % Then i was that the
Cabinet officer present suggested the
name OF President Cleveland.
..Would be accept the nomination If
we should give it 60 him ~
II know very we'll that be does not
desire the domination. aud is ready to
retire frou public life at the close of
his present term, but I an equally sure
that if the party should force the pon-
ioatiop upon him and pledge him the
united strength of the party be would
bow to the will of his party and make
the fight, not as the leader Of any fac
ton of the party. but as the leader OF
all those who believe that the Interests
Of the Government demand contiua-
ance of the true principles of Dam
ocracy.'
This statement vas made with so
much earnes:uess that everyone ielt the
Cabinet officer had been inspired by a
previous conversation with the Presi-
dent. That vas theimpression Il made
upon the minds of those who beard 1t,
aud it was generally believed to be the
correc; position the President occupies
,o.dav Gu that subjet. The Third
term" and other objections we're inter
posed to test the strength Of the p:opo-
sition to again trust the Democratic
standard in the hands of Cleveland. ln
reply, it was argued. none of the here
tofore considered Presidential possiblll-
ties in the Dem m3cratic party is willing
to come forward and take the nomina-
ton co sound money platform, ex-
cepting Mr.. Cleveland, consequently
there is but little choice 1t is either
Cleveland, or the nomination goes by
default.
It was further con.epded that Mr.
Cleveland would get many votes 40 the
Eastern States shat could not be polled
for any other Democrat. owing to his
financial policy. and when the little
circle parted fer the evening the clevc'
land boom vas the only one to be seen
90 the Democratic horizon. There
may be others, bot they have not re
vealed their Identity up to the pTesen'
writing.
To democratic circles, in Washington
the impression grows stronger aue
stronger daily that Mr.. Cleveland vii
be the Democra.ic nominee of tht
Chicago Convention. The activity o
the Administration forces in Kentucky
Georgia, Alabama, Texas. Virginia
aud wherever tbersis State contest, j
pointed to as a sure indication that 1h
friends of MIR. Cleveland hope and ez
pecs TO have commanding voice at tn
Chicago Convention. Some Of tn
political opponents of the Preslden