New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-05
MR. GORMANS CANDIDACY.

On his return from England the other day
Senator Arthur P German found himself re-
quiTed TO face the ordeal of 81 political cross
examination. IN his absence movement TO
nominate him for the Presidency had gathered
Roadway That movement could not be ig-
nored: and the Maryland Senator felt impelled
10 define in some way his status as a Presiden-
Jial asprant-
In his interview after landing Mr.. German
gently but firmly waved away the temptings of
political ambition. He had. he declared. no
thought of seeking the Democratic Presidential
nomination He had not considered ANY indi-
''viduaI myself included, as a candidate for
president" Unsettled as party conditions
were it was mot the individual but the good
Of the party which must be first considered.
The Maryland Senator therefore gravely took
himself out of the list of Presidency hunting
cligibles perfectly content, he put it, TO
serve lust as a soldier in the ranks"
Mr.. Germans attitude is. Of course. as saga
cious as il is modest II he is at heart candi-
date for the Democratic nomination, he knows
:hat he could choose time less suitable than
the present for admitting it. Should he eleven
months before the national convention meets,
begin 10 push his canvass. he would become the
target Of a dozen rivals, each anxious TO carry
off the nomination, but each afraid to risk the
cnm:ies and frictions Of an open fight for it.
The man who wins in the next Democratic
convention must win by virtue Of some sudden
and ovcrmastering demonstration of available
ity-of some fusion Of elements at present scat
tered and hostile-and the time for that demon
stration and that fusion is still far ahead.
Talk of Mr.. Germans candidacy has We
notice. revived in certain Democratic circles
something of the bitterness with which it was
long the fashion, TO assai the Maryland Sen
ator's leadership The extremists who mis-
judged and misrepresented his efforts To con-
vert the deficit creating Wilson bill OF 1894 into
2 practicable piece OF tariff legislation have
never ceased TO charge him with all the accu-
INFLATED sins of a Congress majority capable
Of every folly. The idea Of his returning TO
political power when the men who wrote and
inspired the Wilson bill have long since per-
ished outside the breastworks is, and will al
ways be. a thorn in the flesh to the free trade
doctTinaires and ZealOts who had their day
and wasted it under the second administration
OF Grover Cleveland.
But, this luminosity discounted, we can see no
serious obstacle TO an acceptance by Democrats
generally of Mr.. Germans availability as a
Presidential candidate. Though he may hest
tate 10 urge his claims, there are others who
VIII exploit his many titles TO Democratic lead
orship Virtually the only Democrat who in
this generation has shown his capacity TO make
the Democratic opposition felt in Congress, or
10 hold il, when party power, to some reason
able sense Of discipline responsibility, he nat
uraIIy appeals TO voters tired of feuds and fac
tionalisnI as the one strong spirit equal TO
composing differences and restoring order.
Trained TO diplomacy TO authority. 10 the man
agement OF men. he stands-or should stand
50 grateful contrast to the self-willed and self
centred pilots who have only guided the party
10 shipwreck.
To nominate Mr.. German for the Presidency
the Democratic party would have TO retrace its