Year: 1879

and condemned.


Chairmanship or the Republican Conn


mittee.


The Republican National Committee
has elected Senator Cameron as its chair
man to fill the place of the late Senator
Chandler This choice has been expected,
and its singularity in some respects has
perhaps led people to overestimate it's po-
litical bearing. Here is a committee which
consists OF more than forty members, and
because its chairman has been taken away
by death it was thought necessary to arrange
resignation in order that the person ap-
pointed to fill the vacancy might be Senator
Chandeliers successor. The vacancy was
made for Mr.. Cameron for the sole purpose
of electing him to the craftsmanship Of the
committee. This seemed such reflection
on the other members of large committee
that it was natural to seek a political
motive, and there was no difficulty in find
ing, or at least in inventing one. The
motive attributed was desire to promote
the nomination of General Grant, and this
hypothesis was rendered plausible by the
fact that Mr.. Cameron is on avowed Grant
man.


1t would be easy enough to account for
the election of Mr.. Cameron on other
grounds than his known preference for
General Grant. It is really no disparage-
ment, certainly no injustice to the other
members of the National Committee. to as
sumo that none of them is quite capable of
replacing SO able and vigorous party
manager as Zach Chandler. Most Of them
were selected as mere compliment to their
States, IN the expectation that they would
act the part of respectable dummies. Great
force of character and executive ability are
requisite in the head of the committee, and
in order that his power may be equal to his
responsibility. the committee is filled up
with men who would not aspire to control
him and would not impair his efficiency by
divided counsels. Mr.. Chandler's position
dictator, and strong man was
needed to succeed him. 1t has
been said, but said without due
reflection, that nothing is required of
the new chairman but the mere formality
of opening the National Convention. But,
in point of fact, all the preliminary ar
rangements necessary for the smooth work.
ing of the Convention devolve upon him.
He needs to be o man of pecuniary means
and one who does not shrink from
assuming responsibility. He engages the
hall in which the Convention is to
be held, makes arrangements with the
railroads for O reduction of fares for
it's members, sees that proper attend
ants are on the ground in season and looks
be safely neglected. If, like the late Mr..
Chandler, he is rich, public spirited and
energetic, he enters into engagements which
it will require money to fulfil without stop
ping to consider how he is to be reimbursed.
He assumes q personal responsibility
for all expenses which he thinks necessary,
and if the party does not repay him he
is ready to stand the loss. Now, it is cer-
tain that Mr.. Cameron fills these requisites
as perfectly as his vigorous predecessor,
and this is a valid reason for bringing
new member into the committee for the
mere purpose Of electing him chairman.
There is, therefore, no necessity for having
recourse to the effect of the selection on the
choice of candidates.


Still, the placing Of an avowed Grant man
at the head of the committee is significant
and suggestive. But if it is Grant move
ment it has been managed with caution and
discretion. Mr.. Cameron has received
barely votes enough to elect him-twenty-
two were necessary to q choice, and twenty
two was the precise number he received.
This relieves the committee from the appear
ance of wish to forestall the action of the
Convention by debating candidate. 1t
is wise to leave the friends OF Mr.. Sher-
man and Mr.. Blaine fair chance, as their
cordial support will be desired if General
Grant receives the nomination. If the pub
lie sentiment of the party should continue
to develop in General Grants favor there
will perhaps be some advantage to him in
having one of his supporters ut the head of
the committee. Mr.. Cameron's election
will give some uneasiness to the other can
didates, but it need not discourage them.