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01' BLAINE* rix • • Row His Litter tf Withdrawal Is ̂ Interpreted by ttie Republican . Leadirs, of Senators aid Itefnui- lativcs Upon tke Nairn lao's Position tey Are Generally Agreed that the Communication Is Sincere, Though a Pew Are Inclined to Think He Hay Yet Bs Force! to Run. Allison, Gresham, Sherman, Harrison ' • and Sheridan Have Many Friends. ' -'" N, • • [|FKCUX< WASHESQTOX DISPATCH. 1 Elaine's letter is looked upon by Congress­ men and politicians here as* opening the tield tO other Presidential candidates. In a hun­ dred interviews uot ten persous could be found who questioned its sincerity or dnnbtod ite effect On the main question, whether it left Mr. Blaine's friends iree to seek other alliances aad give their support to Presiden­ tial candidates, there was an emphatic agree­ ment that it did. A few New-Euglanderg Wore found who, liko Senator Frye, insisted that events would show Blaine to be so much the strongest candidate that the convention would still feel bound to nominate him. Senator Far well was almost alone in reading between the lines that Blaine wanted the nomination. The strongest evidence that the letter was received in entire good faith was the activity of the Presidential Candida tea who have heretofore been keeping fit the background. They promptly came forth to seek the support of Mr. Blaine's lieutenants. Front a party standpoint Blaine was almost universally praised for his coarse. Everybody agreed with Senator Gash Davis that it wouid atop the talk about Blame's self-seeking at tue expense of the party. While Senator Spoouer's idea that notwith­ standing Blaine's strength with the masses he had inevitably created enemies stronger than party loyally was indorsed. Ibis meant that the mugwumps and reformers «f that ilk would have to admit that the true cause of thair disloyalty to Republican prin­ ciples was even deeper than their hatred of Blaine. As to the candidates who would now come to the front'no one doubted that for the next few weeks Sherman would be the leading one. >io one doubted, either, that while coming a little nearer to the nomination than ever before, he would go wide of tho mark. Allison's boom was given a big start, but its friends were not anxious to have it pushed just yet They thought the better course Would be to let public sentiment crystallize. It was agreod he was as strong as any one in flic East, while his sympathy with the tariff JAeas of Western Republicans would givo him fsveral State delegations in the Mississippi alley. Cullom di<l not toll any one he Was in the 'fiall, but Illinois people thought ho had an eye on a Prairie State delegation. The most'significant thing in all the talk was the strong undercurrent tor Phil Sheridan. Senator Stewart, of Nevada, being inter­ viewed, said: "I believe that Mr. Blaine was entirely sincere in refusing to be again a can­ didate for the Republican nomination. He could not have written such a letter and been otherwise than sincere. I believe there are men in the Republican party who would poll more votes for President than Mr. Blaine. I do not like to discriminate among the candi- ' dates of men who are eligible to be candidates Of the party. But it seems to me that G_n. Sheridan, if the convention should see fit to nominate him, would be a very stroDg man before tho people. He is a native of Ohio and a big man intellectually. Mr. Blaine is a very popular man on the Pacific, but any good Re­ publican nominated] upon a protective plat­ form will poll the fall Republican vote of Cal­ ifornia and Nevada." Representative Woodburn, of Nevada, said: " I am at a loss to know whether Blaine is really out of tho fight or not There is noth- *•-- in his letter to prevent him from accept- ig the nomination. I am willing, however, j give him credit for sincerity. My judg­ ment is that he will have to take a new man, and I believe that Gea Phil Sheridan is the strongest candidate that the RepubUcans could nominate." Senator Aldrich, of Rhode Island--Mr. Blaine's letter is a frank and man y announce­ ment that he will not be a candidate, and will be regarded as his final withdrawal He is out of the race, and the Republican situation is greatly cleared thereby. I think it is best for che party that he should not be a candi­ date. I cannot guess who the candidate is now likely to be. Rhode Island will be for the strongest and most available man, whoever he is. Senator Chace, of Rhode Island --The letter means to my mind simply that Mr. Blaine does not want to go into another campaign of mud-flinging and filth. He now occupies a proud place as the most exalted citizen of wis country, and that means more to him than a nomination for the Presidency could possibly mean. That would not make him any more exalted than he is to-day, and he probably realizes that the nomination is not worth another such fight as he underwent in 1884 Rhode Island has no candidate, but will support the most available maa Senator Plum, of Kansas--I think it is a Sincere withdrawal, and is calculated to be of advantage to the party in summing up and setting forth its position of advantage. The party will be united and resolute. Representative Perkins, of Kansas--It's a good, manly letter, and I am glad he wrote it The Republican deck is now cleared for Tictory, and all we have to do is to nominate a man who can rally the strength of the party to his support Who that will be I am unable lo say. Representative Funston, of Kansas--I would favor an Indiana man for first place, and the tail of the ticket, in my judgment, should oome from Connecticut or New Jersey. William Walter Phelps, JL believe, would add strength to the ticket Senator l'almer. of Michigan--Mr. Blaine's letter is evidently sincere and final as to bis desire not to be in the Presidential race this year. Sherman, Hawley, Harrison, and Alli­ son are now good and strong men to choose a candidate from. I think myself that Sherman lb now the strongest candulata. He certainly Is in Michigan, as it looks to me, and proba­ bly in the country at large. Senator 8to?kl>rid.;et of Michigan -- Mr. Blaine's letter is a vorv good ttiing for him- •elf, the party, and the people of my State, Unless, as soma are inclined to believe, it is so arranged that ha can say he did not mean it is a positive declination For myself I think It was a letter written in perfect good faith, tnd that Its anthor meant what he said. I do not think Mr. Biaine wiil be a candidate, and I think it best for tho party that he Bhomd Dot be. I never thought him a stroDg candi­ date in Michigan, but was willing to waive my sonvictions in deference to what seemed tho Will of the party. Mr. Blame's nomination would open up old sores and alienate many |ood Republican*, and it is best to hold these ®en in the par;y, winch can easily be done by the retirement of Mr. Blaine from the field. Representative Burrows, of Michigan--la By judgment tho letter of Mr. Blaine puts him out of the field entirely as a candidate tor the Presidential nomination The letter Was his irrevocable declination in advance, tnd he will now under no circumstances be a aaadidata. There are a great number of Re­ publicans who loved Mr. Blaine, bat they nave for some time believed it inadvisable to nominate him. I am one of those Repub­ licans. Mr. Blaine's withdrawal will give us an opportunity to take up another candidate, and we w 11 grasp it with great readiness. By the t me the nominating convention meets public sentiment will probably have crystal­ lized itself upon.oue of the many good men we have in the party. Representative O'Donnell, of Michigan- Mr. Blaine's letter is final and conclusive, and is another evidence of his sound states­ manship. Sherman is now, in my opinion, the most available man for the Republicans to nominate, and the strongest maa Representative Cutcheon, of Michigan-- It was quite the propar thing for Mr. Blaine to do. Nowhere in the letter does he state that ho wid not be a candidate. It Bimply means that Biaine will uot force himself upon the party, but that if bis party wants to nom­ inate him he will accept. That is just what Mr. Blaiue wants. Representative Allen, of Michigan--Mr. Biame is oat of the race, and in my opinion Ibis letter means that he is too side a man to stand another campaigu. No other induce­ ment would cause him to retire from the field. He is as strong, or more so, in Michigan than any other Republic m Either Allison or Gresham would make a strong run in Michi­ gan, and will loom up prom.nently for the nomination. Senator Wilson, of Iowa--There can be but one lair interpolation put upou the letter. An announcement, made iu the positive man­ ner that Mr. Blaiue used, means that he is sincere in his desire not to be a candidate this year. He probably has good reieons for his action, and the Republicans wilt take his let­ ter as a dual declination in advance of the nomination. Mr. Blaine's withdrawal will, I think, add strength to the candidacy of Seaa- tor Allison, whom the State of Iowa will pre­ sent and support iu the moBt enthusiastic and earnest manner possible. Representativ j Goar, of Iowa--The letter suits me first rate. I indorse it from begin­ ning to end. I believe Mr. Blaine has done the wisest thing for himself and for his party by withdrawing from the canvass, and that his action will strengthen Republicanism throughout the country. While Iowa has always been a strong friend of Mr. Blaine, it will now be free to urge the candidacy of Senator Allison as that of the one man who can unite the entire West for the Republican ticket ^ Congressman McComas, of Maryland, said there could be no doubt that Blame is sincere in decliniug to be a candidate. If he ha! waited until after the delegates were elected it might bo different. "lam in favor," said McComas, "of the nomination of any man who can carry tho close States, and I find that is the general feeling amo'hg Republicans. I tell you, sir, the Republican party is in a healthier condition now than it has been for years, and wo shall elect the next President" Congressman Henderson, of Iowa--That is a strong document and he means what he savs. Mr. Blaine presents clearly and truth­ fully the present probabilities for the Repub­ lican party in 188S. The Blaiue men are n t likely to go in a bo.'v for any candidate. In my own judgment Allison would be the man to br.ug ail the elements of the party into line; and I believe the Rt public ins will nomi­ nate the man who will ba elected." Senator Hawley, of Connecticut, was asked if he considered the letter as final He said: "I do--most assuredly I da I think he means every word he has written. There can be no doubt as to tho sincerity of Mr. Blaine in this matter. Circumstances may arise that will compel his friends to refuse this as a final an­ swer from Mr. Blaine, but that no on? knows anything about." Congressional Delegate Dubois, of Idaho-- Blaine is our first choice, but now that he has declined to become a candidate, I think Sena­ tor Cullom will be preferred. He is sound on the silver question, as we see it, sound on the Chinese question, and we look upon him as the champion of our views on the fight against tho Mormons. I am satisfied that our people will settle down upon him as the right man, and 1 have no doubt he could carry the Pacific coast Senator Davi?, of Minnesota, says it is a frank, honest withdrawal of Mr. Blaine's can­ didacy, made, as he believes, iu the beat in­ terests of the Republican party. Senator Blair, of New Hampshire--Mr. Blaine undoubtedly me«ns what he says; but, in my opinion his declinaiion is a misfortune to tho Republican party, because nobody else cau get as many votes as he would. Senator rloiler, of Colorado--Mr. Blaine is entirely sincere, and 1 believe party harmony will be promoted by his action. I believo he could be nominated if he would but say the word, and he knows that he could; but he knows that there is an element of the party that opposes him, and, to promote harmony, as he hopes, he voluntarily declines. Senator Mitchell, of Oregon, says be regards ih 3 letter as sincere, but he does not believe that it taaes Blaine out of the race. Ho thinks that should tho Republican party call oa him he would not refuse to enter the race. Senator Paddock, of Nebraska, thinks Blaine's letter will be a disappointment to lus strong support in Nebraska, but he looks upou it as a political utterance from a man who is sincerely desirous of the success of tne Republican" party. "Its effect will not, however, ba detrimental," he said, "to the party's interests in Nebraska, as we will carry the State for any Republican nominated There is a preference," lie added, "m our State for a Western candidate, and Senator William B. Allison is very strong with us." Congressman Lodge, of Massachusetts--It means exactly what it says. For reasons of his own, which are no doubt conclusive in his m in d, the race is now open to alL I be­ lieve the protection mugwumps iu my State will now return to the ranks of the Republi­ can party, while the free-trade mugwumps will remain with the Democrats. Senator Spooner, of Wisconsin, said he had no doubt of Mr. Blaine's entire sincerity. Mr. Blaine had an immensely strong hold on a great part of the Republican party, but there were elements in tne par y that would rather see the party eternally defeated than to see it succeed with Blaino. The latter recognized this, aud, whilo undoubtedly con­ fident of an easy victory in the convention, he saw the peril to his party in his candidacy. Congressman Parker, of New York--I am sorry Blaine has decided not to be a candi­ date! His withdrawal makes Sherman the leading candidate lor tho time being. Pretty soon Allison may occupy th& same position My opinion is that some one will be nomi­ nated who has not been prominently men­ tioned. Hiscock or some man like Gresham or Harrison is likely to profit Ly it Congressman Morrow, of California--Blaine is unquestionably the strongest candidate for the Pacific coast If he should adhere to the determination expressed in his letter the Pa­ cific coast will rally around any other strong candidate with eqqal enthusiasm. Seuaror Morrill, of Vermont--I think the statement is straightforward and sincere Mr. Blaine is not the kind of a man of whom I should think that he would put forth a declaration, meaning a' some time to revoke it. It is an imputation upon him to suppose he is not speaking in all candor. More than this, I do not think that Mr. Blaine intends that his influence shall be potant in the next convention He does not mean to be a War- Senator Pratt of Connecticut, said: "I think it is Mr. Blaine's honest jmrpose not to be a candidate. It is very unkind to sug­ gest any other construction of what be has said. It ought to ba so by this time that a public man should have the credit of intend­ ing what he says. It is unfair to give Mr. B.aine any other treatment I have heard it suggested that Mr. Blaine would be a potent influence iu the next National Convention, but I think that he would decide that it should be left free to register its own choice. I believe his utterance po have been made in the inter­ est of and the ,trne wish for a united Republi­ can party." Congressman Russell, of Connecticut, was prepared to accept the statement as It ran, and thought Capt. Boutelle was right in being in­ dignant when asked if Blaine was really sin­ cere. Ha hoped no Sta es would now bring forward favorite sons, but, recognizing the manifest lead of a few men, would make a careful and honest canvass for the best of these few. Congressman Vance, of Connecticut, said Mr. Blaine was a master at manipulating the English language, and hid said just what he intended, that he would be a candidate when the time came. Congressman Granger, of Connecticut, said he was inclined to believe that Mr. Blaine would finally be found in the field, and this letter was intended to draw out fresh mani­ festations of his strength. Representative lirowue, of Indiana--Antici­ pated a letter of declination from Blaine and am therefore not surprised. Public men are generally misinterpreted. Many will say that this is but a bid for the renomination, but in my opinion Biaine is in earnest and wiil stand out of tho race. This leaves an open field, and now is Indiana's opportunity. Lat it but indorse Harrison with unanimity and bis nomination is assured. Gen. Hovev was inclined to discredit the meaning of the letter and said he hoped it was not intended to take Mr. Blaine out of the line of Presidential possibilities, "for I con­ sider him," said the General, "to be the strongest man in the part}-, and I am for the m m who can win. I believe yet that his name is Blaine." Major Steele and Captain White regard the letter as genuine and Mr. Blame as out of the race They with Gen. Browne, Messrs. Owen and Cheadle, legard Indiana as an important factor in naming the candidate and think she can wield a potent power if she will be but unanimous and firm. Representative Owen, or Indian*--The let­ ter c>early takes Mr. Biaine out of the race. There is no use to talk about it beiog a diplo­ matic move, for he had the nomination in his grasp. (Sentiment has crystallized so rap­ idly in his favor in the last sixty days that if the convention had been held on iut Satur­ day lie would have been nominated without serious opposition. Mr. B.aiue is out of tha rac *. As usual he creates a stir when he moves, and the party will readjust itself and nominate a man wno can uiute it aud who will be elected. : Congressman Hopkins, of Illinois--Big, brave and broad enough to sink his ambition for the good of his party, Biaine will use every effort to aid the party to win iu 1838, audi think tho road clear for us if we make judicious nominations. If Illinois comes with a united, enthusiastic delegation asking for Culjoin, he will be the next nominee of tho Republican party. Seaator Miudersoo, of Nebraska--The let­ ter g.ves a sense of relief to the Republican party. In is unquestionably sincere, aud it relieves Republicans of the necessity they might unwillingly have been under of going into tho campaigu with a candidate who had been beaten in the previous contest To that extent it affords relief and improves the chances of the party. Senator Cullom, of Illinois, said that he had no doubt of the sincerity of the letter, and he thought it was a good thing for the party. He believed that the letter cleared the atmosphere, and that it was a good thing lor Republicans to sit down qnietiy and agree on some one who could get the entire pirty vote and be elected. Justice Harlan, of the Supreme Court, re­ gards letter as an expression of Mr. Blame's lofty patriotism and his devotion to the Republican party; ail evidence that he does not want to do anything except what he believes wiil be for the best interests of the party and the country. He Will not be a can­ did ite if ho is to be iought by any element of the party. Justice Harlan did not think that the withdrawal of Mr. Blaine would make any difference nith the mugwump loaders, who will oppose the Republican candidate, whoever he may be, because they are free­ traders. Judge Harlan inclined to the op n- lon that the party may demand that Mr. Blaine shall reconsider his decision Ex-Senator Warner Miller, of New York--In my opinion Mr. Blaine has concluded that his nomination would not harmonize all the fac­ tious of the party. He may not have desired to enter another contest and have to fight over again the battle of 1884. He is evidently sin­ cere in his letter. I do not know his personal reasons for withdrawing, from the candidacy for the nomination. I am only stating my opimoji of his public reasons. t-enator, Chandler, of New Hampshire--We may lose'some points of advantage by Mr. Blaine's declination, but the Republican party will be thoroughly united, and wo shall nom­ inate some other man and elect him. Who that man may be I cannot pretend to say. Congressman Lyman, of Iowa--I have no doubt that Mr. Blaine meant just what he said, and that his name will not be presented before the Chicigo convention So far as Iowa is concerned, it clears the field for action and leaves a clean sweap for William B. Aliison. Congressman Dingley, of Maine--It means what it says and I believe he is honest in his declarations. Whether Mr. Blaine's de­ clination will prevent his friends from in­ sisting on his taking tho nomination, I cannot, of course, say. My own idea is that Mr. Blaine is our strongost candidate. Mr. MUlikeu, of Maine, who represents Mr. Blaine's old district in the House and is as near him as any other man, when askod if ho thought the letter settled Mr. Blaine's candidacy, replied: "Na I do not think Mr. Blaine's candidacy is a matter he can settle for himseir. I consider his letter entirely sincere, but it will take some stronger declaration than that to induce his friends to let him retire from the field." Representative Cannon, of Illinois--Mr. Blaine, in my opinion, conld have had the nomination if he desired it, and now that he has withdrawn from the race the Republican party will have to oast about and select the strongest candidate, one who will unite all the factions m New York and elsewhere, and who will be electad. Representative llowell, of Illinois--I take it that Mr. Blaine means what he says, and his letter takes him out of the cauvasB. It is my opinion that the Blaine forces will scatter, but I find many others who think differently, ltsoems to me that his friends should and w.ll regard it in accordance with his wishes to drop him as a candidate and take some one els ;. It is a splendid letter. If such a thing wera possible it puts Blaine upon a>higher pinnacle than he was before. Representative Baker, of Illinois, being called from his seat in tne House, was asked for his views upon Mr. Blaine's withdrawal. He drew lumseif up to his full height aud said: "I have none to give except that I think the candidate chosen should come from Indi­ ana, New York, Connecticut or New Jersey; and one man on the ticket should come from Indiana" Senator Stanford, of California--I believe that Blaiue'H refusal to be a candidate will defeat Cleveland lor the Democratic nomina­ tion. With Blaine as the ltepublican candi­ date Cleveland was reasoaably sure to obtain every independent and mugwump vote that he receive I in tho last campaign and to gain something more from the itepubiican ranks. By the nomination of a good Republican not identified with any of the old factional quar­ rels of the party Cleveland cannot hope to poll more t .an the regular Democratic vote in New York State, and that vote in my judg­ ment will fall off considerably on account of the recent free-trade message sent by the President N Senator Hoar, of Massachusetts, sad he was thoroughly satisfied that Mr. Blaiue meant all that he said iu his letter. It cleared the situation up considerably, and would al­ low the choice of a candidate at Chicago without the heat of passion or the presence of personal prejudice to influence the conven- tioa Representative Hayden, of Massachusetts, thought the letter meant unquestionably what it said, and it was beneath tue dignity of any liepub.ican to prefer to find a double mean­ ing in it He thought it could be taken as positive statement of his withdrawal from the field. Gov. Long said: I am very glad Mr. Blaine has declined to be a candidate. Two years ago I said at one of our Boston clubs that he would do so. It is a good letter. I have no doubt of its sincerity. It is creditable to Mr. Blaine. A great deal of unjust prejudice ex­ isted agaiuot him, and he has manfully re­ lieved the situation from all embarrassment arising from the causa Ihe last vestige of a personal issue thus disappears froai the cauipaiga It is now a test between the Re­ publican party with its record and principles, and the Democratic party with its record aitt principles. Mr. CievjlanJ, if be Bhall be nominated, which is not entirely certain, takes his place as an average representative of the latter. We must, and we of course shall, nomiMte a representative of the former. 1 trust fllassachusetts will commit berself to no candidate, but send a delegation prepared to select the best available man. Senator Dawes, of Massachusetts--The let­ ter speaks for itself, and I think it is entitled to-be taken for what it tays. I was a warm friend of Mr. Blaine's and am stilt I think the field isnaw open for the choice of the best maa Representative Cogswell, of Massachusetts, said he was very, very sorry to hear this. He was an ardent Blaiue man, and thought no other candidate would have been so strong. He thought the letter was unquestionably sincere, and this fact ought not to b9 mis­ taken. "Now, what's the matter with Phil Sheridan?" concluded the General. Representative Davi<, of Massachusetts, agreed with the general sentiment that the letter was straightforward and sincere. He thought perhaps it would make things a great deal easier for the Republican conven­ tion of 18S8. Representative Allen of Massachusetts did not see why men were so skeptical as to Mr. Blaine's real meaning. It was only the deed of justice to take the statement as it was made, and so far as he was concerned, and as he found his colleagues (the Representative-), they were ready enougn on all sides to ac­ cept the situation and regard Mr. Blaine on the outside. No man has more influence, at least Representative Whitin? of Massachusetts said: "I have been a >;reat admirer of Mr. Biaine for a long time, and I respect him too much to believe that he would put his name to such a statement without meaning every word of it I do not see what object he would have in doing such a thing, at any rate, when he practically had the nomination with- iu his own grasp. To do so, if he did not mean it, wonld only be filling the Held with new competitors, and unnecessarily." Mr. Manley of Maine--It doeB not change the situation. Mr. B aiue's friends have in­ sisted that he was not a candidate. If, how­ ever, the Republican Convention believe Mr. Biaine is the man who can best unite the party and nominate him I believe lie is too much of a patriot to decline. Having once been the candidate and having been unsuccessful he could not again seek the nomination He must leave the party free to act He has no right to decline. If, however, some other Republi­ can than Mr. Blaine should be nominated Maine will vote for the nominee. Chauncey M. Depew--Mr. Blaine's letter is an able letter; It was a su prise and disap­ pointment to me. It is, I think, a surprise and disappointment to all his friends. I have not yet had time to take a horizontal view of the situation. I feel sure, however, that Mr. Blaine's friends will regret the step he has deemed it wise to take, aud that a majority, of them will not consider it fiual Mr. Blaine's declination will not necessarily prevent his friends from nominating him for the Pres­ idency; neither will it preveat him from ac.-epting a nomination should it be given him. Representative Rockwell of Massachusetts accepted the statement and thought that it made him all the more certain in his previous belief in Republican Tictory in 18S& Senator Lugsue Hale--I think he is sinoere knd means every word that he his written. I cannot answer the question as to whether I had any premonitiou of his intentions in this matter, but lean sav positively that Mr. Blaine was not anxious to run In lf\S4, and was urged to do so. He cTtainly will not be a candidate, and you can see from his letter that lie does not decline because he thinks fhe Republican party would be defeated. Mr. Blaine will re­ turn iu June or July, and when the campaign opens he will enter the field and speak for the ticket There can b|no other construction put upon the letter than that he will do what he says he will do--L a, decline to have his name presented to the convention. Senator Allison contents himself with say­ ing that Blaine's expressions are unquestiona­ bly sincere, but that he would have to vield to the demand of the party that he should be­ come a candidate if it should so express itself in convention. Congressman Mason, of Illinois--It must be accepted as authoritative, and Blaine be counted as out of the list of candidates from this on. He is the greatest man we have, and his withdrawal is a matter of regret; but it must be accepted as meaning all it ears. It gives my favorite candidate--Senator Far well --a better cbanoa I think Farwell ib the man for the place. William Walter Phelps declined to be inter­ viewed. To his friends he says he is sorry and yet glad, and says frankly that he tninks this ends the use of Mr. Biaine's name in connection with the canvass. Mr. Reed, of Maine, declined to express an opinion, but demurred to the suggestion that Mr. Blaine would be nominated any way by acclamation Congressman Dunham, of Illinois--I think he means it; but it will nominate him all the same. Senator Frye--I think the letter is exactly what it purports to be, an instruction to Mr. Blaine's friends not to present his name to the convention It. does not debar the con­ vention from selecting him if it chooses. Judge WTest, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, the ora­ tor who named Blaine before the Chicago Convention--I have given the letter little study as yet I do not consider Mr. Blaine so all powerful that he can say now that his name will not go before die next convention. I don't believe he can say it shall not Neither does his letter say if the nomination is made unanimous he will positively decline. I be­ lieve this letter insures John Sherman the Ohio delegation solid. Blaine must run again. If wo nominate him what will he do? This declination does not deoline. Ohio is full of Biaine men who will not take no for an answer. Ex-Senator Stephen A. Dorsey--Mr.' Blaine wrote that letter after a most careful consid­ eration, and as to its good effect I have not slightest doubt He does not intend to be a candidate for the reason that his health will not permit it. Another aggreseive and fight­ ing campaign, such as he would make, might result fatally to him. It is a manly and cour­ ageous act at a moment when the nomination for tbe greatest office in the world was within his reach, and it stands in my opinion without an equal Congressmen Buiterworth, Thompson, and Pug.sley, of Ohio, say that Blaine's letter will result in a boom for Sherman, and that Blaine has come to the conclusion that he can't win. Senator Farwell--In reading between the lines I infer that Mr. Blaine has an eager de­ sire for renomination. It seems to me that if it were Mr. Blaine's sincere intention to de­ cline or refuse the nomination he would have signed his uame at the end of the first para­ graph. W. D. Washburn of Minneapolis, Minn -- Blaine's action was no surprise to me, as I have known personally for a Ion? time that it was Mr. Blaine's desire. I think the letter was sincere. Thomas C. Piatt of New York, ex-Senator-- I think Mr. Blaiue has arrived at this decis­ ion alter careful consideration on his part As he says, the step was voluntary and for personal reasons on his part I cannot say that I am surprised, for I had anticipated something of tne kind. It is my opinion that there would have been no question about his nomination. There might be some opposition on the informal ballots, but not enough to change the result The nomination would be unanimous in the end. There are hundreds of clubs and local political organizations throughout the country that would vote solid for the Maine states mm if they oould have the opportunity. Gov. Luce of MichigaA^Waine would not bs the strongest man that could be nominat­ ed, in Michigan, although ho might get her vote in the convention. James P. I'ot-ter, President of the New York League Clubs, said Sherman had the confidence of the conservative business-men of his Stato, but thought Blaine could carry it in spite of the fr§e-trade and mugwump in­ fluence there. Sherman would sweep Now York. Any Republican on tho proper plat­ form could. \ Gov. Beaver of Pennsylvania said his State was eminently a stronghold of Mr. Blaine, and no other candidate would hardly be able to get so large a majority. Representative Cheadle, of Indiana -- The formal withdrawal of Mr. Blaine re­ moves all call for auy further factional con­ troversy witnin our party, and ought to in­ spire Republican managers with a high resolve to select a leader who can readily secure the united efforts of all Republicans in all sec­ tions. To my mind his withdrawal will result in the selection of one who has not been here­ tofore prominently before the country as a candidate. I find' here that it is couceded that our ticket should be selected with special reference to Indiana, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut These are the pivotal Statea If Indiana Republicans are not di­ vided they can name the man. Representative Johns'on, of Indiana--It may uot mean the absolute withdrawal of the Flumed knight, although it looks that way. t has been suggested that it may be that the notice that the nomination, if it is now made, must rest in its responsibility with its party and not with Mr. Blaine. I am really lost to know what it does mean. Blaiue is a strong man in our State. Indiana now has an oppor­ tunity to rally to her candidate, Gen Harri­ son. Stephen B. Elkins, of New York--I am not ready to talk; but I can say this, that in Mr. Blaine's position thero is nothing new. Stewart I* Woodford, of New York--But for his letter I believe Mr. Blaine would have been the nominee of our convention for the Presidency. I think, however, that the dele­ gation from New York to the convention will naturally support Mr. Depew. Gea Felix Angus, publisher of the Balti­ more American, thought that Mr. Blaine's withdrawal made tbe party stronger than ever. Gen. Adam E. King, of Baltimore, declared that Blame would be nominated in spite of his personal objections. Gov. Larrabee, of Iowa--Iowa will support Senator Allison He is recognized every­ where as a level-headed man and thoroughly rel.ablo. Another reason wny he should be nomiuated is that he comes lrom a prohibi­ tion !*tate, and if he was selected there would be less excuse for a third party, and he himself being a moderate man on that sub­ ject would be acceptable to all Republicans. Gen. R. A Alger of Michigan was not greatly surprised at the Blaiue letter, and thinks it removes Blaine from the possibility of a nomination He thinks it is, perhaps, a wise move on Blaine's part, and will create harmony in tbe party. Edward b-anderson, Wisconsin member of the Republican National Committee--I think it is the most wonderful letter I ever read. It is simply a notice that the Republican party will have to look for a new candidate. I don't think Bla:ne ever intended to run any of the time, because his health 19 too poor. He will undoubtedly go doWu to posterity as the great­ est man of his time. There are plenty of available men for the Republicans to nom­ inate. I think Gresham would be a splendid man. Ex-Senato^- Harrison of Indiana--The let­ ter was a surprise to ma I had supposed he would neither on tbe one hand do anything to promote his own nomination nor on the other anything to prevent it, if "a majority of the convention should be favorable to it Ho certainly was not actuated in making this step eithor by fear of defeat in the conven­ tion or at the polls. He has given his own reasons, and I have no doubt sincerely. Mr. Blaine will continue to be a leader whether his name is on the ticket or not The letter breathes the same intelligent and earnest de­ votion to the principles of the Republican party that has always characterized him. j Senator M S. Quay, of Pennsvlvapia-- ' Biaine could not afford to bs a candidate after that letter. If, under the circumstances, he should be nominated, %nd be accepted the nomination, he would be defeated. It would be disastrous to him. The people would not stand it; they would not be trifled with. If Blaine were to take a nomination there would be no end to the caricatures that would be gotten out They would bs worse than any that appeared in 1881 No, I think Blaine is out entirely. ' SOOTHERS HUNTING YABSS. A female panther and two cnbs en> tered an open door of a house one daj, and, after nosing around the rooms in the same manner that a cat would, de­ parted, seeming not to notice a woman and her two children, who, when they saw the beasts approach, sprang upon the bed, remaining there silent and in terror. The woman's husband was re­ turning home from a lmnt and met the panther in the woods.^, He. killed it, but the cubs escaped. m Two trappers who were brothers had pitched a small tent in the woodfl, and fearing no attack from any prowling beast allowed the fire at their camp to die ont until only a few embers re- pressnre from the people at the North and Congress, which was always with him, forced him to issne his series oi military orders, one, two, three, etc. He did not know but all were wrong, aifd did know that some were. All he wanted or ever had wanted was some one who would take the responsibility and act, and call on him for all the as­ sistance needed, pledging himself to use all the power of the Government in rendering such assistance. last he had found that man.*., -* A Lecturer's Experiences. 1 There was a man sat in front of me all the way to Medford. He spake no word, so he might have been dumb,but he made no sign, so he certainly wasn't. mained They had been^asleep for j Gf all the^ several hours when a heavy body : in all this g^rrulous ol(1 worl| a dea{ crashed through the branches of the j and dumb man is the worst chatterbox tree and fell wxth an irristible force : in the lot I never knew onfe who against the tent, going through it and j conld keep quiet ten minutes. They landing on top of the sleeping forms talk with their eyes, lips, cheeks, and hanaaf n 'Ihrt tnrA m An iwawa matn nf 1»» l « - .« _ _ _ _ hands, and when they go to bed I have nr» doubt they talk with their feet, and sing with tlieir noses. Certainly tliis .. . . ... . ,. no deaf and dumb man. He twirled tionless, notwithstanding the beast had j his thumbs and looked out of tho win- beneath. The two men were instantly awakened and knew what had hap­ pened. With a remarkable presence of mind they remained perfectly mo fastened hi* teeth in the arm of the one nearest him and had brought them to­ gether with a force that caused tham to meet through the tlesli. His brother cautiously groped around in the dark­ ness for his ritle. He soon found it, and, holding one hand near the muz­ zle, felt tor the brute's body, with the other held in rediness to fire as soon as he could discover his whereabouts. Finding him crouched on the form of his brother he placed the muzzle against the brute's side, and with a shudder pulled the trigger. The panthers strong jaws closed with a snap, and in a convulsive death struggle al­ most tore the man's arm from his shoulder. While hunting bears in a corn-field one night with a negro a savage growl reached our ears, and then there was a loud explosion, followed by a howl of pain and the thrashing of the under­ growth. All noise soon ceased, but we found the trail, and though it was pitch dark we managed to follow it through the cane, crawling on our hands and knees. Feeling with my hands, I sud­ denly touched something, and, spring­ ing up, tye could dimly discern an enormous bear lying on his back, and stretched out for all the world like a dead man. There was sufficient life in him to cause him to make a foeble re­ monstrance, and as he moved I emptied both barrels of my gun into his body. Ben and I were unable to pull him out, and I had to send back to camp for help. We remembered that one of the guns had been left standing against a tree with both hammers raised, and the bear in passing must have knooked it over and caused it to explode. 1 was riding through the woods one day hunting small game and had a shotgun with me loaded for the pur­ pose. My attention was attracted by a number of vultures soaring in the air some distance ahead of me. I pro­ ceeded some distance toward the spot, trying to locate the object of their ap­ petite, when my horse, which had been walking slowly, came to a sudden stop, almost pitching me over his head. Directly in my path, but fifty feet ahead, and one-half that distance from the carcass over which tho vultures hovered, sat a large black bear on his hauuehes, watching their maneuvers and too much interested iu them to no­ tice my approach. For fully live min­ utes 1 waited and bruin remained per­ fectly motionless, thoroughly enjoying the proceedings, but takiug no part in them. Suddenly he saw me, and if a bear was ever surprised ke was. He gave the most outrageous snort, bounded over the carcase, and dashed away like a deer, blowing like a steam engine at every breath. I have seen thousand of gars, some of them twelve or Jifteen feet long. They had a way of taking the bait when we were fishing that made them exe­ crated by tho men. The camp genius rigged up a lot of tackle especially for the purpose of catching them. It con­ sisted of a large hook made of lieiwy wire and a sisail rope attached to a piece of board in lieu of a cork. It was au easy matter when fishing to detect the presence of a gar, and no time was ever lost in getting out the gar tackle. As soon as the bait was taken and the gar securely hooked he was allowed to have all the line he wanted. The mo­ ment he paused three or four men would sei/.e the shore end and run at full speed away from the bank. The gar was given no time for resistance, and when hauled up on the bank looked for all the world like an old sunken log. Clubs aud axes then made short work of him. Lincoln's Military Instinct. General Sherman in a paper in the Century on tho "Grand Strategy of the War,'1 says of Lincoln: "Henever professed any knowledge of the laws and science of war. yet in h:s joyous mo­ ments ht would relate his large expe­ rience as a soldier in tin- Black Hawk war of 1832, and as an officer in the Mormon war at Nanvoo, in 184G. Nev­ ertheless, during the progress of the civil war he evinced a quick compre­ hension'of the principles of the 'art,' though never usin? military phrase­ ology. Thus his letter of April 19,y 18(»2, to General McClellan, then be- siegiDg York town, exhibits a precise knowledge of the strength and purpose of each of the main armies in the field, and of the importance of 'concentric action.' In his letter of June 5, 18G3, to General Hooker, ho wrote: tin one word, I would not take any risk of beingentangledupon the rivcrfltappaliinnock], like an ox jumped half-way over a fence, and liable to be torn by front and roar, without a fair chance to gore one way, or ki-'c the other.' "Again, June 10, 18G3, writing to General Hooker: 'If left to me, I would not po sooth of Vie Rappahanuock upon Lej's moving North of it If you had Richmond iuvestod to-day, you would not be abl : t > tako it in twenty days. Meanwhile your communications, and with them your army, wonl l be ruined. I think Ire's army and not Richmond is your objective point If he comes toward the Upper Potomac, follow him on his flank and on the inside tra£k, shortening your lines while he lengthens lus. If he Btop fret him and fret hi/ti' "This is pure science, though the language is not technical. *"Jt is related by General Grant in his memoirs that when he was explain­ ing how he proposed to use the several scattered armies so as to accomplish the best results, referring to the forces in Western Virginia, and saying that he had ordered Sigel to move up the Valloy of Virginia from Winchester, make junction with Crook and Averell from Kanawha, and go towards Salt- ville or Lynchburg--Mr. Lincoln said, 'O, vest I see that. As we say out West, if a man can't skin, he must hold a leg while somebody else does.' "In his personal interview with Gen­ eral Grant about March 8, 1864, Mr. Lincoln recounted truly and manfully that he had never professed to be a military man, or to know how cam­ paigns should l>e conducted, and never wanted to interfere in them; bnt the dow, a silent, observant, sensible trav­ eler. Thumbs were made to twirl, and windows were made to look through. When the train reached Medford "Which Medford!" There is but one Medford, thou of the simple mind. When the train reached Medford this traveler turned to me and said: "Rum old place, eh?" I smote him to the earth, and turned and fled. Down the darkening streets, away from the sight of men, into the shadowy glooms of Roadscraper's bar­ ber-shop ; but the horrified face of the slain man followed me and haunted me, and will haunt me to my dying day, which won't be very long, if my over­ coat tans much more in these Novem­ ber suns. Medford is an old, old*village, but not nearly so old as some of the jokes that are made about it The famous-- or, if the editor prefer, infamous--rum that made the name of the pretty village a household word from Dan to Harker's Corners, is said to be an article of such remarkable purity that it is non-intoxi­ cating, if taken in doses of ten drops of rum to a barrel o'f rain water. How­ ever, it is never taken that way. In ita undiluted state it is a seductive bever­ age, indorsed and used by the clergy. The clergy that endorsed it and used it, however, are dead--dead, and gone to join the caravan of good men who drank Medford rjum, hanged witches, whipped Quakers, and pilloried Baptists. They are all dead, and their children, who are much better and far pleasanter peo­ ple than were their fathers, inherit the land. They keep right on inheriting it, too. The old distiller}' stands as of yore,--yore means some time ago,-- and Medford rum still--under favora­ ble circumstances--can make the hair curl on the knotty brow of a railroad tie; but Medford village has naught to do with the adversary, and prospers and blooms like a garden of roses, and, save for my hasty and thoughtless slay­ ing of the silent traveler for his ill- timed joke, crime has not stained the garments of the village for lo these many days.--R. J. Burdette. The Passenger Car. Fifty years ago Charles Davenport had an exhibit of models in the old Mechanic Fair in Boeton. Mr. Daven­ port retired from business more than thirty years ago, yet no man has left such an impress on the railway sys­ tems of this country as he. In sixteen States the results of his genius have been seen. Nearly all of the important earlier inventions of car building emanated from Mr. Davenport's brain. He built the first omnibus, tho first double runner sleigh, the first large party sleigh ever ran in New England. For twenty years his firrh was the larg­ est car builders in the country. They built in 1834-35, ten four-wheel cars for the Boston and Worcester Railroad Company, to seat twenty-four passengers to a car. The seats all faced to the front with a door on the side and passageway between the seats fore and aft All cars heretofore built were in three de­ partments, and half of the passengers had to ride backward. These cars had Mr. Davenport's patent draw springs and bumper that acted both ways to ease the jerk in stopping or starting the train, and in 183ti-37 they built for the Eastern Railroad Company from a small model they had, twenty-four wheel cars with platform and doors on the ends of the cars and a passageway through the cars from one end of the train to the other. The backs of the seats were to turn over. These cars were tho first that had platforms and doors on the ends and a passageway through from one end of the traiu to the other. Mr. Davenport nut patented the swing bolster to allow a lateral motion of the car truck without moving the body of the car, which is now use ! on all cars, and collected about $100,003 from the railroad companies for the right to use it Between the years 1835 and 1850 they built over $4,000,- 000 worth of cars for the fifty railroad companies. Some of tho passenger cars that they built over thirty-five years ago are now running on the branches of the Lowell, the Fitchburg and other railroads. Dragged Down by 8 arks. The death of William Skinner of Richmond County, said to be the tallest man in the State, recalls an interesting accident in the Clay and Polk campaign of 1844. The Whigs held a great mass- meeting at Madison, Ga., the greatest in number ever held in the Stat^up to that time. Richmond County sent up a splendid delegation, and tall "Bill bkinner" bore the beautifftl Clay ban­ ner in the proc ession. Ths Whigs were jubilant over their great crowd, and boasted of their tall flag-bearer as a head higher than any man in Georgia. Though but a boy, the writer of these , lines was a hot Polk advocate, and saw the immense crowd at Madison with fear and trembling. Soon after this the Polk Democrats called a mass-meeting at Macon. It was immense, ahead of the Madison meeting, and showed how Georgia was was going. At this meeting there was present as a delegate from Meriwether County John Gaston. He was several inches over seven feet high, and an inch or two taller than big Bill Skiuner of Richmond. He was the pride of the Polk boys, and was chosen standard- bearer. He bore a huge poke stalk in the grand street procession. Some years afterward he was elected a member of the Legislature from Meri­ wether, and when he came to Milledge- ville he put up with Mrs Isaac Newell as a bearder. Mrs. Newell had no bedstead long enough to accommodate her long guest, and had to have one made for the special purpose. --Mill- edgeville (Ga.) bnion. A FIDDLE 100 years old has been pre­ sented to Governor Taylor, of Ten- j nessee, who fiddled himself into office in ] ILLINOIS STATE NEWS. --The Bockford Cutlery Conyway wiU f6move its plant to Keokuk, Iowa. • ) --Mayor Roche has determined to war against thieves and tramps, and says Jit " the Bridewell is not* large enough to hold vagabonds it will have to be enlarged. --The death of Jtr. Mark Carley Champaign, at the age of 80 yean, marks an era in the history of tbe city. He bnUt the first residence there just a third of a «, century ago. -- Judge Longenecker, in sa interview. said either a third division criminal cotM would have to be provided, or else it will W necessary to give justices original jurisdie> tion in minor cases now tried by the Crixa- inal Court. --Prison officials from Tarioos cities (rf;,. the United Slates aud Canada have bee* attending a three days' course of instruc­ tion at Joliet Penitentiary in the Bextillioa c system of identification of profeMtawitily^ criminals, recently introduced. ft» --Henry Terney, aged about 70 years, a ! pioneer of Logan County, and Worth solas f $25,000, was found dead in his half-fur­ nished house below the coal shaft at Lin­ coln. Tierney lived by himself in an old brick house, and eked out a miserly exial^ ^ ence. --James Mounce, who murdered Adam v " • Spear in Piatt County, has been placed in the Decatur jail, for safe keeping, the prisoner and officers being afraid of Judge Lynch. There are now three murderess in the Decatur jail, one of whom, W. £. r . Westbrook, is sentenoed to be hang last Friday in March. --"That Gen. John M. Palmer is at a* 1 very distant day to wed Mrs. Kim» : ^, ball, of this city, is pretty generally ua» derstood among the intimate friends of both, although there has been no formal announcement of tho event," nays a letter from Springfield. The writer adds that "the prospective bride is a lady of refine- .* ment, and very popular with the people at f Springfield." * ' -t --Kecently four rough-looking mail * were picked up four miles east ef Olney by Lawrence County officers and lodged in •; jail. They were heavily armed when ar­ rested. Their clothing is spotted with blood and there are scratches on their hands and faces. They are suspected as the party of tramps who attempted to mux- -,L• der and rob an aged couple near Lawrence* k ville A few days previous. --A meeting called for the purpose ef agreeing npon summer-tourist rates aafl arrangements in the territory northwest, west and southwest of Chicago was held recently at the office of Chairman Abbott, of the Western States Passenger Associa­ tion, at Chicago. It was agreed that tbe tourist rates to points west of the Miasovri River shall be made on the basis of $M from Chicago, $15 from Peoria, $12 from St. Louis, and $18.50 from St. Paul and Minneapolis for the round trip to the Mis­ souri River, added to whatever rates may t>e finally agreed upon and quoted by lines beyond the Missouri River. The tourist rate from Chicago to St. Paul and neapolis was fixed at $20. ; ^ --The Prohibitionists-• of SangamGifc County held a conference at Springfield a few days ago, for the purpose of organia* ing for the coming political campaign! Representatives from every township in the county were present J. "NV. Nichols, of . Blooming ton, one of the State organizers, was present, and addressed the meeting at considerable length. He said that the State had been divided into live districts, of twenty counties each, and that an organiser had been plaeed in each of the districts. II is their intention to organize every county in the State by school districts. In each district a committee will be appointed to arrange for political meetings in various parts of the district. S| II •r'i < procrastination of oommanders, and the { a contest with his Republican brother. I --The Washington correspondent of ths» . Chicago Xetrs makes this complimentary reference to one of the new members of the House from Illinois: "Representative Anderson, from the Quiney district, is ' f| coming quite prominent in legislative m#» ; ' ters for a new member, and has been for­ tunate in carrying through all the proposi­ tions Le has advanced in his committee and in the House. He got a bill passed ftp the House of Representatives almost be* fore he wns warm in his seat, and it was a measure that his predecessor had been urg­ ing upon Congress for several years with* ont success. Thursday Anderson appeared as spokesman of the Postoffice Committee and got through a couple of measures, and on Friday he reported back a resola- tion to investigate the inefficiency of the mail service in the West, which was alas. adopted. --Lee Darth, a prosperous and prominent • farmer of Wayne County, quarreled with his wife about property, and she left him and went to the house of a neighbor. Two days subsequently she was passing along the high-road with her sister, when her husband, wbo had apparently been lying in wa t for her, sprang upon her from behind. He seized her by the hair with his left hand, and, placing his knee in the middle Of her back, bent her baekward until hd could get a good, clear sweep at her ttiroefc "'hen, with a large butcher-knife, appefy entlv sharpened for the purpose, he nearly severed the head from the body. Hurling the corpse into a fence-corner, he shook the bloody knife at her sister, who had rih a short distance, and who stood a horror- stricken witness to the affair. He turned and fled, and at this writing is still at large. --D. S. Porter, a wealthy farmer, aad his wife, had a terrible encounter with burglars recently, near Lawrence ville. Early in tbe evening Mr. Porter responded to a knock at the dcor, when e man ea- ' tered and placed a revolver at his head. He threw his assailant to the floor, and* while struggling with him, a second msii entered, and told Mrs. Porter at bay with a revolver. She went at this one wijth a poker, while her husband struggled with fhe first Two more of the gang came ia to the assistance of their confederates, and a terrific fight ensued. Some of the neighbors became alarmed by this time^ end the burglars made a hurried departure^ Mr. and Mrs. Porter were badly aad peek haps fatally injured. He h'd received numerous deep cuts from a knife, aud sh|| was injured internally, besides beins badly burned from seizing the wrocg end of the poker. The Sheriff, with the whole tow® for a posse, made a vigorous hunt for th^. gang, and they were traced west aloag the railroad. None of them were ataskedi ell cen be identified if