Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, February 14, 1888, Page 1

THE OMAHA Dally BEE SEVENTEENTH YEAR. OMAHA, TUESDAY MORNING. FEBRUARY 14, 1888 NUMBER?241, THE MAINE MAN'S MODESTY. What the Nebraska Delegation Think of His Letter. A GREAT VARIETY OF OPINIONS. pme Belicve 1t a Bona Fide With- drawal and Others Only a Ruse —Comments of Leading Newspapers. Poes He Want the Nomination ? WasnINGTON BUREAU THE OMAHA BRE, 513 FOUNTEENTIN STREET, ‘Wasnisoron, D. C., Feb. 13. Mr. Blaine's letter withdrawing his name from the list of aspirants to tne presidential nomination was not a great surprise in Wash- ington, although it hus been the sole topic of discussion to-day. Here are now located rop- resentative men from every section of the country, and several authorized mouth picces of Mr. Blaine. In secret his intentions have been known to so many men in congress and around it that, generally speuking, they were prepared for the proclamation, but there were few who expected it in such a formal way. A very few republicans—some advocates of Mr. Blaine's renomination and some who were opposed to it—regard the letter as but an ef- fort to draw out an expression from the peo ple and to shift the responsibility upon the party from Mr. Blaine in the event the nomi- nation is thrust upon him now, but these men are very few. Nine-tenths of the people re- gard the letter in good faith, and as being finai. They say it is the mature deliberation of Mr. Blaine and that he has had this in contemplation for months Many republicans of national reputation while praising Mr. Blaine for his manly course in coming out carly with this decla tion, thus relieving his party from any possi ble embarrassment and giving it ample time to select a candidate purely upon merit and ackfowledging his strength, are turning their attention to the men likely to be taken up for the candidacy. Senator Sherman is first mentioned by everyone, and then in order came ex-Senator Harrison, of Indiana, Sena- tors Allison, of lowa, and Hawley, of Con- necticut, One thing is sure, if Mr. Blaino has not abandoned every hope of the presi- dency, this letter will, in the opinion of the statesmen here, take him clear out of the range of possibill It is conceded on all hands that there was no need of writing this letter if it was not to be conclusive and sin- cere, Therefore, the republicans are almost unanimous in the belief that Mr. Blaine, after a year's reflection and consultation with his iried and true friends, has come to the conclusion, that for reasons satisfactory and personal to himself he does not want another race. NEBRASKA, Congressman John A. McShane, who is dis- tinguished as the first democratic congress- man ever sent from Nebraska since she be- came a state, was asked this morning what he thought of Mr. Blaine's letter, “T_have expected it for some time," said Mr. McShane. “Mr. Blaine is too keen and 100 shrewd a politician not to note the signs of the times. He has seen the handwriting on the wall and decided that it was wise for him to seck shelter. So far as my own state is concerned there will probably be great dis- appointment among the republicans, who have for years attached themselvesto the Blaine boom and cheered and hurrahed with the procession, It will have no effect, how- ever, upon Nebraska's electoral vof he is 80 strongly republican that any republican nee for president will secure a good ma- Jority.” “Who do you think the Blaine following in Nebraska will now support “‘Senutor Sherman has many friends in Nebraska, and if he were a mun of more warmth would doubtless secure the vote in the republican convention from my state, ‘There seems to be a strong feeling, too, for General Sheridan, We have many Irishmen m Nebraska, who went wild for Blaine dur- ing the last canvass. If Sheridan were nom- inated it is cortain that a number at least of these would vigorously support him on the ground of his nationality and faith. So far as the country at large is concerned, I believ that Mr. Blaine's withdrawal will give new spirit to the democratic canvass. My judg- ment is that he was the strongest candidate which the republican party could have pitted against Mr. Cleveland and for this reason that he would have attracted, as he did be- fore, an immense number of votes of Irish- men which are usually cast for the demo- cratic candidate. For all that I donot believe that Mr. Blaine could possibly have been elected. His bugle blast forthe maintenance of a war tariff, while it might have helped him in one or two states, would have, in m; udament, detracted more from the repubil. can following than it would have added to its material strength.” by laine’s letter will be a serious dis- lypolnunonl to his strong following in Nebraska and the west,” said Senator Pad- dock. “Ilook upon it asa patriotic utter- ance from a man who moresincerely deserves that success of the republican party than he does that of his own individual interests, hut whatever the motives which inducgil’ Mr. Blaine to take himself from the fiel 1 do not doubt that he is sincere in his declaration and that his name will not be presented be- fore the next republican convention. The effect of the letter upon Nebraska will be detrimental to republican intercsts. The state will cast its usual majority’for the choice of lhl; republican convention, which, 1 believe, will be the best attainable.” There 18, of course, a feeling in the state in favor of & western candidate, und Witliam B, Allison ‘would undoubtedly be very aceeptable to our people. So would Senator Sherman, for that matter, or General Sheridan, who is strong in the hearts of the old soldiers and would draw a good deal of the Irish vote. The re- ublicans of Nebraska, however, will cheer- ully acquiesce in the best judgment of the party, and Mr. Blaine's withdyawal will only consolidate all interests into a hearty support of the republican nominee." Hon. J. Sterling Morton, of Nebraska, : “I do not think Mr. Blaine intended to be considered out of the race entirely. Things looked a little bad. He had a headache, rrohn\nly. something like the Irishman who hud been on a long spree. On waking up in the morning Pat swore off forever. Aftera while he saw a b ntel, which he called the attention of his wife to, cf that it contained whisky, that th sugar in the cupboard and water bucket and told her to make up u toddy, brin it to him and ‘Force me to drink it whether will or no.' ‘1 would have preferred to have seen Mr. Blaine run aguinst Mr. Cleveland * on the tariff issue rather than anybody e because they both have definea their posi- tion and there could have been no dodging whatever.” 10WA, Representative Fuller, of Towa, said: “Mr, Blaine's letter is siucere und honest and his withdrawal is & wise and patriotic act." Do you believe that ke means whi aysi” O course; who does not!" “What effect will it have in your state?” It will not effect us at all.” We nave a candidgto of our own and it will erystalizo and solidify public sentiment for Aliison.” Representative Holmes suid : “Mr. Blaine's lettor relieves the situation of a good deal of tension and I beliove the success of the re- publican party is more certain now that he is withdrawn from the caavass even if he should be ultimately nominated. The charge that he is not in ecarucst is disproved by the fact that it would greatly prejudice him ' in the minds of all just men to indulge in any byplay, and no one knows that any better thiw James G, Blaine,” s Towa for Allison? “There is no doubt about it. He will come to the couvention with a solid delegation Trom bis owil state, with a great deal of formidablo Wpport frgm oiher paits iroiu the nopthwest, e *be I cannot say. and from the cast, where he is popular. 1 think his prospeets for the nomination are as good as those of any other man.” BLAINE ON THE PACIFIC, Senator Standford, of California, said: “‘Mr. Blaine's letter is, 1 think, a sincere ex- pression of his wish not to be con ed @ candidate this year, He probably had vari- ous reasons for.his hctiou, and at least one good reason. There seems to be no doubt that he is out of the race. The people of the Pacific coast were enthusiastic for his nomi- nation and would give him a larger vote than any other republican could get. They now have no choice, I think, as regards a candi- date, but whatever good republican is nomi- nated will get the full party vote.”” HOW IT 18 1N MICRIGAN. Senator Palmer, of Michigan, said: ‘‘Mr. Blaine is out of the race. Sherman, Harri- son, Hawley and Allison are now good d strong men to chose a candidate from. I think myself that Sherman is now the strong- est candidate. He certainly is in Michigan and probably the country at large,” WILSON BOOMS ALLISON, Scnator Wilson, of lowa, said: ‘‘He is sin- cere, and his name will not go before the con- vention, There could be 1o other interpre- tation put upon such a letter, He probably has good reason for his action, and the repub- licans will take his letter as a final decli tion in advance of the nomination. Blaine's withdrawal will, I think, add strength to the candidacy of nator Allison, whom the state of lowa will present and support in the most enthusiastic and earnest manner possible.” SAWYER'S PLAIN TALK. Senator Sawyer, of Wisconsin, said Blaine means just what he says, He be a candidate, and it is a good thing for the republican party and the country that he will not. His withdrawal removes a source of dis- cord and the party will now be united upon some good man and we will thereby be much stronger, Who the nominec is now likely to Had Mr. Blaine reu.ined a candidate he would probably have been nei- nated.” A DEMOCRATIC TIP, Representative Chapman, of the Detroit district, and a democrat, said: “*Mr. Blaine is simply acting a little boy. He is afraid of Mr. Cleveland’s strength and did not wish to be too publicly a candidate. The dem crats hope sinceroly that he will be nomi- nated, as we can casily beat him in Michigan, us clsewhlere., WIHAT THE HOOSIER REPUBLICANS SAY. T'he republicans in the Indiana delegation are, as a whole, inclined to regard the with- drawel of Mr. Blaine as a_favorable republi- mptom. General Browne said: I anticipated a latter of declination from Blaine and am therefore not surprised. Public men are generally misinterpreted and many will say that this is but a bid for the renomina- tion, but, in my opinion, Blaine is carne: and will stand out of the ruce. This leav an open field and now is Indiana’s oppo tunit Let it but endorse ex-Senator Har, son with unanimity and his nomination is assured.” BLAISE OUT OF THE RAC Representative Owen said: he letter clearly takes Mr. Blaine out of the race. There is no use to talk about it being a diplo- matic move, for he had the nomination in his grasp. ptiment has erystalized so rapidly in his favor for the past sixty days that if the convention had been held on last Satur- day he would have been nominated without serious opposition. Mr. Blaine is out of the race. As usual he cates a stir when ne moves, The party will readjust itself and nominate a man who cau unite it and who will be elected.” GOOD FOR THE PART! Representative Cheadle sa “The formal withdrawal of Mr. Blaine removes all cause for any further factional controversy within our party, and ought to iuspire repub- lican managers with a high resolve to select a leader who can readily secure the united efforts of the republicans in all sections, To my mind his withdrawal will result in the selection of one who has not been heretofore prominently before the country as a candi- date. I find here that it is conceded that our ticket should be selected with special refer- ence to Indiana, New York, New Jersey and Connécticut. These are the pivotal ites. If Indiana republicans are not divided they can name tha'man.”” REGAKDS IT SUSPICIOUSLY. Said Representative Johnston: “It may not mean the absolute withdrawal of the Plumed Knights, although it looks t! way. 1t has been suggested that it may be but notice that the nomination, if it is not made, must rest in its responsibility with the party and not Mr, Blaine. Iam really at a loss to know what it does mean. Blaine is a strong man in our state, Indiana has now an oppor- tunity to rally to her candidate, General Har- rison, A BLAINE MANAGER KPEAKS, Colonel W. W. Dudley, ex-commissioner of pensions, said there could be no question about Mr. Blaine being out of the race. He was not surprised at the letter because he had expected it for some time. Mr. Blaine really does not want the nomination, and his object in saying so at this carly day is to give his party an abundance of time to cast about and select the strongest candidates. General Harrison, in my opinion,” said Colonel Dud- ley, **has a better chance for the nomination than uny man in the country. It may be Sherman, bat I believe the order will be to take a new candidate, one who has never figured as an aspirant before a convention, Indiana has ouly to act with unanimity and she can name the candidate, and I have no doubt that she will send a solid Harrison delegation to Chicago.” . OTHER OPINIONS. Representative Jones, of Pittsburg, an in- timatefriend of Chairman B. F. Jones, of the national republican committee, said: *'I am bound toaccept Mr. Blaine's statement that he has withdrawn in earnest and 1 be- lieve that it is on personal as well a patriotic grounds. I am not much surprised, us I heard hints months ago that he intended withdrawing. The effect will be to encour- age republicuns to look around for the strong- est men and to attach themselves to the best candidate. Blaine bad a wonderful enthu- siastic following, a following that will be loth to give hun up, but it will have to look for another leader, and I believe it will result in the selection of 'the strongest possible can- didate and one that will win. Mr. Blaine went abroad for his health, The letter means that he has been disappointed in his trip.” Representative Heistand, of Penusylvania, said: “It is u good letter and means that Mr. Blaine 18 out of the race, He means busi ness. He is out and no mistake. think it 18 4 wise determination. [t was a surprise 10 me, but since the withdrawal is to come it 18 timely now. It is well for the party’s in- terests.” Representativo Facqhar, of Buffalo said: ‘I expected it, but not In such formal shape. It will give the republicans an opportunity to et a concensus of its best opinion and to se- ect @ candidate without a strugple and purely upon merit, There will be no senti- ment about it, Mr. Blaine is broken down in health. Iknew before he went to Europe that he suffered great nervous difficulty and felt sure bhe could not stand another cam- paign. The republican party has too many men of strong minds, too much independent thought, to ever get that discipline which keeps the democratic party together.” Ropresentative Harmer, of Philadelphia who has been an_ardent Blaine man, said: “1t will relieve a great many republicans who were pledged to Hlaine and’ who would have supported him against their better judgment. 1 feel a freedom now myself and believe it will be tothe interests of the republican party at large, for it now can act as its im- pulses will r\ml it Representative Boutelle, of Maine, who is the most intimato friend of Mr. Blaine in this congress, was very angry when asked this afternoon whether the letter was written in od faith, “That question,” said he, ** cn putto me a dozen times withina few minutes and it makes me very tived, What What! That 1t was and final, and that it took him out of the race. It is an ibsult to Mr. Blaine a i to intimate that he does not says. Ho will not be not be nominated, T mean o candidate and s I8 no spontuneous esubaof a day's reflee- t of a year. Mr Bluine intended th's letter before he left for Europe, but wa persuaded him not to do so. 1 know of wy own personal know since Mr. Blaine has been written ne patitical t even answering those of his vw.‘ closcst fricuds. 1 have for four montis writing him aud gepting the mest prow in ters and been el Linelaldmainiilnt e Maine republicans in_the coun urging him for the good of his party to not do just what he has now done. Mr. Blaine is not as robust as he was once and he prefers to spend the rest of his days in literature rather than politics. But he is the best re- publican_in” America, and whoever is nomi- nated will not_only get his vote but_all the influence he can wield. He is not a skulker.” Penny 8. HEATH, What Chairman Jones Says. Prrrsnvre, Pa;, Feb. 18.—Mr. Jone chairman of the republican national co mittee was interviewed by a Chronicle-Tele- graph reporter this afternoon on Blaine's letter of declination. Mr. Jones stated that Blaine was in the best of health and it was not for this reason that he declined the re- nomination. ‘‘His trip" said he, “has been wonderfully beneficial.” 1 have had many letters from him and in nearly all of them he hagspoken of his health and said he was entirely re- covered. No sir. it is not ill-heaith nor fear of the result, northe worry and strain of another campaign which impelled Blaine to write that letter. As given to me at the time to which he refers his reasons were those, before the nomination by the repub- licans in 1876, Blaine was very anxious to _the presidency and worked for it with the aid of his friends. He was disappointed when it went to another man in the manner it did. In 1880 he was _still anxious, although in lesser de- gree, and his disappointment was less marked. ‘‘In 1884 he had to a great extent lost his desire for the office and now he withdraws from the contest because he has no wish to become president. He takes a keen in.orest in literary works and wants quict and rest. I assure you these are the only reasons for Blaine's letter that are known to me. Every- body, sooner or later, loses desire for some- thing which they wero once anxious to ob- tain, and t s entirely true of Blaine.” _“Is not Blaine's letter somewhat incon- sistent with the action of his friends, pre- sumably with his consent, in working for the control of the state delegations and commit- tees(” ‘‘No, sir, it is not incousistent. work has been done by us. received countless letters on this subject from people north, south, cast and west. Blaine's fricnds_have not sought to set up or secure a single delegate anywhere. We have made no concerted action. There has been no meeting to map out a course favorable to Blaine, and I assure you that whatever has been done by the admirers of Blaine, has been done of their own account and not at the instance of his close friends. We have done nothing to secure the nomination of Mr. Blaine.” *‘Was this letter laid before any meeting of his friends or of the national committee.” It was not. The lef me Tuesday last, it having come direct from Florence to me. It was entirely in Blaine's handwriting. As you sce by its opening sen- tence it wus intended for the republican party. I didnot tell anybody of its existence until Friday. It was given out on Saturday because many papers do not print Sunday editions and I was _anxious to give it the widest publicity. Tarranged to have it go out by associated press. Even men as close to Blaine as Stephen B. Elkins knew nothing of Hl’u existence of this letter till this morn- ing.’ obtain No_such Of course I have Views of New York Men. New York, Feb. 13.—The Blaine letter was the only topic of conversation to-day in all public resorts. An evening paper quotes ex-Senator Warner Miller as saying: “In my opinion Blaine has concluded his nomina- tion would not harmonize all factions of the party. He is evidently sincere in his letter.” Senator Hawley was asked if he considered the letter as final, He said: “There can be no doubt as to the sincerity of Mr. Blaine in this matter. Circumstances may arise that willjcompel his friends to refuse to uccept this as a final answer, but that no one knows any- thing about.” Senator Hale: “I think he is siucere and means every word he has written. 1 cannot answer the question as to whether I had any premonition of his_intentions in this matter, but 1 can say positively that Blaine was not anxious to run in 1854 and was urged to do so. He will return in June or July and when the campaign opens Blaine will enter the field and speak for the ticket The Evening Post says: *“We think Blaine's letter does actually make him out of the field as a contestants for the republican nomination for the presidency. We think that this will be the effect and result of it, whether he so intended it or not.” Chauncey M. Depew said: *Mr. Blaine's letter was a surprise and a_disappointment tome. Itis, Ithink, toall his friends. T feel sure Blaine's friends will regret the step he has deemed it was his duty to take and that the majority of them will not con- sider it final. Mr. Blaine's declination will not necessarily prevent his friends from nominating him for the -presidency; neither will it prevent_him from accepting the nom- ination should it be given him. As for other pessible candidates—well, their na- tional popularity will not be known until the Chicago convention assembles,’” What St. Paul Prominents Think. St. PavL, Minn,, Feb. 13.—[Special Tele- gram to the Beg.]—Intense interest is every- where manifested in the surprising change that has come over the spirit of the dreams of this great Maine statesman. Blaine’s let- ter of declination for presidential honors came like a bomb in the republican camps, No one seemed to possess the slightest idea that the once great ambition of Blaine's life would be shattered thus early in the race. His admirers here are varied in their opin- ions as to the meaning of his letter. Some pt 1t as a final, while others are wont to consider it as a feeler as to public sentiment. Not a few are desirous of pressing his nomi- nation, while others favor Sherman, Sheri- dan, Gresham and Allison. The democrats generally contend that Blaine withdrew on the ground that he would have no chance of success with Cleveland in the field. The fol- lowing is what the leading republicans and democrats say on the subject: Hon. P. H. Kelly, chairman of the demo- cratic committee—Blaine is a cunning fel- low. Like Tilden in his letter to the Cincin- nati convention, no one knows whether or not he wants the nomination. He thinks his letter will create a boom in his favor. Any- ‘way, Cleveland is our choice. vor Smith, a leading democrat—Cleve land can outtrot any republican in the land. Hon. Michael Doran, democratic candidate for governor—Cleveland can defeat any man in the republic. R. Foyes, republican—It is a wise move on Blaine’s part. He will gain prestige by remaining in the back ground for another :N'm and allowing Sherman to come to the ront. Channing Seabury, a leading wholesale dealer and republicin—I am glad Blaine is out of the race and hope he will remain in Europe until after the election, Sheridan is my favorite. Frank Seymour, Merchants' National bank =1 would vote for Cleveland in preference to Blaine, though a republican, Ex-Lieutenant Governor Gilman, repub- lican—Blaine is only working up a little boom in his own favor. sill—If Blaine retires the party leaders will discover that they can get along very well without him. W. N. Seaverence, a republican with con- gressional — aspirations—Blaine’s decision should be agreed to by every republican in the union. His letter was the wiscst act of save getting married. e Sheffer—Biaine's retirement rsham is the next best man, »x postmaster—Major Blaine told ) year ago that Jim wus going to get He is now doing so | aw not glad nor ¥ Gordon E. Cole, an ex-judge and leading republican- It is fortunate for the party that Blaine nus retived. —1 am a personal friend of I'm sorry he has retired, and bo- is honget in his statements. wiu BBlukely, president of the chamber favor of nominating iue whetler he wants it or not, , Governor MceGill's right- hand man—I think Blaine means just what he says, Chairman Clarkson's Views. Des Morses, In., Feb. 13.—J, 8. Clarkson, the Iowa member of the national republican committee, in an interview on Blaine's letter of withdrawal this evening, said: I have been expecting this letter for some time, It is in line with the letters I received from Mr. Blaine in November and December, which led me to believe and say at the national committee meeting in Washington and New York that I did not beleive he would be in the field. The press of the country, led by the, pursuing misrépresentations of the malignant cnemies of Blaine, has refused to believe in the sincere and unselfish attitude Blaine has held toward the party. In 1884 he was not a candi- date for the nomination ; did not really want it, and I received several letters from him in the winter and early spring before his nom- ination, strongly expressing a wish not to run. So far from directing his friends at the national convention that year, he had com- municated with them and not a word passed between him and any of them during the con test there. The masses of the party, not the politicians, were for him and it was their moving forward that sent the delegates to Chicago for him. Before he yvent abroad last spring he told me of his se®led disincli- nation to run and his wish to contribute in every way that he possibly could to the uni- fication und su s of the party election of 1888, But people, still preferring and believ- ing he was defea*ed in 1884 by the treacher of some party politicians, have been intend- ing & move forward again and re-nom- inate and elect him, and would have done 80 but for this letter. His action now shows a new greatness of the man, His devotion a8 & republican_has done much to disarm emnity before; this should certainly remove it all now. He will be at the front for the party next fall, and Blaine republicans will be for the candidate without any sulking, whoever he is. “lowa has voted in_ three successive na- ti' nil convent'ons for Blaine, and believes in him pow more than eve Now that he is out of the fleld # will probably pre- sent a candidate of its own. It has two very strong and fit men in Senator Allison and Justice Miller. Both are very strong in the state, but the senator from his closer re- lations with the people in later years has a great advantage. There will be no contest between them and the state will be united for an fowa candidate. Senator Allison is strong 11 points where Blaine isstrong, including Pacific states. He is exceptionally strong with the business interests of the east be- cause of his level-headed and sagacious carcer in congress for twenty-five yours. Justice Miller is known as a trusted counsellor of President Lincoln and of all republican presi- dents since, and a8 the first jurist of the country of the present The indications are now that the party will take a western man for candidate. Sherman, of course, will move powerfully into the contest under the new order, but I believe the coun- try will respond to othe men and shat the choice, if made between .western men, will be between Allison and Harrison or Gresham, with Rusk, of Wisconsin, likely to develop great strength. Sherman is a strong man, but his l}Fe and the withdrawal of Blaine clears the field for new aspirants such as the ones I have named in the west, with Foraker added, and such men as Haw- ley und Hiscock in the east. Thinks He Wil Run. Pirrsivna, Feb, 18—Joseph D. Weeks, financial secretary of the republican national committee, in commanting upon Blaine's letter, smd: “I think Blaine is perfectly sincere in what he says, but I do not think his withdrawal wilt ‘prevent his nomination nor his acceptance of the nomination if thrust upon him, The issue this year will be tariff versus free trade, and as Mr. Blaine is the strongest exponent of the protective system now before the people, it would not surprise me to see him nominated in spite of all. Comment of Leading Newspapers. NEw York. Feb. 18.—[Special Telegram to the Bee.]—Commenting on Mr. Blaine's letter, the Tribune, whose editor has long been on terms of most intimate personal and political friendship with Blaine, and who doubtless speaks with entire authority, sa, “A letter from Blaine is published this morning and withdraws his name, so far as it is in his power to do so, from con- sideration of republicans for the nom- ination in their approaching mational convention. This letter is no surprise to those fricnds of his who have known how reluctant he has been from the outset to give the sanction even of silence to such consider- ation. It is a simple fact that Blaine was al- most dragooned by his friends into the candi- dacies of 1880 and 1884, and that he has con- stantly assured them that he wouid not be put in the position of ever seeming to seck the nomination. We regret the decisiondprofoundl , since we believed that he would command more votes in doubtful states than_any other republican yet pro- posed. But various candidates, all excellent men and dcser\'lnf well of the republican party, are actively In the fleld, and the next two weeks may be expected to present some unusually lively politics, May the best man *We accept the action of Blaine as conclusive, and, looked at from a republican point of view, it must be regarded as wise, and we might even say magnani- mous. His nomination then (1n'1884) was a mistake, and such a mistake as he should never have made. The nomination belonged to Arthur from every sentiment of chivairy to @ noble presidentand of approval of a great administration.” The Times says: “Blaine’s Florence let- ter will be variously interpreted. Those who know him well and greatly admire him, to- gether with those who know him well ' and greatly distrust him, will be loth to accept it as absolute and final putting aside of the presidential nomination, which it is conceded he might have.” The World says: “This letter has the air of sincerity and it may be said that it in- creases the presidential chances of John Sherman something like 25 per cent.” Cixcixsary, Feb, 13.—[Special Tele- gram to the Bee:—The Commercial-Ga- zette suys: “The faultless intelligence of Blaine has seen that he could not go- into the field without confronting personal opposition, re-enforced by all the timorous element in the party, and environed by all ancient ani- mosities; and he has concluded to disregard the expostulations of his friends and step aside; trusting the party may find for a lea- der one whe, if not abler and more faithful than he, has not deysdloped so many elements of personal opposition. Louis, Feb. 13.—[Special Telegram to Bek.|—The Republican (democratic) letter is rently a perémutory nation of the honor of leading a forlorn hope, but the manner in which Mr. Jones gave it to the press and th fusal to say what Blaine will' do if his friends insist on his nomination, seems to indicate that, though the magnetic man from Maine is in ;'elr«-ul, he has not burned the bridges behind him." The Globe Democrat says: *“We are frank to say in 5o far as the withdrawal is a sur prise to us it is not a disagreeable surpri It seems to us to make the republican victory more feasible and better assured, and this, to us, is an object of much greater concern than the gratification of any man’s ambition or the elevation of any man to the presidency or-to any other position.” Cuicaco, 1L, Feb, 18.—[Special Telegram tothe Bre.|—The Tribunesays:*“The letter is sincere, It was written without reserve. will be accepted in good faith by the people, The party has no elaims upon Mr. Blaine that it can scek to enforce against his private wishies, Though he may not be again a can- didate for the presid=ncy Lhe public will have the further s f £ illustrious a citizen, Whether it be if the senate of the United States or in the cabinet of the next republi- can president, Bleine will surely fill a large place in the history of the Uni - States that has . uot itten, the nooWw CoLumpus, Peb, 12.—|Special Telegram to the Bee.]—Concerning Blaine's letter, John Sherman said he had_been expecting some such utterance from Blaine for some time, and it was on this understanding that he (Sherman) had entered the lists. Mr. Childs is Willin'. Cnicago, Feb, 18.—[Special Telegram to the Ber]—A dispatch to the News from Philadelphia says in spite of all declarations to the contrary George W. Childs would like the presidential nomipation at the hands of the republican party, and that it is certain that a party will enter the convention in his interest. FIRE AT ST. PAU Several Hundred Thousand Dollars Destroyed By Fire and Water. Sr. Pavr, Minn., Feb. 13.~Another disas- trous fire visited the wholesate district this morning. The whole fire department of the city assembled at Ryan block, where it started about 6 o'clock this morning. The firemen found great difficulty in locating the fire,as the smoke increased. Despite the efforts to suppress the fire, the entire block, five stories high, from 225 to 227 East Third strect, was soon in its possession. The Ryan drug ' company, next door to the fire, was damaged about £30,000, wholly b water and _ smoke, and is fully insured. Foote, Schulze & Co. shoe manufacturers, carried o stock of £280, 000 or £00,000, on which there was insurance of about £200,000, J.J. Watson Brothers & Hyndman placed the entire building, the amount being walls of the building are le 18 12,000 insurance on the machinery in the mantfactory department. The stock of Foote, Schulze & Co., is wholly wrecked, that which is not burned being soaked with water. The fire wall which sep- erated Foote, Schulze & Co., from the Ryan drug store prevented the firé_from spreading into that portion of the building occupied by the latter firm. Their stock is badly sonked and smoked, but the firm does not anticipate the figures will go above the sum first men- tioned. The insurance amounts to about £252,000. The loss on building and fixtures is tully covered by #42,000 insurance. Death of a Missouri Journalist. ST, Josern, Mo., Feb. 13.—[Special Tele- gram to the Bee.]—Colonel Frank M. Tracy died at his home 1n Troy, Kas., this morning at 4:20 o'clock. Colonel Tracy was well known throughout Kansas and Missouri. He served with distinction in the union army as colonel of the Sixteenth Kansas rej He was born in Rolls county, Missou uary 3, 1838, He learned the printing trade on the St.Joseph Gazette and afterwards worked on the St. Louis Republican and Democrat, He established the Free Democrat in 1859, and in 1876 purchased the 3t. Joseph Herald and was its editor until when he retired on account of sickness. was regarded as one of the most brillant writers in the Missouri Valley, being both able and fearless. In 1881 while still editor of the Herald, he was appointed by Garfield postmaster in this city, which position he icld until his retirement from the paper. The newspaper men of the city will attend the funeral at Troy Wednesday ina_body, and will present a handsome floral offering. The West Growing in Favor. KANsas City, Mo., Feb. 13.—[Special Tele- gramjto the Bee.]—J. L. Lombard, president of the Lombard Investment company, re- turned from Boston and New York to-day. He states that stockholders are much pleased that so few foreclosures have been made in the western states where they have loaned millions of dollars. He says money is easier for lewitimate use, but not for specula- tive purposes. Western merchants are being - sought for by east- ern wholesalers, showing the coufidence reposed in western people, He says trade is uiet in the east. Banks are not lending recly to merchants, which is the reverse in the west. Eastern merchants are required to give collateral besides personal indorse- ments, He says what is really needed west is more conservatism and less desire to branch out too far in so many enterprises outside of their own legitimate line. He be- lieves that spring business will be good and that eastern capital will continue to flow west as heretofore. The Freight Rate War. Kaxsas Crry, Mo., Feb, Special Telegram to the Bee. |—There is no change in the freight war. No roads are doing any catting to-day. Still all agents are unsettled and very watchful. Cattle rates remain at £30 per car, packing house stuffs at 12 cents. The feeling is one of uncertainty. A few ugents state that fears are now that it will extend to_passenger rates, when there will be one of the greatest railroad struggles ever known in this section, i N A Fight in a Dive. KAN8As City, Mo., Feb. 13.—[Special Tele- gram to the Bee.—Late last night a fight took place in a dive on Eighth street between the inmates and visitors. Knives and razors and clubs played leading roles, The officers ispersed the tough gang, but the notorious Hicks Douglas, Rose Mott and Emma Mont- mery continued until separated, Officer avis had a thumb nearly bitten off by Rose Mott while putting her n the cell, A Young Woman's Sudden Death. Sr. Josernt, Mo., Feb. 13.—[Special Tele- gram to the Bek.]—Sussana Marshall, a yeung woman living at the corner of Fourth and August strects, was discovered by her mother about 2 o'clock this afternoon lying across @ chair in her private room, dead. Mrs. Marshall had left the room only a few minutes before, leaving her daughter appar- parently well, The coroner’s jury returned a verdict to the effect that death was due to a stroke of apoplexy. LA Probable Infa KAxsAs CiTy, Mo., Feb. 13.—[Special Tele- gram to the Bek.|—While workmen were cleaning the catch basin of a sewer at Scventh and Grant avenue this morning, Albert Ker- win found the remains of @ baby wrapped in flunnel. There was noting on it to lead to the capture of its parents. icide. Held For Manslaughter. Kaxsas City, Mo., Feb. 13.—(Special Tele- gram to the Bee.]—Green Patterson has been bound over to the grand jury in the sum of £1,000 charged with manslaughter. kicked a colored girl named Katie How the abdomen so that she died severai days afterwards. —_— A Disreputable Runner. Kaxsas Ciry, Mo, Feb,, 13.—[Special Tel- egram to the Bee.]—A runner for an em- ployment agency, named Frank Geylon, was pabbed nt the union depot while attempting to guide two newly arrived countrymen into a disreputable joint on West Ninth street. He will be prosecuted vigorously, —~— Kansas City Cadble News. Kaxsas City, Mo, Feb. 13.—[Special Tele gram to the Bee.]—The Metropolitan stregt raitway has let & contract for two Corliss en- gines, 500-horse power each. Contracts for grading and construction will be let to-mor- row. Work on the Main, Eighteenth, Ninth and Olive street lines will be very rapid, sa the completion of the road is guaranteed by contractors August 1 o —-— Fire at Brookfield. BrooKPIELD, Mo., Feb, 13.— [Special Tele- gram to the Bee. ]| —Fire yesterday destroyed five buildings in the cenfer of the business jortion of town. Owing to the hydrants and ping frozen no effort was made to progress of the flames. The loss is imated at §14,500. Iusured for nearly half, Bl Burned to Death. Kaxsas City, Mo, Feb. 13 ‘graw o the Bel i here that James McKelly was burned to death at Dallas, Tex., a_few days ago. He was a bricklayer and well known here, pridhoii\ bcudoeid FIFTIETH _CONGRESS. Senate. WasnINGTON, Fob. 13.—The address of the constitutional convention of Dakota was presented favoring division of the territory and admission of the southern portion as & state. The bill providing for a commission on the subject of the alcoholic liquor trafic was plaked on the calendar. The following bills were introdnced and re- ferred y By Mr. Platt—To prohibit members terri- torial of legislatures from holding office; also to pay $7,371 for the passage of General La- fayette and family from France to the United States as guests of the nation in 1824, © By Mr. Sawyer—Authorizing the appoint- ment of eleven railway mail superintendents. By Mr. Vest—To fix the number of docu- ments printed b e8s and known as the “usual numbe also to specify the number of certain documents to be printed, After some debate the resolution was referred to the committee on printing. The senate next proceeded to the consider- nof the Blair education bill, but after u remarks by Plum was lnid_ aside and the resolution in regard to the inefliciency of the postal service taken up. After some debate the resolution went over and the senate ad- journed. at House. WasniNGToN, Feb. 13.—Under the call of states the following bills and resolutions were introduced and referred : Authorizing the election of a delegate from the Indian territory to the fifty-first cong- ress. By Mr. Townsend of Illinois--Permitting farmers and producers of tobacco to sell leaf tobacco in any quantity to unlicensed dealers or to any person without restriction and re- pealing all laws inconsistent thereto. A resolution instructing the committee on ways and means 1o report what progress it has made in the consideration of bills repeal- ing internal revenue taxes and to state at what time such bills are likely Yo be reported to the house. In case the committee is un- able to agree upon these bills it is instructed to report the fact to the house and the bills shall be placed on the calendar. To prohibit fictitious and gambling trans- actions in articles prodfted by American farming industry Proposing a constitutional amendment lim- iting the membership of the house to 250, By Mr. Brower of North Carolina—A lution instructing the committee on ways and means to report what progress it had made in the consideration of bills repealing in ternal revenue taxes and to state at what time such bills are likely to be reported to the house. In case the committee )s unable to agree upon these bills, it is instructed to report the fact to the house and the bill shall be placed on the calendar. By Mr. Smith of Wisconsin—For the es- tablishment of a postal By Mr. Guenth late telegraph Bill 0- legraph system. er of Wisconsin—To regu- companies, W introduced for the erection of public buildings at Galesburg, I1l.; Daven- vort, Ta., and Eau Claire, Wis. The house then proceeded to questions per- taining to the District of Columbia. The bill punishing the advertising of lottery tickets in_ the district was opposed by Mr. Rogers, of Arkaasas, upon constitutionai grounds. It would, he said, prevent any pa- per, no matter where published, from coming into the district, and would infringe upon the liberty of the press. Mr. Brown, of Iudiana, spoke in support of the measure, Mr. Cummings, of New York, and Mr. uenther, of Wisconsin, said that if con- gress had the right to prescribe what should be printed in the advertising columns of a newspaper it had the right to exercise a cen- sorship over the editorial and news columns, They regretted the growing tendency in this country toward the methods of monarchial Europe. The bill was referred to the com- mittee on judiciary. Bills were passed to prohibit any person in Washington or Georgetown from making books or pools on the result of any races or games of buse ball. Adjourned, Mrs. Grant and Mrs Cleveland. NEW Your, Feb, 1 hecial Telegram to the Bre]—A Washington dispatch sa; Thero has been a civil war imminent here. Every effort has been made to suppress its mutterings. It scems Mrs. Grant, while a guest bere of Senator and Mrs. Stanford, called at the exceutive mansion. Tho visit was a formal ome, It would naturally be thought that Mrs. Cleveland at least would have hastened to show of Mrs. Grant's courtesy by immediate turning the call, Mr. and Mrs. Stanford however, as weil as the public were shocked and painod that Mrs, Cieveland failed oven in the common_courtesy of leaving a card upon_ her -predecessor. Some people at- tempted to extenuate this rude and direct at- tempt at a snub inthe fact that Mrs. Grant was the guest of @ republican senator, When, however, Mr. and Mrs. McLean entertained the widot, the excuse no longer existed, nor was the return visit pmd. Kepublicans here are furious at the slight and southern democrats de democrats arc ashamed. nounce it & case of too much training to please the south. T cape of Noted Criminal St Paur, Minn, Feb, 13, —Three prisoners—Billy ~ O'Conners, the no- torious Minneapolis postofice rob- ber, Frank St Clair and William ‘Thomas, both awaiting triai for highway robbery—escaped from the Ramsey county jail at 7:40 last evening and their absence was not discovered until about the same hour this morning. The hour of their de- parture was learned of Burkhardt, a United States prisoner from Milwankee, churged wilh passing counterfeit money, who was in the same cell with Thomus, and who refused to cscupe, giving s his reason he would prove his innocence if he stood trial, 'The escape was made by sawing four hurs frow the cell door, whick let the men into the upper corridor m there the prisoners reached the attic sawing through eight bars forming the roof of t corridor, and then cutting through the ceil ing. A lole was then made thiou shcet ivon roof and a rope made of hun was uscd to lower themselves to the ground between the jail aud the court house. Money. ., Feb. 13, Special Telegram to the BEk j—A terrible muvder for: money was committed near here Sunday, the victim being George W. Guthrie, a well known and bighly ed citizen, at his residence lo- cated two and oue-half mles southwest of town. Early in the morning Mrs. Guthrie and other members of the family went to , léaving Mr. Guthric at home. When turned iome Guthrie was lying on the aturated with blood from & wownd in his breast. It was suspected at first he bad committed suicide, but such svspicions were dizpelled when Mrs. Guthrie discovered that the safc h the valu- ablos, and at times large sums of money, are kopt, had been tampered with, but lad re sisted the attempts of the robbers. The kets of the dead man had been rifled of mnd agold wateh and chain. It is pre- med Guthrie heard a noise made by the robbers, and going into the roow was shot throogh the breast. The appearzuce of the room indicated u struggle - WA Dakota Bank pwoon, Dak., Feb. 13.—|Special Tele gritn Withe Ree. ) ~The Centrul City s, &L‘-nu‘\ City, closed its doors to-d I Manuis ws Under. ities, $30, assets, $50,000. No banks in s city ave alfected by the failure, DRIVING OUT THE GAMBLERS Sloux City Following the Example of Nebraska's Metropolis. GROCERS WIN THE POTASH FIGHT The Drug Stores Defeated—A Siouy City Teacher Fined For Assaulte ing a Cripple—A Pella Mill Burned. The Towa Legislature. DEs Moings, Ia.,, Feb, 13.—1In the senatq Mr. Mills introduced a bill making an appro- priation for the soldiers’ home at Marshall town, Mr. Kelly introduced a concurrent resolu tion that the secretary of state furnish for the use of the general assembly 300 copies of the platform of the two great political parties of the state for the year IS8T, After some discussion and amendinents that the order include the platforms of 1564 and 1868, the matter was laid on the ta The bill relating to the issue of waters works bonds by cities of the second class, passed the senate with a slight amendment, The house resolved after the 16th to hold two sessions daily. ——— The Grocerymen Win, Des Moixes, In., Fob, 13.—|Special Tele- gram to the Bee.]—The grocery has met the drug store and won the fight. To-day the legislature passed the bill permitting grocery and other stores to sell concentrated lye and potash. Some time ago the state pharmacy board made a ruling that as lye was poison- ous, 1o one but druggists could be allowed to sell it and they must handle it with other poisons. Immediately there was a great out- cry not only from country merchants but alsa from their patrons who couldn't always find a drug store convenient when they wanted a little potash, so the legislature, soon after it met, took up the subject and kept at it till re- lief afforded and the country grocery store once more enjoys its rights Will Determine Their Rights. Des Moises, Tn., Feb. 13.—[Special Telo- gram to the Bee.]—The broad guage street railroad of this city, which has had a long litigation with the narrow guage orold strect car compuny, scored a point to-day. The de- cision of the supreme court gave the narrow icht tq the streets under the old ter for use of horses as motive power, but it was inferred that electric or other motive power were to be used by the new comvany before it would be allowed to oper- ate. In order to get a ruling on this point from the supreme court before making an in- vestment, one member of the company ap- plied to the district court = Sat for an injunction to re- his associates from introducing clectric power. He hoped in this way to get the case uppealed to the supreme court and get an authoritative decision, The old com- pany opposed this and claimed it wus u sham suit, and tried to have the injunction dis- missed, but Judge Kuvanagh to-day decided that it should stand, and so issued an injunc- tion holding that the new compuny could not use even electric power. without infringing on the rights of the old company. Of course the new company will promptly appeal and thus get the case it once to the suprems court and find out what rights it has and then ?oanead. 1t js regps a8 a clever victory or the new compuny, and excites my wment. ——— A Teacher Fined For Assault. Sioux Crry, Ia., Feb, 13.—|Special Tele- gram to the Beg. | —Prof. William E. Palmer, principal of the Wall street school, was to-day fined §40 for assaulting on the strcet s who were not pupils of his school, lence showed that P dragged one of the boys, who was from sleigh and kicked and str T school board meets to-morrow und it is said will dismiss Palmer from his pluce. The Thermometer Rapidly Falling. Siovx Crry, T, Feb. 13.—[Special Tele- gramto tho Bek.]—Reports from numerous points to-night show that a storm of almost blizzard violence hus extended throughout contral and southiern Dukota, ‘The thermom. etor hias fallen 20° hiere, and there is & high wind, but no snow as ye A Mill Burned. PrLLa, Ta,, Feb, 13.—[Special Telegram ta the Ber.|—The flouring mill owned by M. C, McCombs, at Otley, eight miles] northwest of this city caught fire at 10 o'clock last Sat- daynight from o defective flue and burned to the ground. Loss is about $4,200. Insured for £3,800 in the State Insurance company of Des Moines, Sioux City Gamblers Fined. Stoux Oy, Ta., Feb, 13.—[Special Tele- gram to the Be.]—The proprictors of the eight gambling houses which were pulled Satury ht were in court to-day. Frank Sharp and “Stub” Wilson were fined $100. “The other six were also fined, but_the fines were renitted on condition that they would immediately leave Sioux City. An Unknown Blizzard Vietim, Des Moixes, Ia, Feb. 13.—- [Speciul Tele- gram to the Bee.|—At 11 o'clock to-day an unknown man, apparently fifty years old, and well dressed, was found dead five miles west of Alden, Hardin county. On his per. son was an account book kept in Germaun, but no clue to his identity could be obtained, It is supposed that he is another victim of the great blizzard of January 12, e A Blast Furnace For Duluth, Dururi, Minn., Feb, 13.—[Speciul Tele gram to the Bee]—To-morrow worning men begin work clearing the ground and prepariug for the excavations for an eighty ton blast furnace to be built at West Duluth by theeUnion Hlast Furnace company at once. This furnace, which is to be built on plans drawn by Johin Bickenbine, the welle known Philadelphia engineer, is to be a fing and comp! fair and is o 'be of the best and most_econ The plans cal] for a double eighty-ton furnace and rail and sheet iron mills, Lut only half the furnace is to be huilt at present. As soon as possible a force of twenty men is o be inercased and the work of construction will procced rap idly. It is expected that the furnace will be in operation before winter, 1t is to be a coke furnace and the coking pits are to be buill near the furnaces of West Duluth, The capis tal of the company is §1,0004000, bellafalw o, The Visible Supply Statement. 6o, Pe. The visible supply of grain for the we ending February 11, as compiled by the secretary of the Chicago board of trade is as follows: Bushel ‘Wheat, Train Wreck. Beuvingre, N. J. Feb, 1 the Deiaware, road this m teleseoped and manycattlo killed. is blockaded, kawana & Western raile ing in which acattle train wag The roud A A sSnowed In, WASIINGTON, Feb, 13.--Theroo! of the orde rauce builaing at the Washington navy yard foll in this morning, it being unable to sup port the heavy weight of snow upon it. Thi is estiuated at $80,000,