Blaine's Letter

Mr. Blaine's letter is positive in the statement that bis name will notbe presented to the Kepublican convention as a candidato for the presidential nomination. It does not state, however, that he would decline a nomination if it be made in spite of the lack of formal presentation of his name. This to a great many will mean that Mr. Blaine still expects the nomiuation, but shrewdly thinks that it is better to let the wave of discussion beat around lesser candidates till the convention chooses hiña by acclamation in spite of the lack of any formal presentation of his name. The tendency now seems to be aniong the leading Republicana to regard the letter as perfectly sincere. If his friends do not insist upon making a canvassfor him, his withdrawal will make the next Republican national convention the scène of a very interesting contest- interesting because of the uncertainty of the resul t. It is gooil party policy to consider the letter final, and to proceed to discuss the other available candidates. It will make the democratie path more thorny : it will fill the democratie mind with many sad doubts and forebodings. AVhatever raay be Mr. Blaine's strength now, he was once beaten by about a thousand votes, and the democratfi, wisely or unwisely, were hoping for his re-noiüination, expecting that their Cleveland could easily beat him again. But with Mr. Blaine out of the way, they would not know how to measure their strength. Likewise as regards the size of the barrel necessary, there would be sickening doubt. In a close election, buying votes in New York city can decide the result. But in case the Republicana should nomínate sonie old soldier who has no enemies and a vast number of friends, it might start such a wave of enthusiasm over the country as ! to make his election quite independent of the result n New York city.