If Not Blaine?

Mr. Blaine is by no means an imposhible candidate for president. He doesn't long for the nomination ; that Js evident ; bntif the convention ehould find it utterly impossible, after long balr lotinft, to nomínate any one else, it would not be surprising if he were ■ hosen with a rnBh. Under euch circumstances he might accept. But, on the suppoeition that Mr. Blaine is out of the question, who will be the best raen the Bepublican party can name? By best men, we mean thoee who will nnite the greatest personal fitness with the greatest "running ability.1' Availability must be considered as well as personal fitness. In discussing availability, we must find those who, while able to hold the usual Kepnblican states, stand the best chance of carrying Indiana and New Jersey, or New York. These, of course, are trite sayings. Gen. Harrison witl be urged as a candidate from Indiana, but he hasn't an exceedingly strong hold on the state such as Morton and Hendricks had. It wouldn't be safe, because, while it would iail to make Indiana sure, it would give little strength elsewhere. With Hendricks' personal influence out of the way, the Eepublicans ought, with a vigorous campaign, to win Indiana. In our opinión Judge Gresham, of Indiana, would be found to be the best candidate. Certainly as regards fitness, there ia no question : a man of great attainments intellectually, he would grace the presidentitl chair as no man has, eave Garfield, since John Quincy Adams was president. It has been said that his decisión in the Wabash railroad case would injure his " running." If so, that appears to be the only objection. It is not clear yet that it is an objection. Robert T. Lincoln would be a safe candidate and would be a credit to the nation as president. There is no campaign cry that could be started against him. He would command the support of the business world, would inspire confidence in all classes, and would touch the popular imagination eome. Gen. Hawley, Senator Allison, and Senator Sherman, we think, are undesirable candidates, although they are eminently fit for the position. Their votes against the restriction of Chinese immigration would be used against them in California, and endanger the results there. We have some sympathy with the youngmen in Detroit who are booming Gen. Alger for president. His nomination is by no means impossible. It ought not to be urged, however, on the ground that Michigan is a doubtful state. The eleventh district election does not necessarily show that. If Michigan is doubtful in a presidential campaign, and with four of her chief industries struck at by the opposition, then the Republicans have no earthly hope of electing tbeir candidate. No, we must, for this campaign at least, proceed upon the assumption that any good Republican can carry onr state. As Gen. Alger's nomination is urged largely because Michigan ia thought by some to be doubtful, it will not develop surprising strength very soon. With a man of such ability as Judge Gresham for firet place, a first-class New York man might be found who would consent to run for the vice presidency. It would be a good stroke if Conkling were nominated for vice president. His pride and haughty disposition might lead him to reject it ; bnt it would be a strong nomination. The Blaine men would not work against his election to that place. Conkling understands New York politics and could bring strength to the ticket. Any strong New York or New Jersey Republican would answer for the vice presidential nomination.