In Washington City

Mr Blaine's Letter the Leading Topic of Political Gossip.

Washington City, Feb. 13.- Mr. Blaine's letter was the leading topic of political gossip Monday. Mr. Blaine's avowed friends in congress show a desire not to express their opinions but intimate that the letter only emphasizes the disinclination which he has shown to press his claims for the nomination. The conspicuous Sherman men and others known as opponents of Mr. Blaine, hail the letter as an actual withdrawal on his part from the presidential race.
Senator Allison and others who may be classed as presidential candidates content themselves with saying that Mr. Blaine's expressions are unquestionably sincere, but that he would have to yield to the demand of the party that he should become its candidate - if it should so express itself in convention.
Among prominent Democrats in both houses the expression seems to prevail that the letter is far from establishing the fact that Mr. Blaine will not be a presidential candidate.
Mr. Dalzell, the Republican representative from the Pittsburg district, an intimate friend of long standing of Chairman Jones, of the national Republican committee, says that he is not surprised to read Mr. Blaine's letter; that he had an intimation several months ago that Blaine had suffered from nervous prostration since the campaign of 1884, and would not likely be physically able to withstand the rigorous demands of another campaign; that he went abroad with the hope of recovering his health, and that the letter indicates that he is disappointed in the object of his trip. Mr. Dalzell believes that Mr. Blaine is sincere in his determination not to have his name used in the convention, and also that he intends to assist in the election of the nominee to the extent that his physical condition may permit.