Democratic Sentinel, Volume 12, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 June 1888 — Page 6

FISK AND BROOKS.

The Prohibitionists Nominate Their Candidates for President and Vice President. Woman Suffrage Wins an Overwhelming Victory in the Convention. Text of the Platform—Convention Proceedings—Enthusiasm and Sentiment. Nearly two hours before the time set for the opening of the National Prohibition Convention at Indianapolis on Wednesday, May 30, delegates began to assemble in Tomlinson Hall. There were a number of farmers among the delegates, and their habits of early rising made the delay irksome, so they got together in the rear of the hall, and made speeches and cheered to their hearts’ content. The galleries were crowded with visitors long before the convention was called to order. Many were unable to get even standing room. The delegates manifested a striking fondness for decorating themselves with badges, many wearing several light and fluttering bits of fringed ril jx>n, to nearly all of which medallions of Gen. Fisk were appended. The hall was admirably adapted for a great gathering like the convention, well lighted, and with fair acoustic properties. From the paneled ceiling hung colored banners, and a succession of X'gohibition mottoes decorated the front of

GEN. CLINTON B. FISK.

the galleries. Among the sentiments the following: “No North, No South. No Distinction in Politics; No Sex in Citzenship.” “The Prohibition Party Is the True Anti-Poverty Party.” At a little before 10 o’clock the Maryland delegation marched in, carrying the blue silk banner it bore four years ago at Pittsburgh, with the names of St. John and Daniel emblazoned upon it. It was heartily applauded, but the great outburst came when the New Jersey Young Men’s Prohibition Club marched up the aisle, preceded by a large banner hi yellow, the woman suffrage color, and by an old man who carried on his shoulders a huge gilded crank. As soon as the audience caught the name of the State, General Fisk’s home, the scattering cheers swelled into a perfect storm of applause, which was heightened when the members of the club waved banners bearing the familiar features of the favorite son. Similar ovations greeted exGovernor St. John as he pressed his way down the aisle and took his seat with the Kansas delegation and Sam Small, the celebrated revivalist, the Georgia budge. Professor Dickie, of Illinois, Chairman of the National Committee, struck the table three resounding raps, called the convention to order, and invited the members of the committee and the general officers of the W. C, T. U. to take seats on the platform. The audience sat and waited and took a long breath, letting it out in a tremendous cheer when the well-known face of Frances E. Willard, President of the W. C, T. U., appeared. She wore the red badge of the Illinois delegation, and was escorted to a seat beside the Chairman, and here followed a scene of Indescribable enthusiasm. Chairman Dickie called for General Green Clay Smith and Gideon T. Stewart, the nominees of the party in 1876. Neither being present the ticket for 1880 was called for, and when the venerable figure of General Neal Dow*, of Maine, came up on the stage he received such an ovation that one would think that the enthusiasm had reached its height, but when the sacrifice of 1884 was called for, and General St. John arose, a tremendous burst of cheering ensued, which was prolonged until he hud taken his seat. The audience then sang “Praise God from "Whom All Blessings Flow," after which Chairman Dickie announced that the Rev. H. A. Delano, oft Norwich, Conn., had been nominated as temporary Chairman, and the choice was unanimously ratified by the convention. An address ■of welcome was then delivered by Colonel Ritter, an Indianapolis attorney. Many of his references were heartily cheered, as was his closing sentence, “If you are what 1 take you to be I am sure you are heartily welcomed to Indiana, ” Temporary Chairman Delano, who is a prominent Baptist minister, responded fittingly to the words of welcome. Mr. Needham, of Kansas, then presented to the Chairman a gavel made from the scaffold on which Governor St. John was hanged in effigy in 1884. Mr. J. B. Confil of Texas was nominated for Secretary, with Mrs. Mattie McClellan Brown of Ohio and George F. Wells of Minnesota as assistants. The Silver Lake Quartet then sang “We're Not So Lonesome as We Used to Be,” which was evidently a favorite with the audience. Secretary Canfil made a short address of thanks, and closed by reading a number of telegrams of congratulation, among them one under-a London date from Axel Gnsvafson, the Swedish delegate to the recent congress of women at Washington, proposing “three cheers for Fisk and woman suffrage. ” This was the first public reference to the two central features, and it received a Chautauqua salute of cheers and waving handkerchiefs. The convention then settled down to business, and on motion of Delegate Thomas, of New York, the roll of States and Territories was called for the names of members of the Committees on Credentials and Permanent Organization. After the call was completed, at the suggestion of Judge Black,' of Pennsylvania, the call was made for the Committees on Resolutions and Bules. The first motion put before the convention as a matter of business was on the part of Delegate Turner, of Pennsylvania, that a telegram be sent the Brewers’ Association, in session at St. Paul, bidding them defiance, but the matter was choked off summarily. A few moments later a similar motion was brought into prominence by IteV. Walter T. Mills, who asked permission to read it. After a tumultuous debate, in which several delegates were constantly on the floor, the mover of the resolution was given leave to withdraw it. At thii moment the little son of the late John B. Finch was brought upon,.the platform, and, amid loud cheering, Chairman Dickie, of the National Committee, presented the little fellow a gold medal ofSbehalf of the Prohibition party. Further time was taken up with singing, and then another cause of a slightly acrimonious discussion appeared in the shape of a motion that the ex-soldiers of the Union and Confederate armies stand up and be counted. The motion was finally tabled. A memorial from the National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was read asking the convention to place in its platform a plank demanding that the Bible be placed in the public schools; that personalities be avoided in the coming campaign; that sectionalism be completely buried, and that lastly the position of the party in 1884 on the woman suffrage question be reaffirmed. The memorial was referred to the Committee on Resolutions. A resolution was then offered by Judge Gore, of New York, reaffirming the woman suffrage plank of 1884, with the proviso that that issue be not made a test of party fealty. This also was referred. The report of the Committee on Credentials showed delegates to have been selected by every State except Louisiana, Mississippi and South Carolina. The Territories all chose representatives except Wyoming. The committee then Stated it bad decided to permit delegations preswat to cast the full vote of their State, and that the provisional delegates be given full power to. vote

in the convention. This gave a total vote of > 1,030, although the actual number of delegates ’ 1 present feU short of that number. ; I The Committee on Permanent Organization | made the foUowlngrecommendations: For Permanent Chairman—John P. St. Joh VO of Kansas. For Secretary—Rev. Sam Small, of Georgia. '6 First Assistant Secretary—J. B. Confil, Texas. Second Assistant Secretary—Mrs. M. M. Brow of Cincinnati. \ The action of the committee was unanimously.# concurred in, and the Permanent Chairman war escorted to the platform. 11 Gov. Sf. John was introduced by TemporarP * Chairman Delano in a few felicitous word 4 Gov. St. John responded happily, complimen ing Mr. Delano upon his work in the temj>oraj organization, ojid saying that he would rath, preside over this convention than be elect* President by the rum power. He spoke encoura; J ingly of the outlook. “The old parties,” he sai. .J "are’ giving way, and our leaders, fearing tl fall of the republican Babylon, have conclude fy. not to be crushed in the fall. ” He concluded wit a reference to the lack of sectionalism in tl Prohibition party, and asked that the conventio do such work as will cause future generations t rise up and call it blessed. A memorial was presented from the Nationi JI Woman’s Christian Temperance Union askii that the platform include a plank declarii Bagainst Sunday labor of any kind so fax as ti National Congress can so legislate. 16 Bishop Turner, of the African Methodit Church, then gave his reasons for leaving the R« IS publican party and joining the I’rohibitionists. The convention then adjourned until 9 a. n p. Thursday.

Second Day's Proceedings. Two handsome vases filled with lilies of tl valley, tile latter presumably emblematic of till purity of the party, almost hid ex-Govemor Stw John from view when he called the second day® session of the National Prohibition Conventioil to order. The delegates were slow in assemfl bling, nearly all of them having participated in last night's reunion of the Blue and the Gray, which lasted until long after midnight. If they looked rather tired and sleepy, however, they were not lacking in enthusiasm, and as the leading representatives put in their appearance they received a warm welcome. Prayer was offered at 10 o’clock by Rev. A. M. Richardson of Kansas, and the routine proceedings went along smoothly until the report of the Committee on Rules was presented. The document submitted, among a number of minor recommendations, one limiting individual speeches to five minutes on any one subject. This raised a storm among the anti-woman suffregists, whose grievance was stated by Walter Thomas Mills, the “Little Giant of Ohio.” Motions upon motions were submitted, and for a time the Chairman’s gavel was given all it could do. Speeches were made while the utmost confusion reigued. Finally Mr. Christian, of Chicago, took the delegates sharply to task, and good order was restored. The previous question was ordered by a large majority; all the amendments were defeated, and the report of the committee adopted. This was a decided victory for the women’s side of the house and they cheered and cheered again. Resolutions deploring the murder of Rev. Dr. Haddock, of Sioux City, who was designated as a martyr to the cause of prohibition, were adopted by a rising vote. In the morning session the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Dr. Evans of Illinois, urged the necessity of raising the sum of #‘25,000 for campaign expenses, and culled for pledges from those present. The first pledge was made by B. F. Sturtevant of New York for SI,OOO, which was afterward doubled. In less than half an hour about .$23,000 was pledged. The wildest enthusiasm prevailed, every one giving a large sum being compelled to stand in a chair while the delegates cheered. The platform was presented at the afternoon session, and the plank reported was unequivocally in favor of unlimited suffrage. -After the Secretary, the Rev. Sam Small, had read the report of the committee, the Hou. J. M. Olin, of Wisconsin, read a minority report, ho alone disagreeing with the committee. He offered a substitute, in which the whole question of woman suffrage was relegated to the States. The platform was voted upon by sections, and when this plunk was reached the debate opened. The report of the Cominittee on Rules limited speeches to five minutes each. It seems that an agreement hud been made between Mr. Mills, of Ohio, and Prof. Bascom, formerly of Wisconsin, to take two hours each in a debate upon the suffrage plank of the platform for and against its adoption respectively. An amendment was offered to permit this under the rules, and, after a sharp debate, in which the convention was besought not to apply the gag rule, but to give the necessary time to a full discussion of this important plank, it was voted down by a tremendous majority. Speakers were therefore limited to five minutes, and a more able defense of woman suffrage or a stronger argument against incorporating it into a.party platform was never presented. In the midst of the contest over the woman suffrage plank Mr. Dickie, of Michigan, tried to compromise matters by moving that the debate be confined to two hzurs, four leading men on each side to speak. The convention would not hear of it and the wrangle proceeded. Mrs. Merriweather, of Missouri, denied that woman suffrage was opposed in the South. Those who said so knew not whereof they spoke. Prof. Olin repeated his argument substantially as contained in his report, and Sam Small, who had originally opposed the majority report;, said that it was in a spirit of compromise that they could and did sign the majority report. He urged the conventioi? to do likewise. The strongest speeches in favor of substituting the minority report were mode by Oliver and

NEAL DOW.

to her views by the argument in committee. Upon this the two shook hands, and the whole body rose to their feet and cheered for several minutes. There was never any doubt as to the temper of the convention on this question, but when the vote was taken on substitution only about seventy out of over a thousand.delegates favored the step backward. This decisive vote was followed by a scene of wild confusion. Delegates mounted their chairs, cheered, swung hats, handkerchiefs, and canes, and down the cheeks of many rolled tears of joy. It was fifteen minutes before the pounding of the Chairman with his gavel could be heard beyond the platform. Following is the representation as reported by the Credentials Committee : Alabama, 21; Arkansas, 14; California, 22; Colorado, 10; Connecticut, 17; Delaware, 6; Florida, 8; Georgia, 24; Illinois, 65; Indiana, 39; lowa, 26; Kansas, 26; Kentucky, 33; Maine, 16; Maryland, 20; Massachusetts, 41; Michigan, 45; Minnesota, 23 ; Missouri, 36; Nebraska, 17; Nevada, 4; New Hampshire, 12; New Jersey, 18; New York, 114; North Carolina, 22; Ohio, 76; Oregon, 9; Pennsylvania, 78; Rhode Island, 10; Tennessee, 25; Texas, 28; Vermont, 10; Virginia, 24; West Virginia, 16; Wisconsin, 39; Arizona, 1; Dakota, 3; Idaho, 2; Montana, 2; New Mexico, 2; Utah, 2; Washington, 2; District of Columbia, 3. Total, 1,030. The Prohibition party is, therefore, committed to the advocacy of woman suffrage as a national issue, although the platform declares prohibition to be the paramount issue. The remainder of the platform was adopted without delay. A plank presented by a colored delegate from Georgia declaring in favor of equal civil and political rights for all, coupled with the promise to defend them, was adopted. The platform adopted is as follows : “The Prohibition party, in national convention assembled, acknowledging Almighty God as the source of all power in government, does hereby declare: “1. That the manufacture, importation, exportation, transportation, and sole of alcoholic beverages shall be made public crimes and prohibited and punished as such. “2. That such prohibition must be secured through amendments of our national and State constitutions, enforced by adequate laws adequately supported by administrative authority, and to this end the organization of the Prohibition party is imperatively demanded in State and nation. “3. That any form of license taxation or regulation of the liquor traffic is contrary to good goverpment; that any party which supports regulation by license or tax enters into an alliance with such traffic and becomes the actual foe of the state's welfare, and that we arraign the Republican and Democratic parties for their persistent attitude in favor of the licensed iniquity,

Richmond of Wisconsin, Mills of Ohio, and Dow of Maine, while the other side was taken by Frances E. Willard and Dr. Evans of Illinois, Mrs. Merrywether of ■. Missouri, Mrs. Stewart <of Ohio, Small of Georgia, SBain and Craijfil of Kentucky, and others. Miss . Willard referred to the J fact that Small had come - to the convention a bitter and implacable opponent of woman suffrage, but had been converted

vhereby they oppose the demand of the people or prohibition and through open complicity with he liquor cause defeat the enforcement of law. For the immediate shoHtom pf rfie internal widow ofthat gallant Irishican soldier, Colonel James Mulligan. The Commissioner □- ■ Pensions, General John C. Bl< was also a soldier of distinctly I having enlisted when but a youi an Indiana regiment at the 1“ ginning of the war as .1 priva and from merit rcse to the rank! Biigadier General. It was no mJ take to place this brave soldier a p thorough Democrat in the pensi e office, as the record he has ma! most clearly indicates. The De uty Conlmiss : oners, Colonel Ms Lean of Indiana and General Bar lett of New York, also gallant sc diers, ffll places formerly occupii by two civilians who secured the’ places for party service. Mo’ than one-half of the medical € amining boards of the country * made up of old army surgeons, ar in the pension office nearly siiper cent, of the force is compose of the soldier element of thscou

FRANCES E. WILLARD.

remove the burdens, moral, physical, pecuniary, and social, which now oppress labor and rob it of its earnings, and would prove to be the wise and successful way of promoting labor reform ; and we invite labor and capital to unite with us for the accomplishment thereof. “12. That monopoly in the land is wrong to the people, and public land should be reserved to actual settlers, and that men and women should receive equal wages for equal work. “13. That our immigration laws should be so enforced as to prevent the introduction into our country of all convicts, inmates of dependent institutions, and others physically incapacitated for self-support, and that no person shall have the ballot in any State who is not a citizen of the United States. “Recognizing and.deeloring that prohibition of the liquor traffic has become the dominant issue in national politics, we invite to full party fellowship all those who, on this one dominant issue, are with us agreed, in the full belief that this party can and will remove sectional differences, promote national unity, and insure the best welfare of our native land. ’’ Re-solutions were also adopted by the convention favoring the payment of pensions to ex-sol-diers and sailors; indorsing the work of the Prohibition army of the blue and the grav; condemning the Democratic and Republican parties for denying the right of self-government to the 600,000 people of Dakota; and, upon motion of a colored delegate from North Carolina, a resolution declaring “that we hold that all men are born free and equal, and should be secured in their rights.” The decks were all cleared for action at the assembling of the convention in the evening and nothing detained the delegates except the nomination of candidates. The roll of the States was called for nominations, and when Kentucky was reached Mr. Bain arose and withdrew the name of the Hon. Green Clay Smith, for whom the Kentucky delegation was instructed to vote. The call proceeded until New Jersey was reached, when there arose such cheering as had not before been witnessed in the convention. Judge Morrow took the rostrum and in an eloquent speech proceeded to place the name of Clinton B. Fisk before the convention. His address was short, yet one of the most polished delivered before the convention. He paid a tribute to Gen. Fisk as a man of earnestness, a soldierstatesman, and a Christian. As he closed, the convention rose and ns one man with one impulse saluted the mention of his name. Cheer followed cheer in such rapid succession that it was impossible to distinguish them. As soon as the convention quieted down, a dozen voices were heard moving that Clinton B. Fisk be nominated by acclamation. Amid applause the question was put and carried without a dissenting voice. The nomination was then confirmed by a rising vote, and the unanimity became evident. A cloth which had concealed a beautiful floral emblem was pulled aside, revealing the words : “Hail to the Chief—Fisk." An American flag bearing the picture of Gen. Fisk with his name attached was at the same moment swung out into view. Swinging of hats, cheers and clapping of hands followed until the delegates were tired and hoarse. The demonstration was kept up for ten minutes or more, and for a time it seemed as though it would never cease. At length quiet was restored and after the formal announcement by the Chairman of the result the call of States was begun for nomination of candidates for Vice President. Alabama, through J. F. Colson, placed in nomination John T. Tanner, whofee name was received with almost equal applause to that with which the name of Fisk was received. When Georgia was reached Sam Small took the floor, and in one of the most flowery nominating speeches paid a tribute to the worth, earnestness and zeal of one of the noblest of them allGeorge W. Bain, of Lexington, Ky. Mr. Bain, immediately after the enthusiasm caused by the mention of his name had died away, pleaded with the convention not to consider his name Cries of dissent were heard, but he insisted on the plea that he was unable to stand the fatigue of the campaign, and that he would be more valuable on the stump as an agitator. The next nomination was that of John A Brooks of Kansas City, made by G. C. Christian of Chicago. The applause with which the name was greeted was hearty and general. Mr. Bennett of Kansas nominated Sam Small of Georgia, who immediately declined to run. The remaining speeches were devoted to seconding previous nominations until Texas was reached. Delegates Dickie of Michigan, Mrs. Hoffman of Missouri, Mr. Grew of New York, Miller of Oregon, and : Stevens of Pennsylvania seconded the nomination of Brooks. A number of seconds were made for Small Texas, through J. B. Canfll, nominated E. I, Doehoney. At the close of the roll-call John T. Tanner of Alabama rose and withdrew in favor of Mr. Brooks. Mr. Canfll withdrew Doehoney, and then on motion of Mr. Christian, of Illinois, the nomination of John A. Brooks was put through by acclamation with a rush. A scene like that which succeeded Fisk’s nomination followed, and for a time the convention was a seething mass of humanity, swayed by enthusiasm that was contagious. Brooks was called for and a speech insisted upon. He responded with thanks for the honor conferred, and promised to stand by the principles of the party with his life. He urged the abandonment of sectionalism, and declared that he, although once a Confederate, was now a Union man, loyal in all things, and would yield to no man in devotion to his country or the party which so completely exemplified the error of sectionalism. Aa he closed the cheers again broke forth, and a short time having been spent in making announcements, the convention, after singing and a benediction, at 12:30 adjourned 61116

JOHN M. PALMER

Portrait and Sketch of the Democratic Nominee for Governor of Illinois. John M. Palmer was born in Scott County, Kentucky, in September, 1817, and went to Madison County, Illinois, in 1831, where he studied law and was elected Probate Judge. He was a disciple of Stephen A. Douglas, was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1847, and was elected to the State Senate five years later. He broke with his party

on the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and went back to the Senate as an anti-Nebraska Democrat. In the Legislature he was one of the five who voted for Lyman Trumbull and ultimately forced the Whig members to take him up and elect him. Palmer presided over the Republican State Convention at Bloomington in 1856, and henceforth took an active part in promulgating the principles of the party. He was beaten for Congress in 1859, was a Republican elector in 1860, and the next year was one of the five Illinois delegates to the Peace Congress at Washington. When the war broke out Palmer entered the service as Colonel of the Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, and soon became a Major General of volunteers, ending his army career in charge of the military administration of Kentucky in 1865. He had several quarrels with Gen. Sherman. Gen. Palmer was an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican nomination for Senator in 1867, but the following year was made the choice of the party for Governor. It was his lot to call a special session of the Legislature after the great Chicago fire. Later his protest was made against the military occupation of the city under General Sheridan. It was under Gov. Palmer’s administration that the new Constitution of 1870 was adopted. In 1872 Palmer strayed off into the Liberal fMd as a supporter of Horace Greeley, and soon was in full fellowship with the Democratic party, where he has ever since remained. His latest appearance in public affairs was as a dele-gate-at-large to the Democratic National Convention, where he was an ardent supporter of McDonald of Indiana. April 4 last the General was married to Mrs. H. L. Kimball.

THE LABOR CANDIDATE.

Portrait of A. J. Streeter, Nominee of the Union Labor Party for , President. We publish herewith a picture of Hon. A. J. Streeter, of Illinois, who received the nomination for President at the hands of the National Union Labor Convention, re-

cently in session at Cincinnati. Mr. Streeter is a wealthy fanner, and has served two or three terms as State Senator in the Illinois Legislature. He has accepted the nomination.

ELECTRIC BREEZES.

Judge Childs, at Albion, Orleans County, N. Y., has resentenced George Wilson, the wife-murderer, to be hanged June 27. The body of the man Bonville, who was tortured and killed by the Indians near Duluth, has been found. . A large posse is hunting for the murderers. Alexander Boyle has been asked to submit a design for a statue of Horace Greeley. A concert will be given at Steinway Hall, in New York, to raise funds. The presenting for payment of a note which dull business made it inpossible to meet unnerved Peter Engstrom, a confectioner at Erie, Pa., and seizing his revolver he sent a bullet through his brain. The Ohio State Board of Pardons has passed upon the application of “Blinky” Morgan for commutation of sentence to imprisonment for life, and recommended that the time of execution be extended to sixty days from June 1. F. A. Wheeler, of the wholesale boot and shoe house of Curtis & Wheeler, of Rog'tfester, N. Y., was found dead in his berth in a sleeper on its arrival in Cincinnati, it is supposed from an overdose of chloral, as a bottle containing chloral Vraa found by hie side.

BLAINE SAYS NO.

(n a Letter to Whitelaw Reid the Maine Man Positively Withdraws. Ohio Prohibitionists Nominate a State Ticket—Other Political News. [New York dispatch.] The 7 ribune., of this city, publishes the following letter from James G. Blaine: „ Paris, Mav 17. Whitelaw Reid, Esq., Editor New York Tribune: My Deab Sib—Since my return to Paris from Southern Italy, on the Bth inst., I have learned (what I did not before believe) that my name may yet be presented to the national convention as a candidate for the Presidential nomination by the Republican party. A single phrase of my letter of Jan 25, from Florence (which was de-

cisive of everything I had the personal power to decide), has been treated by many of my most valued friends as not absolutely conclusive in ultimate and possible contingencies. On the other hand, friends equally devoted and disinterested have construed my letter (as it should be construed) to be an unconditional withholding of my name from the National Convention. They have, in consequence, given their support to eminent gentlemen who are candidates for the Chicago nomination, some of whom would not, I am sure, have consented to assume that position if I had desired to represent the party in the Presidential contest of 1888. If I should now, by speech or by silence, by commission or omission, permitmynamein any event to come before the convention, I should incur the reproach of being uncandid with those who have always been candid with me. I speak, therefore, because I am not willing to remain in a doubtful attitude. I am not willing to be the cause of misleading a single man among the millions who have given me their suffrages and their confidence. I am not willing that even one of my faithful supporters in the past should think me capable of paltering in a double sense with my words. Assuming that the Presidential nomination could by any possible chancel be offered’ to me, I could not accept it without leaving in the minds of thousands of these men the impression that I had not been free from indirection, and therefore I could not accept it at all. The misrepresentations of malice have no weight, but the just displeasure of friends I could not patiently endure. Republican victory, the prospects of which grow brighter every day, can be imperiled only by lack of unity in council, or by acrimonious contest over men. The issue of protection is incalculably stronger and greater than any man, for it concerns the prosperity of the present and of generations yet to come. Were it possible for every voter of the republic to see for himself the condition and recompense of labor in Europe, the party of free trade in the United States would not receive the support of one wageworker between the two oceans. It may not be directly in our power as philanthropists to elevate the European laborer, but it will be a lasting stigma upon bur statesmanship if we permit the American laborer to be forced down to the European level. And in the end the rewards of labor everywhere will be advanced if we steadily refuse to lower the standard at home. Yours very sincerely, James G. Blaine. VIEWS OF THE EDITORS. Opinions of the Press Upon Mr. Blaine’s East Step. The following is the editorial expression of New York papers: The World: Mr. Blaine is now definitely out of the race. After him, who ? The Star: Mr. Blaine will not be a candidate for the Presidential nomination at the Republican Convention in Chicago. The personal letter from the Plumed Knight to Whitelaw Reid settles that question beyond dispute. The Press: Mr. Blaine has positively and in unmistakable terms withdrawn himself from the Presidential race. His letter addressed to Mr. Whitelaw Reid was made necessary by the construction put upon his Florence letter by some of his more intimate friends and admirers. This letter is final.' Its language is unmistakable. The Journal: Mr. Blaine’s letter may, we think, be allowed to settle the matter. The Tribune says : This is an act of magnanimous self-abnegation rare in political history and sure to command the appreciation of his regretful but admiring countrymen. Meantime the Republican party is confronted with the immediate necessity of making another choice. The Times says : We fear that there are still some of his followers who will refuse to take even this declaration as final, but it is nearly impossible that the convention should not so take it. The process of “drafting” Mr. Blaine into the party sendee would seem to be now completely impracticable. The Herald says: The withdrawal of Mr. Blaine, by whidh he now rebukes his narrowminded and feather-headed friends by repeating and confirming, was, as we said at the time, notable statesmanship. In this more than in any other act in his brilliant and varied career he shows a calmer judgment than his followers. OTHER POLITICAL MATTERS. Ohio Prohibitionists. The Ohio Prohibitionists, at their State Convention in Toledo, nominated the following ticket: For Secretary of State, Walter F. Payne of Fostoria; for member Board of Public Works, J. Penfield of Willoughby; for Supreme Judge, John F. Moore of Jackson. Delegates to the National Convention were also chosen. The platform denounces the liquor traffic and license laws, demands absolute prohibition, declares that suffrage inheres in citizenship and should be restricted only to protect the country from the incompetent or ignorant, and favors a constitutional amendment embodying this; favors the enforcement of Sunday laws; just pensions to honorably discharged soldiers; denounces the importation of labor and trusts, and favors arbitration in labor differences. Nominated for Congress. The Allegheny County Republican Convention, at Pittsburgh, renominated Hon. John Dalzell for Representative in Congress of the Twenty-second District, and Hon. Thomas M. Bayne for Representative of the Twenty-third District. The Democratic Congressional Convention of the Fourth North Carolina District nominated B. H. Bunn by acclamation for Congress. The First Maine District Democratic Congressional Convention nominated William Emery, of Alfred, for Congress.