_Question_. Colonel, the fact that you took no part in the late
campaign, is a subject for general comment, and knowing your former
enthusiastic advocacy and support of Blaine, the people are somewhat
surprised, and would like to know why?
_Answer_. In the first place, it was generally supposed that Blaine
needed no help. His friends were perfectly confident. They counted
on a very large Catholic support. The Irish were supposed to be
spoiling to vote for Blaine and Logan. All the Protestant ministers
were also said to be solid for the ticket. Under these circumstances
it was hardly prudent for me to say much.
I was for Blaine in 1876. In 1880 I was for Garfield, and in 1884
I was for Gresham or Harlan. I believed then and I believe now
that either one of these men could have been elected. Blaine is
an exceedingly able man, but he made some mistakes and some very
unfortunate utterances. I took no part in the campaign; first,
because there was no very important issue, no great principle at
stake, and second, I thought that I had done enough, and, third,
because I wanted to do something else.
_Question_. What, in your opinion, were the causes for Blaine's
defeat?
_Answer_. First, because of dissension in the party. Second,
because party ties have grown weak. Third, the Prohibition vote.
Fourth, the Delmonico dinner--too many rich men. Fifth, the Rev.
Dr. Burchard with his Rum, Romanism and Rebellion. Sixth, giving
too much attention to Ohio and not enough to New York. Seventh,
the unfortunate remark of Mr. Blaine, that "the State cannot get
along without the Church." Eighth, the weakness of the present
administration. Ninth, the abandonment by the party of the colored
people of the South. Tenth, the feeling against monopolies, and
not least, a general desire for a change.
_Question_. What, in your opinion, will be the result of Cleveland's
election and administration upon the general political and business
interests of the country?
_Answer_. The business interests will take care of themselves.
A dollar has the instinct of self-preservation largely developed.
The tariff will take care of itself. No State is absolutely for
free trade. In each State there is an exception. The exceptions
will combine, as they always have. Michigan will help Pennsylvania
take care of iron, if Pennsylvania will help Michigan take care of
salt and lumber. Louisiana will help Pennsylvania and Michigan if
they help her take care of sugar. Colorado, California and Ohio
will help the other States if they will help them about wool--and
so I might make a tour of the States, ending with Vermont and maple
sugar. I do not expect that Cleveland will do any great harm.
The Democrats want to stay in power, and that desire will give
security for good behavior.
_Question_. Will he listen to or grant any demands made of him by
the alleged Independent Republicans of New York, either in his
appointments or policies?
_Answer_. Of this I know nothing. The Independents--from what I
know of them--will be too modest to claim credit or to ask office.
They were actuated by pure principle. They did what they did to
purify the party, so that they could stay in it. Now that it has
been purified they will remain, and hate the Democratic party as
badly as ever. I hardly think that Cleveland would insult their
motives by offering loaves and fishes. All they desire is the
approval of their own consciences.
--_The Commonwealth_, Topeka, Kansas, November 21, 1884.