7 FEBRUARY 1880, Page 2

The first State " Convention " of the Republican party

in America to nominate a candidate for the Presidency is that of Pennsylvania. It was held this week, and attended by 246 members. It was at first believed that General Grant and Mr. Blaine would have equal chances, but it soon appeared that the General was supported by a majority. It was proposed that the delegates from Pennsylvania to the National Convention of the party to be held in the summer should be instructed to

nominate General Grant, and this was carried by 133 to 113. An amendment removing General Grant's name and inserting Mr. Blaine's was defeated, by 115 to 95, and no other name was so much as discussed. It is believed that this vote will give the cue to the whole North and West, and that Mr. Blaine's party will support his opponent, on an agreement that if for any reason the ex-President should not stand, the unbroken party vote should be thrown for Mr. Blaine. The latter can- didate, though an able man, is far too ruse for the taste of 'outsiders, and a good deal will depend upon the candidate selected by the Democrats. He will, it is believed, be either Mr. Tilden or Senator Bayard.