It has been discovered, during the preliminary canvass through the
United States, that the selection of Mr. James G. Blaine as candidate would divide the Republican Party. Though worshipped by his own friends, he is distrusted for many reasons, and his candidature would make the Inde- pendents and the Republican free-traders furious. He has, therefore, in a letter to Mr. Whitelaw Reid, finally retired from the contest, stating that his original withdrawal was sincere, and that he will not imperil the improved prospects of the party by an acrimonious contest over men. Mr. Blaine's retreat will diminish the bitterness of the contest over the tariff, he being a determined Protectionist ; and perhaps help to ratify the Fishery Treaty, he being, of all probable candi- dates, the one most hostile to England. It is known that the Democrats will run Mr. Cleveland for the second time, and believed that the Republicans will select Mr. Gresham, Judge of the Supreme Court, said to be a worthy and dignified candidate. It is more probable, however, judging from pre- vious elections, that the angry supporters of Mr. Blaine will insist on the Convention rejecting all known candidates and nominating a "dark horse."
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