The decision of the Republican Convention, which met at Chicago
on Tuesday, as to their candidate for the Presidency will hardly be known till this afternoon. It is evident that none of the leading competitors, Mr. Blaine, Mr. Edmunds, and President Arthur, are sure of a majority ; and the probabilities are in favour of a "dark horse," Mr. Robert Lincoln being the favourite. He would be known to the whole people, would be supported by the Reformers, and ought to have the unbroken Negro vote. The platform of the party has been accepted, and endorses Protection in all departments, especially the wool trade, the reform of the Civil Service, and a "wise reduction of the revenue surplus "—not to be made "horizontally." The party, moreover, wish the Navy to be made strong, eight hours to be made the legal day for labour, Chinamen to be excluded, and railway rates to be regulated by the _State, so that there be no excessive charges for transportation. Moreover, they wish to resume all land grants not used, and to prevent the massing of large areas of land in single hands, especially those of foreigners. A great effort, in fact, has been made to attract all numerous classes,— except those who suffer by Protection duties, who are the most numerous of all. If the Democrats are wise, they will get rid of their fears about the Eastern States, and declare for complete Free-trade.
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