THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN AMERICA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3130, 6 August 1892, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN AMERICA.

From our American files we glean some interesting particulars relative to the Presidential election, now occupying the public attention throughout the States, The most noteworthy feature so far, has been the startling and unexpected resignation of his office by Chief Secretary Blaine, and his sudden willingness to accept the republican nomination. Telegraphic information has, of course, told us of the utter failure of this political move, but the motives which actuated Mr Blaine—who is credited with being one of the most able, and clear-headed men in the States—in taking such a hazardous step, without consulting with his oldest and closest political colleagues, appears, even to the American people, to be inexplicable. It' will be remembered that in February last, Mr Blaine wrote a letter to the leader of his party, absolutely declining a nomination. So far as we can judge, the prevailing impression is, that the ex-Secretary of State was forced into the position, partly, by a section of his followers who were animated more by their bitter hostility to the President, than from any love for Mr Blaine, and also through the personal influence of Mrs Blaine, who was dead against the President. That this split in the ranks of the republican party, involving as it does the defection of so strong a man as the late Secretary, will weaken them greatly, is unquestioned. That it may lead to a democratic victory is also considered possible. Turning to the last-named political party. It is singular to note that the leading Democratic journals attribute the weakness of their party, both at the last and at the present election, mainly to the obstinaoy with which a powerful seotion adhere to their determination to put up ex-President Cleveland as a candidate, and no other. As a New York paper puts it: "The Republicans are endeavouring to nominate their most popular man to run for the Presidency, while the Democrats are as determined to nominate the most unpopular man. So far as this colony is concerned, our interest in the Presidential contest is pretty well confined to the fixed quesfouns involved. The re-election of General Harrison would oertainly mean a continuance of the heavy Protection tariff now in force, which has done so much towards checking- a healthy international trade. It is not improbable, however, that the fallacies of Protection, which appear to be getting more and more obvious every day to intelligent Americans (particularly those engaged in agriculture), may be the means of making the coming election a closer thing wan many anticipate.