Daily Kennebec Journal

THE CONVENTION.

Since the exciting canvas of 1840, probably no convention ever held in this country has called forth an interest more profound than that which attaches to the convention now assembling in the city of Cincinnati. While the clash and the clamor of the battle-field is not heard in the land, the issues of the war are altogether unsettled, and it is to be decided on this centennial year of the nation, whether the principles for which the loyal army fought, are to be carried out, or whether the government and the administration of its affairs shall be passed over to the tender mercies of those who tried to take its life. A few months' session of a democratic House at Washington has clearly demonstrated the animus of the party, and evinces what they would do had they possession of both the Senate and House and should at last be able to capture, in an evil hour, the executive.

And so the nation is looking with deep interest at the actions of the men sent up to Cincinnati, to reassert the well known platform of principles of the republican party, and to nominate a true man to illustrate and develop them in a wise, honest and impartial administration. The convention, to assemble on Wednesday, will be made up of men fresh from the masses of the republican party, in nearly every walk and calling in life, who will undoubtedly represent the average sentiment and belief of the republican party of the country. The distinguished men who will be present, whose wise councils and guiding hands have contributed to the success of the republican party in other years, will give great weight and character to the deliberations.

There will be no difficulty in arriving at correct conclusions in regard to the principles to be enunciated. The principles and policy of the republican party are known to every school-boy and the most casual observer of current events. They are written upon the hearts of men; they are indelibly stamped in the very existence of this free and restored country.

But, in regard to candidates, the contest waxes hot, as the day of final decision approaches. Until that time, we may expect that the air will be full of rumors. All the gentlemen prominently mentioned as candidates have their enthusiastic friends, who will put upon the wires and send to the "uttermost parts of the earth," highly colored reports, in which, by turns, each candidate, will appear to have the advantage.

All reports concede that Mr. Blaine is the leading candidate. The estimates put his vote on the first ballot at 250, with Morton the next strongest, and Bristow the third in the race. The whole vote of the convention is 792; necessary for a choice, 377. It is proof conclusive that Mr. Blaine is the strongest candidate, because all opposers in their estimates only begin to figure with the assumption, "provided Mr. Blaine is out of the way."

Most of the "providential probabilities" also that come from Cincinnati, place Mr. Blaine in the foreground. No man in the country is probably so enshrined in the hearts of the people as Mr. Blaine. He has withstood every effort to break down his character, and has squarely and boldly met all antagonists, and turned their deadly and devilish weapons upon themselves, and he stands before the country more beloved and respected than before the base attacks were made upon him. The object of these attacks was so apparent that they awakened a just indignation in the popular mind, and really united in the support of Mr. Blaine all who like fair dealing and who hate unjust and unwarranted persecution.

The first day of the convention will be taken up in the organization, routine business, and deciding upon the claims of contesting delegations. The balloting for candidates for President and Vice President will not take place until Thursday, and may possibly be deferred until Friday. Our despatches this morning will give the full particulars of the preliminary situation. All due allowance for the usual amount of gossip and street talk must be made. Mr. Blaine's friends are confident of his nomination on the second or third ballots. Great enthusiasm is manifested for him on every side as the delegations and other friends pour into the city.

We believe that could the people of this country vote directly upon the question to-day, they would elect Mr. Blaine President by an overwhelming majority, and the prospect is bright that the representatives of the party at Cincinnati will reflect this sentiment. The nomination of Mr. Blaine will secure victory at the polls in November. We have to wait but a little, confident that these delegates will act for the welfare of the country, and the good of the republican party.