The Removal of Mr. Sumner.
The removal of Mr. Sumner from the chairmanship of the Committee on Foreign Relations continues the exciting topic of conversation in all political circles, its probable effect upon the future of the Republican party, and the renomination of President Grant, are fully discussed. All Republicans, except a few of Mr. Sumner’s personal enemies in the Senate, agree that the occurrence is very damaging to the party, and may prove disastrous. In short, that it was a gross political blunder. The Democrats are highly elated about the affair. They say the renomination of President Grant is inevitable, because there is no man of sufficient strength to oppose him, but that his defeat will follow as a sure result of the dissensions among the Republicans. Many leading Republicans, on the other hand, assert that Grant’s renomination is now out of the question, and that is necessary to begin to look about for a more available candidate if the party is to be saved from defeat. They argue that the entire body of New England Republicans will be hostile to him on account of Mr. Sumner’s removal, and that it has alienated also all the original antislavery men throughout the country, who have always formed the active working element of the Republican party. There is already much canvassing in relation to the merits and popularity of many prominent public men, with a view of their possible candidacy for a Republican nomination. Among other names those of Colfax, Blaine, Sumner, Logan, Cox and Schenck are chiefly mentioned.