29 JANUARY 1876, Page 2

The contest for the American Presidency has commenced, the Republicans

of Maine having nominated Mr. J. G. Blaine for President, while the Democrats are everywhere preaching up Governor Tilden, of New York. These, with General Grant, are the most probable candidates, though none of them are finally chosen until the Conventions meet in Autumn. It is quite possible these bodies may dismiss them all, preferring to run "dark horses" who are less hated than Mr. Blaine is by Southerners, or than Mr. Tilden is by the Inflationist party. Still, these are the most probable names.