The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-09-12


r.-o of tbo recent elections in California
- W.,no ara likely to be beneficial, rather
tbsn otherwise, upon the Republican canvass
IN this State. All that we need here to give
ma an easy victory is sufficient interest in the
olootion 70 call out full vote We shall
now have an active campaign. The Demo
orats. stimulated by the hope that victory is
nossibly within their grasp, and equally by
tbe conviction that the only chance they have
IN the Presidential contest next year depends
upon their carrying several of the larger
States this fall, will put forth their best
efforts. A fortnight ago they were disposed
to let the election go by default. Now they
will contest it with all the vigor they possess.
We have only to put forth similar efforts, and
TO 90 directly to the people with those great
national issues which Andrew Johnson is
forcing upon the country, to achieve as glo-
rious victory as we did last fall. Our party
is thoroughly organized; we have no distract
ing local issues; our candidates are able and
popular; and all that we need is to make
an open, active, energetic canvass, and
we shall succeed. Despite all the clamor
their tactics in this campaign, the elections in
California and Maine reveal no popular reac-
ton upon the great overshadowing issues of
the hour. In California our party became un-
fortunately divided over local issues and can
didates, while the Democrats were united,
and had nominated candidate for Governor
almost Republican himself in politics, and
of great personal popularity. The State to-
day is good for ten thousand majority in the
Presidential canvass. In Maine our vote was
decreased by the folly of forcing temperance
issue upon the people. National politics were
hardly alluded to in the campaign. Maine is
as sure for Republican majority next year as
she ever was. 1t would be no damage to the
Republican supremacy in New England if
parties we're little more equally divided
there anyhow. A good, fair working majority
is best both for the party and for the people.
1t is to be observed, too, that in both Cali
foYnia and Maine the elections were too early
to allow the recent extraordinary proceedings
of Andrew johnson to have much influence
upon the canvass. Had they been month
later different results would have been seen.
There is nothing, therefore, to discourage
Republicans or to alarm them as to the result
of the canvass in our own State. There is,
however, enough to stimulate them to active
and systematic effort. The canvass from now
until its close should be prosecuted with a
vigor commensurate with the Importance of
the issues involved. These issues are simply
whether the process of rapid and peaceful
reconstruction, so happily progressing under
the laws of Congress, should be interrupted
and delayed by the unconstitutional inter-
ference of the President whether, indeed,
the President shall obey the law, or whether
he shall make it; whether he shall be the
peoples servant or their master; whether his
insane "policy," which is sending up the price
Of gold, embarrassing trade, prostrating busi-
ness, and jeopardzing all the interests of the
people, shall be forced upon the country; or
whether the people shall remain their own
rulers, make their own laws, and maintain
republican form of government. The path
upon which Mr.. Johnson has entered is the
path of national ruin and degradation. 1t in
wolves the destruction of the business inte-
rests of the country. 1t keeps the people in a
continued state Of agitation and uncertainty.
1t has nothing to recommend it, and every
thing TO condemn it.
Let these issues be fairly pressed home upon
the people, and we have no fears for the result.
But all this implies active, persevering, and
well-directed effort. All the usual agencies
brought to bear in our great political contests
should at once be invoked We hava n hattla
on our hands, but we shall whip the enemy
five make efforts worthy of success.