The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1869-10-22
The October Elections.

The late elections in Pennsylvania and
Ohio have been very close. considering
the number ofvoters in these large states.
The result has been considered doubtful,
rs the Democrats from the first, organized
for desperate fight. They determined
on this issue to open the campaign of
1872. Hence in Ohio they brouhgt forward
their favorite, and strongest man, Pcndle-
ton. whom they intented to run for their
next President. II successful. Then the
ratification Of the fifteenth amendment,
seemed about TO turn upon this pivot
With Ohio secure, they believed the other
States yet TO vote on the amendment or
portion of them at least, sufficient to de-
feat the measure, would wheel into line,
from the reaction whichwould take place,
and this be the beginning to them Of bet
ter DAYS. They had two advantages In
the onset. one was, the control they had
held Of the State Legislature for nearly
two years the second was the advantage
they hoped to gain from lull or reaction
in the Republican party, after success
full campaign, which is too apt to ensue.
They went to the fight enthusiastic, and
sure Of success so sure were they, that In
many places, the .unterri6edn had made
great preparations to celebrate their pro-
spective victory. Never was a party
more sanguine ofsuccess, and never defeat
more humiliating. Thanks to the Buck
ewes, who have shown themselves worthy
of the soil that bears them True to their
country for which their noble sons poured
out their blood in the dark hours Of rebel
lion, when they left their homes, their
docks and their fields to crush the uprising
Zoe, and now true TO their manly natures,
on the 18th they quit, for n proud day,
their rich harvest fields, to perpetuate the
principles for which they fought.
Ohio is safe, and this is the cementing
link in the fifteenth amendment to the
Constitution, which makes every man In
our broad land freeman in equal rights
and privileges Ten thousand majority for
the State ticket. with good working
Republican Legislature sets the matter at
rest and let 1t be.
In Pennsylvania local interests were
very much against the Republicans.
Gov. Geary, whether justly or not had,
become exceedingly unpopular. Politi-
clans had become dissatisfied with Gen.
Grants appointments which left their
chief out Of his Cabinet, who claimed a
position there; and charged the cause
thereof to Gov. Gcary.'s influence. Others
were disaffectcd on account OF certain
revenue appointments, all Of which hada
disheartening effect, so much so that he
run Gar behind the party ticket. On the
other hand, the democrats brought for
ward their richest and most popular man.
Mr.. Packer, like Mr., Pendleton, had been
pressed for President in the last Demo-
cratic National Convention. He was
very popular in the coal regions, wherche
had amasscd wealth to the amount Of twen-
ty millions. and it was expected he would
pour out money like water, to secure his
election; yet he is defeated by decided
vote. The men of Pennsylvania consid-
cred liberty too dearly purchased to DO
sacrificed to the Moloch of disappointed
ambition, or bought with gold.
Iowa went as every body expected she
would. only little more so. Thiry-fve
thousand majority should satisfy every
one, unless they want the whole. The
decision in these elections must and will
inspire the confidence of men everywhere,
at home and abroad, in the integrity and
stability Of our nation.