Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1871-10-20
The Late Election 8.

The Late Elections
The entire country has been SO appalled,
by the terrible catastrophy at Chicago,
that the important elections in Pennsyl-
vania and Ohio have passed almost without
comment But the result, however great
under ordinary circumstances would have
been the excitement attending it, is not of
such q nature as to provoke great differ
ence of opinion. There has been no
change in the political status Of these two
States. Both parties have about held their
own.
La Ohio the Demo rats labored under
some disadvantages in the gubernatorial
contest. Going into the canvass with not
the most popular candidate, severe sick
ness prevented his canvas. ing the State.
Consequently there was no great effort in
that direction. The Democrats devoted
their chief labors to securing the Lsgisla-
ture, and succeeded in obtaining one ma
iority in the Senate, but with an adverse
majority of six on joint ballot.
We are not altogether certain bnt that
the result Of these two elections will be of
much benefit to the Democratic party. It
will be reoollected that four years ago,
owing to the loss OF Pennsylvania and New
Ohio, with the Legislature Democratic on
Joint ballot, the Radicals grew circum-
spect, casting aside Wade, Sheridan, Bat
Ter, Sumner and other extreme partisan
favoritts for President. TO take up General
Grant, who at that time, if not a Demo-
crat, was at least regarded as very mode
rate man in his political sentimcn
Indeed. in accepting position in Presi-
dent JoHNsoN's Cabinet, and In ''swinging
around the circle" with that functionary.
he might we'll have been classed as a
Democrat.
The Radical defeat at that time taught
them O sautary lesson, which, beyond
doubt, saved them from defeat. We have
always considered those elections, though
favorable, as most unfortunate to the
Democratic party. 1t mado their oppo-
nents more vigilant and untiring. and in
spired them with too much confidence.
There can be little doubt of the almost
unanimous denomination of President
GRANT. He can be defeated, but ID can
only be dono by the utmost prudence
upon the part of his opponents. At the
North O very considerable and iofluential
portion of the Radical party is opposed to
his reelection. This party is headed by
such men as Senators TRU1IBULL and
Schulz. Governor BROWN, of Missouri.
HORACE GREELEY, and others of the more
moderate wing of the party. OF course at
the South the ignorant negroes and I'M
principled whites, who compose ninety
nine one-hundredths of the Radical party,
will vote for the nominee. without regard
to the man. II nomination is made that
can unite the Democratic vote with the
moderate Republicans. President GRANT
can and will be defeated.
The question then arises is there euch
man? We believe there is. II We go into
the Presidential election to win, We must
ignore all smaller considerations. We
must not tilt against the wind. The South
ern people, at least, are tired of sach use
less sport. They have neither the means
nor the time to waste. Their material
more and more, demands their
entire attention. They will make no base
surrender OF principle. but they do not
care to further exhaust themselves in
useless contest.
Ii, then, the lesson Of the late elections
shall be needed by the National Demo-
cratic party it may be as fortunate MS their
successes four years ago were disastrous.