The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-09-23

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naturally desire to examine into the causes
that led thereto-in other words, to understand
the philosophy Of the case. In the matter Of
the recent elections in Vermont and Maine the
reasons for the results are 80 identical that
taking one State as text might be sufficient
in an argument for both. But we propose to
look over both fields and draw our conclusions
accordingly. G
| 1t is not because these two Now England
States went republican by large'majorities that
creates surprise; it is the circumstances under
which this state of things was brought about
that invest these elections with peculiar inter-
est For weeks prior to the days of election
Gin Vermont September l, in Maine
on the 9th) it was confidently predicted that
the secession from the regular republican
ranks would be so formidable as to create
panic in the old party, and that stampede
would follow, which, joining with the demo-
cratic forces, would sweep the republicans from
their strongholds. For example, in the State of
Vermont it was predicted by the liberal lead
ers that at least fifteen thousand would leave
the republicans and join hands with the demo-
Gratis; that at least one hundred coalitionists
would be elected to the Legislature, thus plac-
ing MIR. Morrilrs reelection to the United
States Senate in jeopardy, for he is not uni
versally popular with his own party, and that
the republican majority for Governor would
be SO reduced as to give encouragement to the
anti-administration movement all over the
country especially in Maine. But the re-
suit proved the fallacy of these cal
culations Mr.. Converse, the republican
candidate for Governor, was elected by a
majority that astonished the republicans them
selves, and the coalitionists instead of having
one hundred members of the Legislature were
obliged to content themselves with about
twenty. If there had been less Boosting and
more organization among the liberals and
democrats the result might have been differ
ent. AS it was, the returns showed that the
organization of the regular republicans was
perfect and that when the liberals went to the
polls they were so mortified at the appearance
of their shattered forces and the lukewarmness
of their democratic allies that they inconti-
nently threw down their arms and were glad
to be allowed to re-enter their old repub-
ican camps. From observation we do not
think there was much Washington money
used in the Vermont canvass (no Congressman
having to be elected), although it is well
known that the expenses Of naturalizng foreign
voters were more literally paid by the repub-
icans than by the allies opposed to them.
In the State of Maine number Of causes
contributed to cement the republican party and
help it along on the high road to very re-
markable victory, particularly in the Congress
sional districts. In the first place, the repub-
icans held all the State and federal offices, in
Guiding revenue assessors, collectors, inspec-
tors, clerks and the innumerable army of other
officials that SO admirably helps to keep up the
expenses Of the government and to furnish
tried bread and butter veterans in periods Of
political contests like that just passed. In
Maine unlike Vermont, large amount of
Washington money was spent to secure the
Congressional districts. It was no unusual
thing to hear Washington agent, pointing to
respectable looking rustic on q country
road say, II have been in the habit of
paying that man three dollars for his
L
other, 81 used to pay that man five dollars for
his vote; have now to pay him ten." This
money, we have no reason to doubt, was ex-
pressly used for the purpose named-to secure
the Congressman at all hazards; for the party
managers did not know how far that famous
'tidal wave might extend, even if it did not,
mayhap, overwhelm themselves in political
torrent AS party workers the republicans
had ON immense advantage over the allies.
Led by that adroit tactican, Speaker Blaine,
every town was canvassed, the weakened
threatened, the impecunious tickled, the
doubtful cajoled with promises of Of
fee and cash in hand. The State was
overrun with able speakers, so that
there was gathering in almost
every prominent town on every day and night
Immediately preceding the election. The re-
publican committees Hospitality entertained
their visiting speakers had good music, fire.
works-but no ''fre-water' and kept up the
party fires until the pine woods were all
ablaze On the other hand the democrats
unusually popular and capable, were unable
to cover the State as it should be in SO i'm
portant campaign, and were blessed with
State Executive Committee that was particu-
larly conspicuous for its impecuniosity. So
distinguished was it in this particular that it
suffered principal speaker, an Ex-Governor
Of an adjoining State, on one occasion, after an
open-air night speech in q country village, to
retire to his bed in his hotel in Portland
without being accommodated with q cup
of tea that he had applied for. To be
sure, the democrats did not hold the purse
strings Of official patronage in either State or
federal connection; but it would seem from all
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