The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-09-05

the people, have their minds fixed on the
great quadrennial event. 1t is the pole of
magnetic influence. Home political ques-
tions-that is, those of the States
and municipalities, which affect more
directly the interests of our citizens,
do not engage public attention as
much as federal politics, and particularly in
the election of President. This is seen in
the larger vote polled at a Presidential election
than on any other occasion. Though there
may be more votes cast at local elections gene
rally during the few months preceding the
election for President than at other times,
that is not caused by unusual interest in local
affairs, but chiefly by the bearing these cleo
tons have on the great struggle for federal
power and patronage. This has been so to
great extent throughout the history of the re-
public, but it has been more marked and
striking of late. The federal government
has acquired, through the growth of the
country and population, and since the war,
through its enormous revenue and expendi-
lures, vast accession of power. Then the
tendency of the political changes that have
resulted from or followed the war has been to
centralize power in the federal government,
and, as o consequence, to nationalize the
ideas and aspirations Of the people.
The apparent enthusiasm which followed
Immediately the action of the Liberal Repub-
lican Convention and the Baltimore Conven-
ton, and which appeared to be kept up for
time has subsidized. The combined movement
startled the country by its novelty and SEEM
ing earnestness and unanimity. A host Of
prominent and able men fathered it, and all
went on swimmingly for awhile The cleo
ton in North Carolina was really more favor
able to the combined party than to the regular
republicans; but in losing the Governor,
though by small majority, an impression
was left that the republican party was still
strongly intrenched, and that the opposition
was weaker than expected. From that time
reaction appears to have set in Mr. Gree
leys popularity seems to have been waning.
The election in Vermont has shown
that the regular republicans hold their
power in that State, and even among those
New England farmers who, it was thought,
the same time, comes the Louisville Conven-
ton to ventilate Mr.. Greeley's character and
pretensions, to spread broadcast over the coun-
try damaging arguments, and to create o diver
sion. True, there is time enough yet to
make vigorous campaign if the candi-
date of Cincinnati and Baltimore has suf-
ficient elements Of popularity in him
or the movement he. represents is pop
ular. Much will depend upon the State
of New York. Should tho Conventions at
Syracuse make the right nominations, and the
combined parties work vigorously, they may
carry the State both in the local and Presi-
DENTAL elections. Mr.. Greeley, no doubt,
will carry most of the Southern States, and it,
in addition to these, he can get the vote of New
York, he may run close race with General
Grant He might even reach the Executive
chair. But great deal of work has to be
done and more enthusiasm must be awakened
for Mr.. Greeley, or, from the present aspect of
the political contest, General Grant will be re-
n1acfa1