Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-11-06
THys ELECTION.


THys ELECTION.
The RETURNS Of the local, State and
national ele ction held yesterday, as
printed in the columns Of the LEDGER
today, wild be found, in the language Of
Horace Greeley, mighty interesting
readin's' Our New York dispatches
will be,read with eagerness by all who
are studying the causes and effects Of
the remarkable campaign which has
just closed. 1t is apparent now, if moi
before, that the Presidential contest was
really fought in Pennsylvania, Ohio and
Indiana at the October elections. The
Republicans have triumphed at every
point, and won an easy victory over a
psrty composed of many elements
which had recently been brought to-
gether, and like some substances known
in chemistry, would not assimilate
and become one compact body. The
organization was imperfect, and every
man seemed bent on fighting on his own
hook. Consequently the Grant party
hooked in the spoils, or. to use race
course term, walked over the track.
Many of the Democrats were disguised
at the predicament in which they found
themselves, and neglected to go to the
polls. The Republicans, elated and
confident, polled their utmost strength.
Nor was that all; many Democrats and
even ex-Confederates voted for Grant.
They thought they were justified in SO
doing, and the future course Of Grant
administration will disclose whether their
forecast was correct or incorrect. The
successful party can, by liberal course
toward the vanquished, retain all who
voted with it or assisted Democratic de-
feat by remaining away from the ballot
bex. Grants orators have told us from
every stump that the national Republican
PARTY was inclined to adopt the most
liberal policy, and they certainly will
have an opportunity to make good their
words. Maynard is probably elected
at least johnson is not, and this fact is
some comfort to our disorganized Dem
ocratic forces in the midst of overwhelm-
ing and unprecedented defeat. We
have opposed Johneon because we be-
lieved he would representa- class of the
people, and only irritate Congress into
acts of retaliation on Ten
nessee for sending such disa-
greeable representative into their midst.
We advocated General Cheatham, believ-
ing him TO be honest and worthy, and a
man who would, to the best of his ability,
work for his people, regardless of politics
or previous condition" In any event
we have escaped calamity if johnson
is defeated. Mr.. Maynard has solemnly
assured us that he has no prejudice to
crafty and no i'll will at any man for
going with the South. In this we hope
he is sincere, and if he is elected he may
thank a number Of Democrats and ex-
Confederates for it, as numbers Of these
men, evenin Memphis, voted for him and
for Grant. Barbour Lewis, it is thought,
has been elected to Congress over Col.
Landon c. Haynes. The friends of
the latter seemed to take it for
granted that he would be elected, and
manifested the most unaccountable
apathy. They had no concert of action,
and probably let the election go by de-
fault. The rest Of the ticket suffered
likewise. The Democratic nominees for
the Legislature were slaughtered in the
house of their friends, except Messrs.
overton and A. B. Haynes for the lower
House, who were kindly treated by the
supporters of the Independent ticket.
While we regret especially that the regu-
lar nominees for the Legislature were
not elected, it is fortunate for the people
that the successful ticket was made up of
gentlemen Of personal worth, integrity
and sound intelligence. Let us hope
that they will prove equal to the grave
responsibilities so suddenly thrust upon
them. The election being over we hope
that capital will be unlocked that bust
ness will revive, and the people find
something to do more profitable and
pleasant than politics. The effect of
the election upon the country we will
consider hereafter when we have reeov-
cred from the shock of defeat, foreshad-
owed in recent editorials.