Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-10-16
A SURVEY OF THE FIELD.

1t will not be claimed that the pros
poets of Messrs. Greeley and Brown are
highly hattering. The elections, espe-
cially that in Pennsylvania, not only
demonstrate the strength of the war"
still left in the hearts of the people, but
clearly exhibit the determination Of the
party in power to retain it at any hazard.
In this they are for the present sus-
tanned by great masses of partisans who
are indignant at the liberal amount of
abuse Grant has received, and have made
his fight their fight, without pausing or
caring to consider the great underlying
principles which are involved. The
smoke has partly cleared away, and it
is profitable to note the effect on men of
different parties, and to draw practical
conclusions for our use in the future.
The Republicans are so jubilant that
they consider Grant already elected and
the Liberal party destroyed like the hosts
of Sennacherib. The election news filled
them with JOY as intense as their former
apprehensions had been deep-grounded.
1t was a relief which found vent in ex-
travagant speeches and editorials, laud-
ing Grant to the skies and condemning
Forney, Curtin, and other Republicans
who opposed Hartranft, in unmeasured
terms. The assertion comes in hun
dred of the reform papers that Simon
Cameron disbursed thousands and tens
of thousands, of money drawn from
Washington, to carry the election. There
was no want of funds, for the govern
ment can command funds; and the funds,
when skilfully used, will secure thou
sands of fraudulent votes in such city
as Philadelphia and cover up all manner
of corruption, such as is charged in this
election.
1t remains to ascertain the effect Of
this damper on the Liberal movement
and its supporters. Some of them take
it to heart, and say its no use fighting
against perfect organization, with un-
limited money to use in every canvass.
This class is small, for the weak ones
went over long ago, and those who remain
of the party are somewhat accustomed
to defeat, and for the sake of principle
can endure even unto the end. Addresses
have been issued from the Liberal head
quarters in most of the Northern States,
calling upon the party to close up ranks,
take new courage, and be prepared to
make q gallant rally in November The
following is a view expressed by the
Missouri State Committee:
1t is claimed that all the Southern
States, excepting North and South Car
DINA and Mississippi will go for Gree
ley, giving him ninety-eight (9S) electoral
votes. New York, New Jersey, Connec-
ticut, Indiana, Nevada and Missouri are
regarded certain for the Liberal ticket,
giving eighty-two (S2). New Hamp-
shire Wisconsin, Minnesota, California
and Illinois, although doubtful. are con-
sidered almost certain for Greeley; at
least enough votes will be obtained from
them to render victory in Novem Der
sure.
Other committees, as well as leading
journals and politicians, have ex-
pressed a similar hope. The issue now
is principle or policy. We cannot afford
to surrender the former, or altogether
ignore the latter. The battle Of Manas-
sas did not decide the war, nor do the
October elections decide who will be the
next President.