The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-08-08

First skirmishcs OF . Political Cam
paign.
In three important States of the Union,
representing in q great measure three sections
of the country, and having considerable in6u-
ence over these sections, preparatory steps
are being taken for the election of Governors
and other State officials. We refer to Vir-
ginia, Ohio and Massachusetts,. The first two
have just held party conventions for nominat-
ing candidates and declaring the principles
upon which they appeal to the public, and the
last has entered upon the preliminary discus
sion of the fitness and availability of those
who aspire to be nominees Virginia, before
the war, generally led the Southern States in
great political movements; and, though shorn
of its power considerably by the radical revo-
luton that followed that event and by the di-
vision of the State, it has still good deal OF in
fiuence over public sentiment in the South.
1t is reasonable to expect consequently that
the contest there though for State officials
only, will have some effect upon the politics OF
the South, and will indicate, to some extent.
the strength of parties in that section. That
it is 80 understood by the men who took
prominent part in the Virginia conventions is
evident, for in their speeches and the platform
they adopted little reference was made to local
or State questions while great deal was said
about national and sectional affairs. Ohio
the largest State of the West, may not have as
much influence over the politics of that section
as Virginia has even now over those Of the
South, but it has some corresponding to its
large population, geographical position, and
mental activity. The election in that State,
whether in favor of the democrats or republi-
cans, will go far, probably to direct the polit-
ical current in other Western States. The
Democratic Convention just held at Colum-
bus, has opened the campaign vigorously on
issues of national character mainly, as par
ties in Virginia have, which shows that the
politicians regard these coming State elections
as the first skirmishes of great
contest in the future. In Massachusetts the
nominating convention is yet to be held.
That State being thoroughly republican the
question now being agitated is not one of
party so much as of the choice of individual
candidates. Though it is the greatest of the
Eastern States, and though its radical ideas
have imbued the New England mind gen.
orally, the approaching election there is not
likely to have much political influence beyond
the limits of the State.
1t is, then, in the South and West, and in
Virginia and Ohio first where we are to look
for indications Of the strength of parties and
of the political future. And what is the pros
pect? The administration of General Grant
is strongly intrenched and fortified in and
through the republican party, and by reason
of the management of the national finances
the reduction of the public debt and the gen.
eral prosperity Of the country. It is the adj
ministration of the republican party, and that
party takes credit jointly with the President
for these things. Whatever grounds there may
be for the structures of the opposition on
the management of the national finances or
policy of the Treasury Department, the facts
that stand out prominently to impress the
people are that the debt has been reduced dur
ing the time General Grant has held Office
country is at peace and prosperous. If the
opposition argue that the prosperity of the
country arises from its resources and the in
dustry of the people and not from the admin
istration, that the finances might have been
better managed, taxation further reduced and
specie payments within nearer reach, the peo-
pie may respond that they accept what is
accomplished in preference to possibilities, and
are content. The American people are con-
sentative and apt to be satisfied with moderate
well-doing. AS long as things go on smoothly
in government they are not inclined to be
captious over some defects, to try expert
ments or to change. Herein, then, lies the
strength of the administration and the repub-
lican party. Relying upon this, and sup
ported by the President, Colonel Hughes, as
the candidate for Governor of Virginia, and
the other republican candidates for State offices,
are well fortified. The same may be said of
the republicans of Ohio. Indeed, in Ohio
they have the prestige and advantage of hav-
ing held the State tor long time by large
majorities.
Now, what issue can the democrats, or con-
servatves, as some of them prefer to call
themselves, raise to overthrow a party so
strongly intrenched? Neither political plati-
tudes nor the revival of dead issues will do,
nor will respectable candidates. such as Allen
for Governor of Ohio and Kemper for Cover
nor of Virginia, without live questions upon
which to appeal to the people. Mere denun-
citation of the administration or republican
party, even though there be faults to con-
denim, will not answer. That sort of mega
tive claim to support cannot, in these times of
comparative apathy and content, much in
Auence voters. What can or will you do for
us more than the administration party? is the
question the people ask of the democrats.
And that question after all. is the basis