Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1874-11-13
THE EARTHQUAKE.

That is what the papers call the perform
ance of Nov. 3 at the ballot boxes in the
various states, and pretty appropriate ap-
pellation it is. Things in general were pref
ty thoroughly shaken up and overturned IN
the political world. Various causes are as
signed for the overturning by different au-
thorities, but nearly all agree that it is not
so much demonstration of the increasing
strength OF the democratic party as of the
waning power of the republican party.
Instead of democrats winning victory, re.
publicans have won defeat.
For few years in the past the republican
party, holding the reins of government, has
been made to bear load of corruption which
has now proved too much for it, aud the
party is swampcd-whether permanently or
temporarily depends upon the future course
of the leaders Of the party. Credit Mobilier
swindles, the salary grab, the District OF
Columbia frauds, the Sanborn-Jayne con-
tracts, the Kellogg usurpation in Louisiana
upheld by government baYonets-all these
have told against the republican party, as a
party. Besides, the principles which sepa-
rated the two parties at an earlier day no
longer do so. The issues which called them
into existence are dead. The only practical
difference between the two factions is the
difference between the I" ms and the " outs, u
and the struggles of each party instead OF
being for principle were for power. The
people Of America are not all fools; they
see these things, and the result is spirit OF
disgust for the old-time wire.worked caucus
and its nominations, and Of independence
at the ballot box. This spirit is what elect
ed Denison against both the regular nominees
in this district, Prof. Seelye in the 10th
Massachusetts, district, score Of democratic
candidates in districts where the majority Of
voters had been republicans, and independ
ent reform candidates in good many otheI
places in the country.
In New York, Gen. Dix, tho republican
candidate and the present incumbent, was
defeated by Mr.. Tilden. We regret the de
feat of Dix, because he has shown a spirit o
| independence and hrmness which has beer
wanting 10 some governors Of that state
lie has steadily refused to pardon men o.
the Tweed stamp who have been overtakcr
by justice. Whether Tiden will do as wei
remains to be seen.
In Massachusetts, it must be admitted that
the anti-prohibtion vote defeated Mr.. Talbot
lie had shown himself firm friend of pro
hibition, with backbone enough to veto bill
when he considered it his duty, but popular
feeling is not yet educated up to the point o
sustaining prohibition. Gen. Banks, who
was elected over Mr. Gooch, the republican
candidate, is an advocate Of the salary grab
The defeat of Ben Butler and DIR. Aver
causes rejoicing among the friends of reform
The talk about the probability of the nom
ination of Gen. Grant for third term as
the candidate of the republican party il
1876 has helped to bring about this defeat
and if the party have the hardihOOd to under
take to run him as their candidate the de-
feat which at the best is probable will b.
rendered certain. We like Gen. Grant. As
general he was successful, as a president
he has been almost equally so. While he
has made some mistak es height have
made a good many more. Bat the idea of