The Republican journal., 1875-09-23
The Reason Of 1t.

w men Il uOllllllinb party mas Deen Nlrlu-
ally defeated in an appeal to the people,
as has the radical party in Maine, it is
always followed by great deal of eX-
panatory talk and specious reasoning on
the subject The Republicans Of this
State are especially prolific and ready
with this kind Of apology. They aver
! that their voters were not gotten out
that they had no organization and were
| unpreparet-that people stayed at home
carried without them-that the liquor law
| operated badly-that from these and q
hundred other causes they fell behind
These all fail to touch the true cause OF
the great falling off. The Republicans
began the campaign in this State with
great vigor, earnestness and determina-
ton. No sooner had the Democratic Con-
yention adjourned than that curious liter
airy morsel, the open letter of Smith to
Gen Roberts appeared-a performance so
amazingly stupid as to excite the wonder
| of all level headed politicians. They for
got that when q gun is charged by "envy.
malice and all uncharitableness," the
bre"nh is more dangerous than the muz-
Zle. This and other deiamatory and false
documents were printed by tens Of thou
sands and circulated by all means, fair
! and unfair, The postotlices were loaded
with Them for distribution. They were
secretly tucked into Democratic papers.
until the complaints brought down a re-
proof from the Postmaster General.
The Republican organization was as
complete as usual. Blaine put himself
personally into the work, rs vigorously
| as he ever did. and visited every portion
OF the State, by interviews and on the
stump cAhortng his adherents to exer-
ton. Everything looked well on the sur
tacc-but underneath there was that which
even the sharp eyes Of the mana ger failed
to see discomfort was there, dissatsfac-
ton with Encouragement Of public affairs,
a belief that the peoples trust was being
abused. q desire for change, and a deter
mination to bring it about. The Dcmoc-
| racy were made aware Of this. When
man has made up his mind TO change his
political utilization, his old party assoc-
ates are not matle aware Of it so soon as
their opponents. He opens his heart to
the men that he is intending to join. A
knowledge Of this state Of things inspired
! the minority to use its best efforts. This
will account for the spontaneous effort of
Democrats all over the State, which our
opponents call a thorough organization.
While the Republicans moved vigorously
the machinery of campaigns, imported
speakers, had free clam bakes. set the
army Of office holders at work, and open
ed the slulceways Of personal abuse the
democracy quietly gave the people op-
portunities to vote for change, and they
did it, The secret Of Democratic effective
ness lies mainly in these facts.
One portion of the apology made for
utledl - correct IneIe rus apathy ana
Indifference. Next to full blooded Dc
mocrat is a dissatisfied Republican who
is resolved to stay away from the polls.
He is at the halfway house, and will soon
be clear over There are many thousands
OF such, and the number is increasing.
The more they are rallied at and tainted
by their late leaders, the more they wont
60 back.
Turn and twist the matter as they may,
the conclusion is inevitable that the result
in Maine indicates the determination Of
the people to change both men and meas
tions.