New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-11-04
THE OUTLOOK.

THE OUTLOOK,
The Republican party was beaten in 1874
by Grautism. The Democratic party has
been beaten in 1875 by imitation. The
elections Of the two years, taken together
proye the existence of an Independent
vote which has both the power and the intel
ligence to dictate the result in 1876, ana 10
secure the triumph of sound principles.
Ii will be claimed that Democratic heresies
on the money question, ayowed Ill other
States, had nothing to do with the result Ill
New-York. So it was claimed last year that
hostility to Grantism had no effect IN tins
State, where Gov. Dix openly declared
against n third term. But voters understand
that neither Republicans nor Democrats in
anv one State arc entirely independent oil then
marty associates in other States. The conduct
of Democrats III other States has produced
n profound dstrust Of that party. Western
and Southern Democrats have been h0Whng
for initiation and reputation, and men who
care for national honor or business prosperity
were alarmed. They were not sure that this
dangerous element might not control the party
in IFS next National Convention. They were
afraid to give greater power and prestige to
party which might, only year hence, be found
assailing the public honor. Thus Democracy
has not only been beaten in Ohlo and Penn
sylvania, where the worst element was per-
mittcd to control it, but it has lost votes
everywhere else, and has escaped defeat in
New-YoIk only because the personal strength
of Gov. Tildon. and the courage with which
he has pushed great reforms. brought many
Independent voters to it's support.
On the other hand, the Republican party has
prevailed in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts,
and Wisconsin, and has reduced the majority
against it in Now-York only 10y emphatic dee
laratons in each State Convention against
the thrd-tc movement. which contributed
so largely to its defeat last year. by these
resolutions, by placing itself under the dlrec-
tion of Vorthier men, and by hearty approval
of the reforms which Secretary BIistow has
been making, that party has invited the aid
of those independent voters whom the danger
ous tendencies of Democracy on the finance
question had alarmed. No doubt, Giantlsm
will claim that Republican gains, especially in
this State, are proof Of TeyIvipg confidence III
tbc Administration. This Is one misfortune
which, as we pointed out before the election,
Republican gains in this state involve. Those
who hope to save the Republican party from
shameful overthrow will now have the harder
task. because the worst clements OF that party
Will take COURAGE and work desperately to re-
tain the control. The Republican party can he
saved only by pressing constantly upon pubic
attention the fact that its gains have been due
TO its pledges against the reelection OF Grant
and its support OF practical lciOrms.
Tins the result is warning to both par
lies. 1t warns the Democratic party that II
cannot succeed except by absolute fidelity to
the national honor, and vigorous prosecution
of administrative reforms. ii warno the Re
pnblican party that ii can escape such an over
whelming defeat as it met III 1874 only ~
casting overheard Grant and Gantisn, ana
placing the control in the hands o. It's plrcst
and best elements. The Democrats have
gained Mississippi. The rule of the carpet
Dagger breaks down even in that state, with
its majority of colored voters. The South lii
1876 viii be nearly Or quite unit against
that corrupt conspiracy which has OF late used
the Republican name. Not only New \ ORR, by
strong majority. bat Massachusetts, and Con
Lectcut Ncw-JerScy and Pennsylvania,
Ohio. Indiana, and Wisconsin, would vote
against Grant or any man Identiiled with
the corrupt set which he represents, ii the
money que ston were out of the way. Bui not
one of these Northern states, except possibly
Indiana. can be carried by the Democrats if
they make war upon the public credit, and the
Rcpublicans nominate candidate not cspe-
cialy objectionable II the Democratic party is
wise enough TO put the money question out OF
tie Presidential contest, by adopting measure
of resumption this Winter, and nominating
candidate known TO be sound on that Issue, 1t
will narrow the contest TO one of administra-
tive reform. With years of jobbery in Con-
gress, and corruption in the civil service to
investigate and discuss, it would have in such
a contest decisive advantage, unless the Re-
publican party should rid Itself of Grantism
more completely, and make wiser selection
OF candidates than now seems probable.
The independent voter surveys the situation
with complacency. He has taught the Demo
Gratis, 10y singing defeats, that they must get
rid of all 'nnsoundness respecting the cur
rency and the public honor. He has taught
the Republicans, by defeats even more severe.
that they must get rid OF Gantisni, reform the
civil service, and conduct it with regard TO