New-York tribune., 1876-10-28

members a score of Republicans. L. l. W.
THE XXIID CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.
REPUBLICAN GAINS - REELECTION OF NR. BAG
LEY CONFIDENTLY PREDTCTED-THE UNFOhTC-
NATE RECORD OF THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE.
lFROM A STAFF CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE.l
WATERTowX, Oct. 27.-George A. Baelcy, the
Republican representative of this district IN Con-
gress. will probably he reelected by majority It
least twice as great as it was in 1874, when he hea'
his Democratic competitor, Graves, by 1,136 votes.
He is not man whose candidacy contributes much
strength to his party though his excellent personal
character and his prominence as a manufacturer
give him a certain amount OF popularity mere
among his neighbors. Without much effort on his
part for he is not public speaker, and has until re-
Gently hear, given little time and attention to the
canvass, he will be carried through with the re-
mainder of the ticket and his return to the next
House of Representatives, he is not likely to DO
ANYTHING of which his constituents will have reason
to be ashamed.
The Democrats of this district have made an
fortunate nomination. Mr.. George w. Smith, their
candidate was in 1865 County Judge in Oneida
and Republican in politics. Major John A. Had
dock, Acting Assistant Provost Marshal for that dis
trct was accused Of having committed frauds IN re-
cruiting and was tried by cOurtmartial, convicted
and sentenced to pay a fine of 900 and TO be I'M
prisoned An effort was made to imphcate Judge
Smith in these and other illegal or dishonest prac-
tices and il succeeded far that the Governor was
induced to submit the matter to the State
Senate in a special message and that body
after a full examination, decided that SIX
of the nine counts in the Indictment
had been proved, and voted to remove him from his
office. The publication of this story in The hcd
Herald immediately after Mr.. Smiths nomination.
and its reproduction in the Republican newspapers
of this district, at once placed the DeLocrats here
at disadvantage for it forced them to enter at
once ON defensive and explanatory canvass and
it makes very little difference whether the acton
of the Senate was right and sustained by the evi-
dence OF was brought about by improper influences
and for the purpose of destroying an active and
troublesome political opponent the record itself ms
il stands is heavy weight for any candidate or any
party to carry. The Democrats of Jefferson County
understood this and opposed Mr.. Smiths nomina-
ton, but the delegates from Herknner and Lewis
were in the majority.
Soon after his nomination Mr.. Smith published a
long explanation aud defense Of himself which he
repeats as a part of every speech he makes. nave
read this carefully, and justice compels me to say
that in many respects it is 4 convincing document
| think. also that some of the best Republicans of
this county believe that Mr.. Smith was the victim
of malignant persecution. He says III substance
that by publishing an address in 1sG2 advocating
the policy of recognizing all loyal men, without re-
gard 10 party. which was thought 10 have con
tributed TO Nh Conkline's defeat that year, and by
oppoSug his nomination in the Congressional Con-
yention of 1864 he incurred the lasting
enmity of Mr. Conklne, who then threatened
to bring about his political overthrow
The prosecution Of Iladdock, in which Mr.
C.,l1,,fy act.d iuIge-aI yCCitp furnished tnc
opportunity and Mr. Smith says it improved
The trial and the argument, he alrms. Were as care
fully shaped for his defamation AZ for the conviction
of IIaddock. The case was subsequently brought to
the official attention of Gov Fcnton, and 10y him
presented TO the Senate in February, 1856. That
body sat in the following Summer, not aS court OF
impeachment, but in its legislative capacity aS a
commission of investigation. After the taking OF
evidence was completed, III August, lrGG, the
Senate adjourned until the following January cav-
ing Judge Smith to preside at two intervening terms
of his court, and even then the decision was post
poned from time 10 time until after Mr. Conkling's
election to the United States Senate, when, Mr..
Smith saws. the Senator used his ncwly-acquired
political power TO secure a vote of condemnation.
Mr.. Smith in his defense takes up each Of the
charges that was made against him, and by quoting
the testimony of the principal witnesses attempts to
show not only that the evidence failed 10 sustain 1t,
but even proved his innocence. shall not attempt
TO review this, for he has no chance whatever of
being elected, the people of his district only are
much interested in it. No matter what the final
Judgment on the case might be, the nomination of
man against whom such record existed at all was
a grave political blunder for which the Democrats
ought 10 suffer loss as they certainly will. Mr. Bag
ley's majority can scarcely be less than 5000.
As have said in a previous letter, there is more
to encourage the Republicans in this Congressional
district than in any have previously visited
vague rumor had reached me of close contest here
but it was based on entirely mistaken information.
The Republican majority in jefferson County was
reduced to about 700, and Democratic State Scna-
tor. Starbuck. was elected here last year by dsscn
sions in the Republican party and by bad nOmina-
tons but there never has been during the last 20
wears as great harmony that party III THIS county
as now. To be sure the Republicans here de-
sired the nomination of Mr.. Blaine, and the
name of Gov. Hayes does not inspire that enthusl
asn which would have been manifested for the
Maine statesman. But the people respect Gov.
HAYES and believe that his administration will be a
genuine reform one. There is nowhere any dlscon-
tent with the ticket. The same is true of the State
ticket. 1 have not heard of a Republican in this
portion of the State who is displeascd with Gov
Morgan's nomination. The only discOura2ng thing
in the whole contest here is the failure of the state
Committee to give the local managers that aid and
encouragement which they had right to expect
This has been compensated for in great degree by
increased activity here but little judcious assist
ance in carrying the work which is being so well
done would probably add several hundred votes to
the good Republican majority which will be given
here IN any event H L. W.
SPIRITED CAMPAIGN MEETINGS