Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1876-10-20
The Situation and Its Teachings,

While large Republican majorities in
Ohio and Indiana would have been very
welcome to the party which has carried
the former State, and made heavy
breaches in the walls of the Democratic
fortress in the latter, there is abundant
reasons for encouragement in what has
been accomplished If all has not been
gained that could be desired, the moral
results of victory are with the Repub-
licans. They have carried enough
points to show their ability to take the
remainder after the breathing spell
which they are now enjoying.
Here in Hamilton County, where
treachery and rascality were practiced
by the. Democracy in close imitation of
their political brethren in Kansas, twenty
years ago, the local reverses naturally
assume an exaggerated Importance. The
situation is to be judged by the impress
sions of the nation at large, and by the
practical result of the contest. Sup
pose, for example, that Pennsylvania had
voted this month, and the election re-
suited in a Republican victory, accom-
panied by some losses in Philadelphia
through the rascslity of the Democracy;
Philadelphia Republicans would be dis
appointed and angry; but their woes
would attract little or no attention out
side of the city limits. The loss of Con.
ggcssmen would be the chief subject for
regret Now, we find just this condition
of public opinion regarding Ohio in our
out of-the-State exchanges. They APP
preciate the fact that great Republican
victory has been gained, make full al
lowance for the odds against which the
victors contended, in view of the SLAM
ders against Barnes, and take courage as
they enter upon their own home con-
f1icts. The sole exceptions are the parti-
san Democratic journals whose interest
it is to belittle what has been done.
AS regards Indiana, if the hopes of
Eastern and Western Republicans have
not been completely fulfilled, they realize
the damaging effects of the Republican
exchange of gubernatorial candidates
after the campaign has opened, and of
the greenback movement. They see
that it was not the unwashed Democracy
which carried the State, but disorgani-
zation that should not have occurred.
In spite of this, as in Ohio, large inroad
was made into the Democratic majority
in Congress, and it is reasonably to be
expected that the soft-money advocates
will not insure the election of the pluto
cratic Tilden by throwing away votes on
Cooper.
The Republicans of Ohio and Indiana
have also learned lessons that will be of
use to them even during the coming
four weeks. They now know and feel
what they before acknowledged in theory,
that they are fighting, not against an
honorable foe, but against political bush
whackers. All crooked ways, such as
bribery, ballot-stuting, and intimidation
of weak-minded voters, are not occasion
al resorts, but the settled and regular
practice of the Democracy. They have
an elective affinity for thieves, Ku-Klux
assasslns, drunkards, debauchees, and
rascals of every grade. They are also
ready to sell out to the best-paying
patron, whether it be conspirators against
the liberties of the country, or Southern
assassins. Honorable men cannot fight
against such enemies with those enemies
own weapons, but they can procure evil
dence of their violation of the laws, and
see that these laws are enforced against
tricksters and villains, be they of high
or low degree. One thing should be un-
derstood: The Democratic leaders, like
all scoundrels, are desperately in ear.
nest. Let the Republicans exhibit but a
1.-THE of the same energy, and the dis
comtiture of their opponents is sure.
Truth is mighty and will prevail. Gin
ciRnGti Gazette.