Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-11-18
LETTER FROH WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON, ID. c., Nov. 10. 1871

j Il
WASHINGTON, D. c., Nov l3, 1876.
To the Editor Of the htnntJec journal.
As write can give no fair estimate Of the
actual political results or solve the electoral riddle
any more than ! could have done one week
ago. Perhaps by the time this letter reaches you
the question will be settled therefore it is useless
for me TO guess, approximate or estimate
shall only refer in this letter, to some matters
which are always after thoughts in an election,
and which may be appropriate no matter how the
struggle terminates.
One thought which gather from the general
feeling Is, that the republican party made its first
great mistake in the campaign in not nominating
its strongest candidate for the honor-James G.
Blaine. The jealousies and rivalries of few re-
publican leaders placed the party in weakened
attitude before the people. No one doubts the
ability and festy of Gov. Hayes; but there is
| scarcely doubt expressed but that Blaine was the
Henry Clay of his party; that his nomination
would have been received with spontaneous en-
thusiasm by the loyal people, and that the cam
paign would have been stronger and grander one,
resulting in his election by no ndecsive electoral
vote. Even prominent democrats admit this fact
| MI ChuNdss III lne Slhtes proved H.
The mistake, tn ink. will not be made again. !
believe Mr.. Blaine has established so strong hold
in the minds and hearts Of the American people
that, in the next Presidential struggle, he will
surely become the standard bearer of the party
of freedom. believe this is the general feeling
throughout the ranks of the republican party.
Secondly, the chief opponent Of the nomination
of Mr.. Baine-Senator Conkling, either through
physical or political ndsposition let us hope the
former has done next to nothing in this canvass
either in or out Of his State to secure a victory
for his party. His inertness has been so remark
able as to call forth decided remarks from leaders
in both political parties.
Whatever may have been the cause the fact was
misfortune to the party at least so far as New
York was concerned. All must concede to Sena-
tor Conkng great ability and shrewdncss and
great influence in his own State. Yet many must
concede that this ability and shrewdness is, seem
ingly, often diverted to his own selfish purposes
and desires in disregard of the higher interests
Of his party. Perhaps the education he has re-
ceived in New York politics may be some excuse
for this failing. But the fact remains that his in
ertness has had its effect more especially as mani
Tested by the lukewarmness of his favorite, Cor
nell, who was prominent candidate for Governor
of New York, and who was subsequently made
Chairman Of the New York State Republican
Committee.
After the Indiana election had occurred. repub-
lican speakers started for New York, and on ar
irving were surprised 10 find that nearly all the
hard campaign work had been organized
and pushed forward. by County committees, the
State committee having, through its Chairman,
failed to meet the necessities Of the hour.
These are positive facts, whatever excuse may
be afterwards given by the State committee. This
lesson will be learned Put positive enthusiastic,
working men at the head of your campaign con-
mittees in place of apathetics or sore-heads Then
there is chance to win.
Thirdly. there has not been such an energetic
and untirng effort on the part of the National Ex-
ecutiye Committee as should have been made
The plan laid out to be executed was, to a great
degree defective, and the execution rather blum
dering. heard one prominent republican say,
"If Tilden's management Of the campaign is to
be taken into consideration, then he is certainly
entitled TO the Presidency" True, the republican
| committee circulated an immense number of doc
uments and speeches, and to some considerable
extent provided good speakers in the doubtful
States; but their heavy work was not commenced
until very late in the canvass, and then in such
manner that it did not tell in the right direction
They depended too much upon the power and
justice of the great republican party and not
| enough upon the chances Of obtaining votes. Had
they had such organized system for ascertain
ing probable results as exists in New Hampshire
there would have been more heed taken of nten-
tions rather than suggestions In such action the
weak points would have been definitely known
and the efforts put forth would probably have
struck in the right place.
| Secretary Chandler, although comparatively a
good strategist, had the double land doubtful
| honor Of running Cabinet Office and a campaign
| at the same time. That he could not run both eff
ciently is not to be doubted. Besides, the fact
Brightly or wrongly was used as means of dero-
CATION to the republican party.
Fourtkly, and more than ALL money told more
efficiently in this campaign than ever before.
Whatever may be thought Of American Presi-
dental elections, the last one has developed the
fact that candidate for the highest Office within
the gift of the American people has taken advan-
tage Of the pecuniary selfshness of certain class
es of men and especially the dull, hard times pre-
yaling to buy his way into Office. This the re-
publiean. could not do as a matter OF principle,
| nor could they have done so TO any considerable
| extent were it a part of their policy. Hence the
odds 10 this respect almost altogether on the
| other side.
Filthy, solid South, nearly, against the re-
pnblicans, fact upon which there is NO necessity
for dwelling in argument. The fact is sufficient
argument ITSELF
Sixthly aud lastly, I think we didn't get votes
enough. But with Blaine at the head next time
we Will have them. L. j. d.
The brilliant young French painter, Henri
Regnault when describing his feelinos after first