The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-10-19
A Survey of the Field.

A careful and thoughtful survey of the |
field after the October elections. gives assur-
ance Of Republican triumph in the Novem-
Der contest. Indeed. we cannot see what
there is in tie result in Indiana, Ohio and
West Virginia to cause such eXhuberance
with our Democratic friends. They certain
ly cann6tthink very seriously OF the signifi-
cance that is involved in the elections Just
held True, it is a part of the tactics OF the
opposition in this canvass to feed upon sem
sation. and to systematically link together
trivial and unimprcssivc incidents, ont of
which 10 make a great clamor and stimulate
to sham enthusiasm. they succeeded so
admirably in the nomination of 1ilden by
prctcnses, shans and fraud, that they are
encouraged in the belief that the American
people are anxious to be humbugged, and TO
be drawn away from the great interests in-
volyed in The Presidential election, by the
hltnl-dltm and clap-trap which have distin-
guishcd the entire policy of the Democracy
for the last four months.
Had the result III Indiana, been Of that
significant character rs to demonstrate that
there was current Of popular sentiment
against the Republicans, and a demand from
the people for a changs in the administra-
tive policy of the government, then there
would have been tangible and rational cause
upon which to predicate their sanguine eN-
pectation7. But there was nothing Of the
II IS .:oto
with the Republicans. Their gains have
been practical--tfs,r encouragement more
assured.
When tile ST. Louis Convention adjourned,
the prediction was upon every democrats
lips that the second place on the ticket as
signed to Hendricks would insure Indiana
by 10000 majority. Basing their estimates
OF the result of the October election on the
l7,2J2 democratic majority in 1876, they de-
clared Chat they would not be satisfied with
anything less than 10000. Instead OF that
they have probably secured 5000, with loss
of the legislature in both houses and four
Congressman. 1t certainly is a barren VIC
tory. to merely succeed in electing the Gov
ernor, and losing the Legislature and four
members Of Congress. 1t is, too, conceded
by both parties, had not the Greenback par
ny had separate ticket in the field, H2rri-
son would have been elected, as 4 large ma
jority Of the 1000 or 5000 votes cast for the
candidate of that faction are Republicans.
The local influences operating in favor of
Williams were peculiar, and we'll calculated
to control the less intelligent of the floating
vote. He had been q farm hand at one time.
by industry and frugality he advanced to be
large landed proprietor. maintaining how
ever, all the habits and peculiarities that had
attached to him in humber circumstances.
He wore his blue jeans clothes as in carly
life. aspired to no culture or familiarity with
the higher thoughts Of political economy.
He prided himself on being one of the Pile
bians; he coveted dirt as an ornament, and
boosted OF illiteracy as an accomplishment.
lie was also a granger, and identified with
the dishonest sentiment, considered in its
national bearing, of imitation. His views of
public policy harmonized with his loose no.
tions of personal dignity and propriety, and
by the influence OF such peculiarities he
drew to him q class of persons, whose
association would not be courted in other
avenues o. life, by the true gentleman. Be-
ing the nominee of the party, it was a reli-
gious datv for the more intelligent of the
organization, to give in their adhesion
With a united and well drilled political as
ISOLATION. supplemented by the influences
we have mentioned. his success is not at all
surprising. nor does it in the least shake our
faith as to the electoral vote Of that State in
November Mr.. Hendricks carried it in 1872
by about l,l50 majority, and the following
month Gen. Grant swept it by $4,000, That
Gov. Hayes will overcome the 5000 given to
Williams and add decisive majority, we
have not the first slladoY of 4 doubt. 1t
shotildybe remembered that Hayes is Il west
ern man, and Tildcn an eastern man. As
was remarked to us by Judge Niblack in
Cincinnati last June. The people Of the West
are tired of voting for eastern men. There
are forcible reasons why they will not vote
for Tilden. His history as railroad wreck
Et5 1utOttuhS NCSLClu ltlIClCSlo III
eating Indiana business men, well operate
to his disadvantage. His declared hard mo-
!, ney sentiments before his nomination will
: not be forgotten, and it cannot be expected
that the greenback element will support him
IS freely and literally as it did Williams.
Mr.. Hendricks will be powerless to stem the
current against Tilden and in favor of
Hayes. The people know well enough that
the Vice President is mere figure head
controls no patronage, is political cy-
pher. and especially would be so witt! Tam
many henchmen directing the disposition OF
the public offices. Hayes is candidate for
the Presidency, against Hendricks candida
cy for the Vice Presidency. and the fac that
the President will control the patronage Of
the government in great degree, will have
its influence even in Indiana. For these,
and other reasons, we are perfectly conf
dent that the electoral vote of Indiana will
he cast for Hayes and Wheeler.
Then the result on the 10th in Indiana
will have another favorable effect for the Re
publican party, stimulating them to renewed
activity andlabor. twill cause great distrust
among the thinking people of New York.
The election of Williams is a substantial
grcenback triumph. The interests Of capital
and commerce, which are above politics in
New York, will contemplate this with a
shudder. For New York to follow snch a
lead, with the record the Democratic party
isas already made on the question of specie
resumption, is utterly unreasonable. So the
success of Williams, while it will be barren of
results i'm every conceivable way to the De-
mocracy OF Indiana. assures the vote OF New
York for Hayes.
In Ohio, the result and its influence is less
open to speculation. The success OF the Re-
publicafis has been all that could have been
1aciraI Tho n,oiority IN tho Statc t,cEat