New-York tribune., 1876-10-12
THE ClvPUGN At THE EAST.

Inc results III OnlO anu lnuldHd are hlpNH'
1t is not worth while to ask whether in those
States the results would have been better or
worse bad different policy been adopted
But this at least it is timely and important
to say, that the Republicans will not win in
the doubtful Eastern States unless they lift
themselves above all suspicion of cOquetry
with the soft-mOney interest. The late per
formances in Indiana were susceptible OF two
interpretations. 1t was possible to believe
that Mr.. Wolcott had become unwilling to he
used IA the catSpaw for Democratic schemes
But 1t was also possible, unhappily, to believe
that the unsOund position of the Indiana Re
publicans, who did not differ ut the outset
very widely from the Indiana Democrats, had
its effect il was not pleasant feature III
the campaign. Probably many Republicans
wish that the election had passed without any
such contriylnce. Nor was the contest III
Ohio conducted as clearly upon sound prin-
ciplcs as it was last year. The platforms
were very well. But the Republicans did not
appcal as strongly to the conscience and intel
ligcnce OF voters on the question OF public
faith and honest money, and they probably do
not record rs many votes to-day as they
would have been able To record had they made
this issue more distinct.
Whether the course pursued in these States
was the wisest or not, it Is certain that in the
Eastern States, in which the battle Is hereafter
to be fought the Democrats are comparatively
strong at every other point, and weak in the
last degree because of their alliance with the
Western innationists and Southern rcpudatOrs
That is the weak point in their armoT; to that
point the most effective Republican blows will
be directed. Here Il large proportion of the
Democratic voters are thoroughly hostile To in
Hation. Here the vast business interests which
dcpend upon the result of the Presidential
election are alarmed because Democratic
success would open before them black and
unfathOmable gulf of uncertainty. Perhaps,
Democrats reason, Mr.. Tilden might be able
to curb the tendencies of his party toward in
faton But it is more likely, many with
regret acknowledge, that he will find himself
powcrcss, even if clothed with Presidential
authority, to check the demands of the West
and South This distrust is dcep-scated. Gov
HAYES personally holds an admirable position
The Republicans of the Eastern States have
wasted no time in cOqnetry with imitation
They have strong vantage ground, and if they
are wise will press the fight on this question
from this hour to the end of the campaign.
The question of finance properly considered
! is one of loyalty. The debt is 4 war debt
| The legal tenders are hated by many Demo
Gratis because they helped TO put down a Dem
ocratic rebellion. But there is more behind.
| Expenditure for improvement jobs at the
| West and South, payment of Southern war
claims are at present prevented by the cOndi-
! ton of the Treasury. There will be a dcs-
pcrate effort for initiation at the next session
| OF Congress- for there is no possibility of the
| payment of such claims unless the Govern
mcnt consents to expand its currency. Thus
| it is not necessary TO suppose that the Demo-
Gratis deliberately intend to plunge the nation
! into the gulf of bankruptcy. Let it he con-
ceded that they do not nevertheless it is not
| possible to believe that they will sturdily re-
sist Sout' ern demands. There is the real
| danger. Initiation will come, if at all, by that
road, and repudiation follows. Nothing but
Democratic defeat can block that path clectu-
| ally. If the Republicans make this their chief
point of attack, they will win in every East
| eru State,