The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1877-10-03

PHILADELPHIA. q

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 2.--For many years
past no such confusion. apathy. aud uncer-
tainty as now exist. have been known among
the two great parties IN this State. The leaders
on both sides are COMPOUNDED at the situation.
rs they practically find IT, and tho Republicans
especially who hold possession Of the local
power AMI patronage, arc much alarmed at this
condition OF things. Within five weeks Of an
election. which may seriously affect the future
political status Of Pennsylvania no man can
say with confidence and truth how it will 20.
Active politicians will tell you. much de-
ponds on Ohio" This is truc II both Repubn-
cans and Democrats and the mere fact of such
dependence shows ~ itself how loose are the
old ties. and that new clements tho length and
breadth Of which cannot be measured but hy
the morest speculation. have completely de-
ranged the regular machinery Of parties. There
is no work doing in the sense Of an energetic
canvass. and neither side has any money Per-
haps in the rural districts the Democrats are
better organized than their opponents. but in
spots they are much troubled with factious
quarrels, disappointed ambition. and bitter
rivalrics.
Tho two State committees are rompnratiyelv
idle, md the Republicans have not oven found il
necessary to appoint treasurer. In the organ
ization OF this committee. Don Cameron has
poiniedy struck down every man who favored
Blaine at Cincinnati or who is suspected Of
lingering affection for his candidacy in 1850
His rule OF despotism is proscriptivc in the OK
tremc and lacks the saving grace Of policy
which was an element Of success with the old
man"
1t is extremely doubtful II tho Republican
ticket in Philadelphia can be elected at all. Part
Of 1t is worse than usual. and the open dicker
for some Of the most important nominations.
and the fronIs ly Nvhfah bar
have disguised the better class of voters. who
are weary Of the repetition Of thesc ras ,altios.
and Of UNFOLDING the party which has permit
ted them to grow into chronic habit. Saga
clous managers admit that the majority will be
largely reduced. and perhaps be entirely swept
away. SO far az some Of tho candidates are con-
cerned. especially for District Attorney, who
sits on the bench rs a Judge. while seeking TO
be chosen 10 more profitable place Of inferior
dignity hut in some RESPECTS. Of greater re-
sponsibity.
Tho labor movement. being OF rcccnt growth
ana impcUed by new currents gives signs If
moro energetic life than tho old organizations
which run in the accustomed ruts. 1t lacks wlse
leaders and in the first attempt to put out "a
ticket for popular favor confessed failure was
the result s6that part Of the work had To- bo
done over Still, in spite Of all this talk at the
start the vote viii he greater than many sup
pose probable. and this is the cause OF secret
dread TO the Republicans.
Many who are not worsingmen I'm tho every
day sense, hut who are sick Of corrupt polNias.
viii help this movement along with thoiryotn-.
If for no better reason To eNcitc the fears II tho
regular parties 10y the Introduction of now
force which may Threaten t. suporselo both If
them. Then thorc are the political traders.
who have run their course and arc ready for
% r..ttfrt r.,t hot
But the workingmen proper. inclul meg the body
~ the lalorlng class. are Diet rmiucd t. show
their strength. AMI do not much concern thom-
selves about tho lgugeAcads that appear as
candidates.
This movement may take surprising proper
tions in all the mining and manufacturing dis
trlels, where the labor vote is massod and may
DC rendily managed for n cause which the toll
ers regard as sacred. ana from which they arc
not likely TO be diverted by cunning politicians.
or by the use OF money ms has happened when
they had no general brotherhood. Leaders
console themselves with tho opinion that both
sides will suffer nearly alike by the drain of tho
labor vote. There is no foundation for such
belief. because 1t is wholly Improbable to get
at the nature Of the disafTection.
Looking calmly over the ground. Il sonms
most probable that the result will be mixed in
thls city That is to say, Il part of each Of the
Republican and Democratic tickets viii INA
elected nnd the general majority Of the Rcpub.
leans Will be cut down beyond any cxpcrionco
in the last fifteen years. If the Democrats oro
able TO hold their own relatively in the rur.l
districts. and come to Philadelphia with thnIr
usual vote, they will carry the State ind smosb
lhe Cameron machine-a consVrnmation most
deyouty to be wished for.