The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-07-24
The Unknown Quantity.


volatoni Is the smallest OF HAYEs's anxicties.
The Unknown Quantity.
The leaders " both the old parties are sc-
riuusly puzzled and disturbed 10y the new
element. which within a year has expanded
into large proportions as Workngmcn's
party, Giccnhackcrs Nationals. Labor Assoc
Citations. and Communists. From California
to Maine in one or the other Of these forms,
this element has been organized sometimes
rudely, but in many cases with surprising
degree of efficiency and strength. The
kEARNEY movement In California astoundcd
everybody. and none more SO than the Dem
ocratic and Republican managers on the
spot who had no idea OF its rapid growth
and power until the ballots were counted.
A variety of causes have conspircd TO give
this movement more Importance than polit-
clans are inclined to admit. First Of all, the
hard times exert n direct and positive inllu-
cncc ON the minds Of the masses, who hope
for relief through any now experiment.
Thousands of men are dissatisfied with the
old parties. and with good reason dstrust
their management. Independent thought is
daily gaining ground. and breaking away
from the dcspotisin Of partisan discipline.
Many honestly believe that the existing
evils are chargcablc to II bad financial sys-
tenn, and that their theories would take of
the distressing pressure on industry and
enterprise. The men Of toll, who do not stop
to thcori2c with want at the door and wives
and children suffering hope by combination
to secure employment and living wages.
The professional poleecian sees his chance
In the midst Of this confusion. turns leader.
and expects. by holding the balance of power
in n Legislature or Congress district, to be
sent to the Senate or TO the House of Repre-
sentativcs.
Thus far these various elements have not
crystalized into one compact organization,
and there are Earring factions among them
contending for control. which may defer for
time perfect union. But the main direction
Is toward fusion Of the different sections
into one solid mass, looking To national
name and party. Since the developments of
last fall in Ohio and Pennsylvania, when
the show of strength, almost without effort,
was Unexpectedly great, the extension of the
movement has not only taken in most of the
Western States. but has reached out into
New England. and made considerable
hendway in parts Of this State With
sklful handling and moderation 1t may
yet achieve success that will astonsh
the managers who run politics as n BUSH
ness, sink their distinctive names when
the spoils are TO be divided, and laugh
In their sleeves at the dupcs who vote the
regular ticket and the usual stock of prin-
ciplcs as Republicans or Democrats.
The new element promises to be strong
enough to control the asccndancy in
the Legislatures Of Illinois, Indiana. Penn
sylvana, and New York. with four Sem
ators to elect, by throwing its weight
.on either side. or 10y holding the balance.
To do this however, requires great judg
ment In the counties where the follow
ing is positive and not speculative, by
the choice Of candidates deserving the pub
lie confidence and by declarations that will
not ALLEVIATE sympathy Already n number
Of candidates for Congress have been
brought forward as Nationals in the West (;
and Michigan, in spite of ZlCH CHANDELIERS
efforts to regain the mastery and to be re-
turned to the Senate, is menaccd with an
| upheaval that may disappoint all calcula-
| tions.
What troubles the old leaders most about
the new factor in politics is. that they have
no means Of estimating its strength or di-
recting its action. There may be traitor
here and there to betray the organiza-
ton in particular localities but that sort
of treachery does not reach beyond a
limited area. and when discovered rejects
against all concerned in it, As an unknown
quantity. the Independents or Nationals, or
| by whatever name they are known, are a
terror TO various aspirants for the Presi-
dcncy, for the Senate, and Tor the House Of
Representatives; and that fact is on the
whole, conducive to the public good