The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-09-18

RadIcalism has lost its grip in Maine, and
Ben Butler is knocking the wind out OF it in
Massachusetts,. The radical press seem to
think that the defeat of the radical party in
Maine is not matter for democratic boast
ing. We notice, however, that the Maine
democrats are jubilant and since they are
satisfied, we see no reason why democrats in
other states may not rejoice. The Philadel-
phia Times, in commenting upon the revo-
luton, which, it says, twas as sudden and
unexpected as it was overwhelming" re-
marks:
In 1854 the democratic majority of s s6S, given
in 1858, was reversed, and a republican major
ity of l6, 4s6 cast for governor-the vote being:
Morrill,, republican, A. $50; Paris, democrat,
- 1896; Reed, WING, 1,4I7. Morrill, (since sens-
tori was reelected in 1855 by 3,ll5. In 1856,
Senator Hamlin, who had just resigned his
seat as democratic senator and declared for
|. Fremont, was elected by 2l,54O, and Fremont
swept the state the same year by q, 299 For a
full quarter of a century, from 1858 to 1873,
there has not been even a partial defeat of re-
pubicanism in the state of Maine, and her ris-
ing and declining majorities have been the
unmlstakable barometer that indicated sun
shine oil storm for republicanism throughout
the nation. AS no president was ever chosen,
during the last half century or more, against
the October vote of Pennsylvania, so republic
can Maine has ever declared the fate of the
party by her September judgment.
The election in Maine yesterday dated the
overthrow of the republican supremacy in the
state. 1t is. in sense democratic restor-
alton, but it is an utter and apparently hope
less republican disaster. Governor Conner,
one of the most faithful and acceptable execu-
tives Maine has ever had, is undoubtedly de-
feated by the people, the first republican cam
didate who has suffered discontinue in the
state for quarter of a century. 1t seems quite
probable that the house viii contain a major
ity of democrats and nationals, and if so it
will inevitably defeat Conner's election by the
senate, as the house, if controlled blythe fusion
opposition, viii return only Garcelon, demo
crat, and Smith, national, as the men between
whom the senate must choose. Powers, re-
| publican, is undoubtedly defeated for congress
in the Fourth district by Laid, democrat, and
supported by the nationals, and the return of
Hale is in doubt, with chances apparently
against him. In the First district where the
republicans feared defeat, and the opposition
was confident Of success, Reed, republican, is
reported elected by a decided maj ority. show
ing that all calculation has been at fault in
foreshadOwing the result.
The lesson of Maine is y brief story to record.
1t is n republican disaster that is revolutionary
in its results. does not recall the democrats
/ topowei in that hitherto unfaltering republic
can state, but it places her authority In the
custody OF a democratic receiver to be held
until the damaged assets of the republican
bankrupt can be properly disposed of. 1t is
not n victory born of trust or affection for any
party. 1t is defeat of republicanlsm not be-
cause the people of Maine loved the republi-
can Caesar less, but because they loved Rome
more, and it is an admonition to all parties
/ that there must be q nobler rule i'm state ana
nation. 1t is crushing blow to Blaine, the
! ablest and most heroic Of all the republican
leaders of the country, for 1t makes him the
undertaken of all the troops of republican
leaders in Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania. II
! is the death knell of republicanism in Ohio
and Indiana for 1878.
The knowledge that the radical party is to
be overwhelmed with defeat in other states
thrills the country with inexpressible JOY.
There is devout Thanksgiving The reign OF
thievery is to expire. The era of fraud is to
disappear The government is to be re-
leased from the thaldom OF radicalism, and
there is everywhere satisfaction. The great
work accomplished in Name is largely due
to democrats, and for the aid secured
from nationals due credit is given. Indiana
democrats rejoice, nationals feel good and
glad-only radicals are down hearted. The
news will strike John Hanna like shower
bath in mid winter. and his chances for re-
election are about equal to his being made
an angel by radical votes. Democrats will
take courage, and the campaign will be more
then ever aggressive.