The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1879-10-11
Correspondence Baltinore County Union.
LETTER FROM BALTIMORE.

BALTIMORE, October Sth, 1879.
We, though well entered upon the mellow month
of October when autumn leaves varagated by
many hues and coors, falling, too, without frost,
and like mortal man, returning to the elements
whence they came arc oppressed with unusually
warm weather for the season. The thermometer
to-day, whilst clouds overhead and rain threat
encd-greltly needed-has ranged from 10 to SO
degrees in the shade.
Politically matters are gradually growing more
excited and interesting. Our Democratic friends
are evidently exercised to no ordinary extent re-
garding the elections which oif-city and
State-in this and next month. They scarcely
know what to calculate upon or hope for. 1t is a
fact undisgused that for the past twelve years
things and results have never looked uncertain.
The horoscope appears to be blocked up at both
ends, preventing any fair approachable
diagnoses of the case. Not few well-posted and
influential Democrats are unreserved in saying
had it not been for the nomination of Hon. VIM.
L. Hamilton their Gubernatorial candidate,
worse than "black Friday" would have fallen
upon them at the approaching election. Never in
my observation has Democracy been in greater
quandary or more uncertain condition in Mary
land than it is now There is n careessness, a
luke-warmness within its ranks which almost fore
shadows defeat and an indifference to which
party may win. Men who have hitherto been of
the faithful say they wearied of long training
in political ranks, subservient merely to partizan
dictatiOn right or wrong. They, therefore, express
an independence, saying duty and self-defence
compel them to fall back upon their own indie
pendence and vote for candidates, regardless of
party, whom they feel convinced may be the best
and fttest men for positions to which they have
been nominated. The period has arrived, they
allege, when change is needed and they are de-
termined to go for it. 1t has now become ques-
ton of measures, selfprotecton, economy and fit
ness of men, not party, as in former times, right
wrong. L have heard dozens of Democrats
Republicans toO-Openly assert they would no
longer vote for any man who they did not feel and
believe was fit for the position to which he aspired
in point of fitness honesty, capability and sobriety
These views with them rose paramount to all party
considerations, and they religiously right
Why should unit incapable men be entrusted with
public positions of honor, profit and trust merely
because they are nominated for the peoples suf
frages by chques, combinations or factions? To
use common phrase-it's too much pork for a
shilling. Hence, under peculiarly existing cir
cumstances it would not be surprising to see both
parties amazingly surprised at the results of cleo
tons in Mary land this month and next with ref
erence to local as well as State politics People
have made up their minds to throw off partizan
trammels and do exactly they please and as
their own best, Independent judgment dictates,
looking to the public also their own good
This is the feeling that pervades local or cor
pOrate governments, particularly of counties,
towns and cities. Men have concluded they will
give it a trial ut least and see what benefits may
result therefrom-and they are right. 1t is better
than being slaves to party in such matters.
The Independent movement here still exists
It's nominees are before the people. 1t is move
ment wholly among Democrats who have grown
dissatisfied with "ring" manpuatiOns and the
party whip. They are to have mass meeting
one night this week where considerable demon
straton will no doubt be made. Those engaged
in this organization look mainly to the securing
of u better local government. On general or
national politics they are as hitherto. So, pre-
sumo, it is with your Baltimore county citizens.
There great cardinal principles in general or
national politics that form the basis of solid Opin-
ion worthy of being cherished and adhered to
which have no connection with mere diminutive
locality.
l notice that the colored Republicans here and
throughout Maryland are becoming quite active
and interested in political affairs They are hold
ing meetings and forming clubs nightly. This
they doing, as learn, under an assurance that
full protection will be afforded them in exercising
the right of franchise. The colored Democrats
also moving somewhat, but the normal or
natural inclination of all negroes is to vote for
Republication the inference is that those of that
color who go in for Democracy do it for money
There pretty conclusive evidences of this fact
not only here but elsewhere where persons of this
race are found as cO-workers IN the Democratic
party. The SINNERS take them.
1t is pretty well understood that temperance
men and local optionists with will select men
in both parties most suitable to their views-if
they can find them sufficiently and practically
sOsnd on these probems-and vote for them
Much must depend upon the kind and quality of
candidates in securing the support of these people
There is quite strong temperance sentiment in
Baltimore.
Mr.. Joseph Thompson, the workingmen's can
didate for Mayor some time ago, and blacksmith
orator, has gone back to where he came from-the
Democracy-so there is no real gain in his sup
posed loss. He is not popular as he used to be.
From all L can learn the Pimlico races this fall,
commencing the 2lst inst, will be very largely
and brilliantly attended. Unusually fine trials of
speed are expected and extensive preparations
are making for the occasion. Our leading hotels
will be crowded and Baltimore filled with strang-
ers. Politicians, Of course, will be there.
NrcTOp