The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1880-08-19
The Contest in Indiana.
IPhiladelphia Press


Three things are plain about Indi-
ana: First, that the Republicans have
a fair chance of carrying the State;
second that they are making a mis-
take in putting forth too strong and
positive claims; third, that the great
need is thorough, systematic efficient
organization.
The October election in Indiana
this year is of the highest Importance.
Ohio will unquestionable go Republi-
can. If Indiana should roll up Il ma
jority on the same side il would inn
mediately decide the Presidential con-
test. The current of popular feelings
thus indicated would be irresistible,
and would sweep every Northern
state. If, on the other hand, Indiana
should go Democratic it would still
leave the battle to be fought out in
November. The loss of the State to
the Republicans would by no means
he fatal to their prospects. They can
achieve success without it, and have
not counted on it in their calculations
of victory. The State has given o
majority against the Republicans for
years, and if it should be won now it
would be a gain. Indiana Democratic
in October would mean close but
still hopeful fight; Indiana Republi-
can would mean an overwhelming
triumph.
The Republicans of the State and
intelligent observers outside are quiet
confident of a Republican success in
October. Aud they give very cogent
reasons for their faith. The Demo-
cratic distraction, the conflict between
Landers and English, the unpopu-
len ri # Ia. T.,
Vice President in his own home, the
popular revulsion at the scandalous
and partisan Democratic overthrow of
the reform Constitutional amendments
the unity and vigor of the Republi-
cans, all warrant the strong hopes of Il
conclusive victory. And yet it is not
wise policy to make the claim in too
positive terms or TO raise public cXpec-
tations so high that it may possibly be
disappointed. The more discreet
course is to work very hard aud boast
very little. We believe there are eX-
cellent reasons for anticipating Il
Republican triumph; but it is more
prudent to treat the State as doubt
iul.
There is no more gallant and sturdy
band of Republicans anywhere than
the able and chivalrous group of lead.
ers in Indiana. The ringing Ben.
Harrison, the silver-tOngucd Thomp-
son, the upright Judge Porter, bluff
Colonel Holloway, hearty Will Cum
back, the untiring New, Martindale
and Robnson-all are manly, earnest
sound-hearted men. Year after year
they have made plucky fight against
large odds. We have very sincere
appreciation of their political talent
and their Republican spirit and en-
ergy; and they will not take it ami,s
10 receive the friendly suggestion that
the work to which they should es-
pecially address themselves is that of
thorough and comprehensive organ
ization. They conducted what was in
some respects Il splendid canvass in
1875. They held meetings in every
SchOOl-hOuSe and cross roads. They
brought the most distinguished ora
tors Of the Nation to their chief plat
forms. They made the State fairly
blaze with their grand demonstrations
and glowing enthusiasm. And vet
when the votes came to he counted The
Republicans were in a minority,
chiefly because, with all the glare oI
the campaign, there had been "a lack of
that complete organization which
lCIChS9 lntO every uiSlIlcl ana KNOWS
every vote.
We recognize the great difficulty
under which they labored then, and
we know, too, that now their organ
ization is better advanced at this COM
paratively early stage Of the canvass
than it was in 1876 week before the
election. They understand where the
weakness was then, and are guarding
against repetition of the same error.
But this is the one point upon which
there should be iteration and reitera-
ton. The Republicans of the whole
country are looking at Indiana, and
there is every assurance that the
stalwarts of that State will spare no
effort.