Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1880-10-21
An Historical Parallel.

Forty years ago, Mr.. Van Buren, was
in the Presidency, apparently as firmly
settled as if clothed with an absolute
right of succession. The great bank
contest waged under jackson had
closed and eliminated i'm the establish
ment of the Independent Treasury sys-
tenn under his successor. The Demo-
cratic party under Van Buren, was i'm
full enjoyment of all the Federal
patronage, and his friends were skillful
in its use and in all the appliances or
dinarily employed for carrying cleo
tions. When renominated for second
election, his friends hardly dreamed
his defeat possible; and even now, i'm
looking back to that period, it is diff
culG to give an assignable reason for his
defeat. Democratic policy had achieved
its full triumph and left the party in
full possession, with strong assurance
of a new lease of power. The Wing
party was the dominant one in opposi-
sition, but the anti Masonic and Liberty
parties constituted quite important ele-
ments, which the opponents of Mr..
Van Buren, thought it important to
fuse into a common coalition, in
order to GUST the Democrats. Gen.
eral Harrison was the man selected for
the occasion, greatly to the disgust
of the friends OF the great commoner,
Henry Clay. But the leading idea was,
that the country needed change after
so long a period of Democratic ascend
ency. Both of the opposing forces
went into the contest with remarkable
vigor and enthusiasm. Maine then, as
now, was the first to give the key note.
Up to that time she had never broken
awav from the Democratic column. and
was always relied on as one of the
strongest holds of the Democratic party.
In 1889, John Fairfield (Democrat) was
elected over Edward Kent (Whig) by a
majority of more than 5000. But in
September, 1910, the people had taken
up the idea of the desirableness of
change, and, for the first time, elected
a Wing Governor. The verdict in
Maine was a complete surprise to the
country, but the effect was talismanic,
and, in truth and fact, settled the fate
of the National Democratic party for
that campaign. At the November cleo
ton, Maine chose Harrison Electors, al
though the resistance was kept up to
the last and with all the power at COM
mand. That was the first brick to tum-
BILE, and strong Democratic States all
along the line Immediately followed.
This year history is evidently about
to repeat itself. The people have de-
creed a change. All the strongholds of
power and patronage are in Republican
hands. They have been victorious
party, and claim new lease in virtue of
what they have accomplished. The OPP
posing forces, united, as in 1910, to effect
a change, mean the same thing and will
accomplish the same result. The pop
ular enthusiasm, inspired by the name
of Hancock. is far more intense and
than was excited oy that of
Harrison. Thousands upon thousands
heretofore voting the Republican ticket
are joining the standard of the great
Union General, and the popular tide
now, as in 1910, is so strong and under
such successful Roadway that it will be
impossible to resist its mighty sweep.
Our older readers cannot fail to see the
striking analogy between the contest of
1880 and that Of 1910. The atmosphere
is charged with indications of a great
National Democratic victory through
out the length and breadth of the
Union. We feel as sure of this as if the
result were already achieved. If any
are standing outside the camp, hating
Or hesitating as to where to go, as did
MIR. Webster on one occasion, they may
be assured that the path of victory has
already been opened by the gallant
sons of Maine; and when "the mel
ancholy days of November" shall come.
he old Democratic flag will be placed
N triumph over the Capitol amidst Ma
,ional rejoicing over a Constitution
saved and the Union again restored. -
Boston Post.