The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1880-06-26
The Coming Campaign In Illinois.

The Democratic convention at Spring field
was such a refreshing contrast to its Republi.
can predecessor that even Republicans them.
selves are compelled to admit the fact, and
blush for the mob which disgraced and de.
moralizcd their party. Nor was the manner
OF the Democratic work the only or the great,
est feature of superiority. The matter was, II
possible, still more admirable. Illinois has
had many noble candidates for the two high,
est offices in her gift, but 1t is no derogation to
the living or the dead to say that such candi-
dates as Lyman Trumbull and Lewis b. Par.
sons have never stood together on the same
ticket since the state was formed. Both are
men of eminent ability; both have held high
and responsible positions both have dlsCharg-
ed the duties pertaining 10 these positions not
only with credit hut with great honor; both
are so far above suspicion that the breath OF
calumny has meyer reached them, and both
were sought by the otfcc-not Offcc-seekcrs
Compared with Trumbull and Parsons, Cul.
lom and Hamilton sink INTO insIguiicance al
most equivalent to contempt No wonder the
Chicago Inter OcatH predicts "a stronger can
vass and liveler fight than Illinois has known
for many years" To find match for that
fight we must 90 back To 1888 when Lincoln
and Douglas crossed swords in the senatorial
duel only IN the present case the talent Is all
on one side.
The Illinois Democracy showed brilliant
good sense not merely in the selection OF sucl
splendid standard bearers, but in making The
selection in such way as conveyed the high
est possible compliment to the candidates
themselves, while strengthening the cause be
fore the people. II is enough to say of the
other nominees that they are entirely worthy
of their leaders, so that the ticket, As a whole
NAV be regarded as faultless. But 1t will no
be allowed to stand simply on its own merits
1t is built to run, and has the necessary motive
power IN at least two firstclass public speak
ers who do not propose To fold their arms in
dignifed idleness and let others do their talk
| ing for them TrumbuIl and Parsons will al
dress the popular jury at all the principa
points, and seconded, as they will be, by sucl
orators as Robinson, Marshall, Springer, Al
len, Singleton, Eden, Sparks and their com
panions, the political issues Of the day are SUR
of vigorous ventilation. In short, the coming
campaign promises to be the most active anC
1 interesting Illinois has known for twenty years
and unless all signs fail it Will have ditteren
result from its immediate predecessors. Since
! 1860 the state has been considered Republican
but the majority has never been very large,
and IN several instances exceedingly small
! With such a ticket, supplemented by thorough
I organization and harmonious and energetic
work, Democratic victory is not merely posi-
J BILE, but highly probable. At any rate Repub
/ lICan papers Of the Grant stripe seem TO thinl
as much, and all confess that the bitterness en-
! gendered at Chicago will have an unfavorahl
effect upon Republican prospects. Certainl,
\ Democratic chances never looked so cheerful
and If our friends there do their duty as in tn
! Douglas DAYS Illinois will be redeemed.-!St
Loais Republican.