The daily intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Territory [i.e. Wash.]) 1876-1881, 1880-11-05
DAILY INTELLIGENCER.
Friday, Nov. B, 1880.
Mr.. sHesrs's re. ELECTION.

sared. and by an increased majority.
This latter result is unquestiousbly
surprising. While be was coofdent OF
re election, be did not himself set the
figure of bis majority higher than 1000.
Two thousand. i. is now conciusively
established, will be nearer the mark.
What has brought about this won
derful e,ult? How can We account for
the extraordinary favor shown Mr..
Brents
MrBufke 10 certainly genial, agree
able, popular man. He is also possessed
of ability, and the prestige Of former
success, il was thought. would aid him
materially.
Mr.. Burke made his first and most
grieyous mistake 10 seeking and accept
ing the nomination. This was ssnsr-
ally looked upon az species Of vanity
on his part. 1t gave the impression
that he thought he could overcome
majority Of 1900 votes in g community
strongly sntsgonistie to his political
principles.
His next great mistake was 10 en-
deavoring TO force an issue whore none
existed, but where one subsequently,
arose against him. This was on the
question Of State government. Under
the most favorable outlook, there was
nothing. in his argument on this ques-
ton that could not be turned and used
against him to advantage. At the most
1t was glittering sophistry, from
which the cover was rudely torn by the
elections in Ohio and Indiana. This
hurt Mr. Burke severely.
His mortal hurt. however. came from
his friends. They were intemper-
ate 10 conducting his campaign. Not
content with advocating his election.
they must abuse his opponent. The
wsighty argument of the 6fteen dollar.
suit was brought out. The story Of
the Northern Pacific land grant was
invented and circulated. In every pos
sible manner was Mr.. Brents misrepre-
scented and malignej. A selfish, sec
tional feeling was Instituted, and
odious comparisons made bs-
tween the two men. A different effect
from that intended was soon made
manifest. The supporters Of Mr. Brsnts
were moved to greater exertions on bis
behalf. The falsehoods were re!uted.
and their originators exposed to meritsd
contempt. As the defense became
moro vigorous. the assaults were vilsr.
but more impotent. The people were
led to frown upon . cause with 80 little
to commend and 80 much 10 condemn.
and the vote Of last Tuesday was the
result.
Mr. Breuts had been in Congress but
u single year. Tho time was short, and
his opportunities few. The people knew
they had little right to expect much
from him. Nevertheless he did much.
No matter entrusted 10 him was neg
lected The Chshsiis country. the
Skagit. the Yakima. received benefits
from him of marked value. lie stood
by his friends like man. and he did it
all without tho least apparent sign Of
having the hope OF future reward In
view. He was evidently not q csndi.
date for reelection. save and except at
the call Of his party. His party called
for him loudly. and again like . man.
did lie respond.
Mr.. Brents threw himself into ths
campaign with soul and body. II he
has one faculty suparior to another it IL
in rallying to his support the people.
He did this 10 ie7s in q manner the
like Of which was never before seen in
the Territory OF Washington, and he re-
pested il in 1880 in u manner even more
striking than two years ago. To his
credit. be il said. he neither uttered nor
saggestsd tho slightest issiouation. dis
honorable to those by whom he wAs op-
posed. His two campaigns have been
exceedingly clean. and in this respect
were an innovation upon the Political
practices OF all past time.
L. il strange. then. considering eli
these things. that Mr. Bren,s has been
reelected Or is il strange that his
last majority 10 greater than was the
frst?
We think not.
The position Of the INrELLIaExcER