The People's vindicator. [volume] (Natchitoches, La.) 1874-1883, 1880-10-30
lS4O-1SsO.

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 in the establish
ment Of the Independent Treasury sys-
TEN under his successor. The Demo-
cratic party under Van Buren, was in
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.
tons. When renominated for second
election, his friends hardly dreamed
his defeat possible; and even now. in
looking back to that period, it is diili-
cult 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 VIII &
party was the dominant one in OPPOSE
sition, but the Masonic and Liberty
parties constituted quite important e!e-
ments, which the opponents OF Mr..
Van Buren, thought it important to
fuse into 4 common coalition, IN
order to GUST the Democrats. Gen.
eral Harrison was the man selected fol
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 period Of Democratic ascend
ency. Both of the opposing forces
went into the contest with remarkable
visor and enthusiasm. Maine then, a.
now, was the first to give the key note
Up to that time she had never broker
away from the Democratic column. ant
was always relied on as one of tn
strongest holdso the Democratic party
In 1889, John Fairfield (Democrat) wa
elected over Edward Kent (Whig) BY
.. majority Of more than 5000. But ii
September, 1910, the people had take'
M the idea of the desirableness OF
change, and, for the first time, electe
a Wing Governor. The verdict II
Maine was a complete surprise to tn
country, but the effect was talismanit
and, in truth and fact, settled the tat
:, of the National Democratic party fo
!, that campaign. At the November ele'
, tor Maine chose Harrison Electors, a
. the III the resistance was kept up
;. the( last and with all the power at con
a mai 1. That was the first brick to tun
y bic, and strong Democratic States q
~ along the line Immediately followed.
> This year history is evidently abo'
~ to repeat itself. The people have d
:, creed change. All the strongholds
!. power and patronage are in Republics
;. hands. They have been q victorio
!, party, and claim new lease in virtue
= what they have accomplished. The o
:, posing forces, united, asin 1910. to ellie
), u change, mean the same thing and W
accomplish the same result. The pc
n ular enthusiasm, inspired by the nan
a of Hancock, is far more intense al
n widespread than was excited by that
>, Harrison. Thousands upon thousan
! heretofore voting the Republican tick
"a are Joining the standard Of the gre
~, Union General, and the popular ii
u now, as in 1870, is so strong and und
b. such successful Roadway that it will
~ ~. impossible to resist its mighty swee
y Our older readers cannot fail to see
d striking analogy between the contest
=. 1880 and that OF 1910. The atmospht
n. is charged with indications Of gr'
II, National Democratic victory throut
ho out the length and breadth of ,
u. Union. We feel as sure of this as if I
r. result were already achieved. If q
es are standing outside the camp, halt
'is or hesitating as to where to 60, as
ho MIR. Webster on one occasion, they n
az. be assured that the path of victory
al. already been opened by the gall
mt sons OF Maine; and when "the n
ne ne ancholy days Of November shall COZ
-. the old Democratic flag will be pla.
he in triumph over the Capitol amidst
70. tional rejoicing over Const'tut
~. saved and the Union again restored
70. Boston Post.