Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-06-14
COUNSEL.
The Democratic Party Not Dead.
but Ready 10 Strike-Re-
pubIicans Must Capture
the House.
Cincinnati Commercial, Rep.l

OlnclunaJ OOmmefVtaA1 hOpsl
Now that the third term question is
out of the way, the republicans can
obtain for the first time a clear view
ofthe field of the campaign.
The first thing to be considered is
the fact that the struggle with the
democracy will be a most arduous
one. The democratic party will not
destroy itself in the convention about
to assemble in this city. There have
been a good many indications recently
that the party has not only retainedits
discipline, but has gained in fact
that is to say, in the capacity to accept
the inevitable and adjust itself to at
fairs.
Both houses of congress are demo-
cratic, and if the power of congress
over the counting of the electoral
vote has limitations, it is difficult to
define them. This power, we may
rely upon it, the democracy will use
to the utmost. 1t was congress that
took the election Of president in its
hands in 1877, and such a p~rerogative
once assumed becomes formidable as
a precedent. Under the forms of law
the presidency was decided against
the democrats, though they had on
the face of the returns of votes actu-
ually cast a great popular majority
and they submitted. If the letter of
the law is against the republicans this
time they must submit, even though
they have a vast popular majority, as
they no doubt will outside New York
city and the solid south.
The republicans must gain an me
quiyocal victory in New York, Con-
necticut, New Jersey and Indiana. to
insure success. They can do it, but
they have no spare strength. Ohio
will 60 republican in October
with a boom, and hal will help
some, but Indiana will be the hottest
battle-ground between the oceans.
As for the republican platform, we
find it tedious, and have not had time
te read it through. AS a matter Of
curiosity perhaps we may peruse it
some day next winter. But the main
issue is simply whether the democratic
party shall have possession at once of
both houses of congress and the pres
idency, that they may reorganize the
supreme court, and by the appointment
of additional judges, control that trib-
unal, and give the interpretation they
desire to the fundamental law of the
land. That's now the burning ques.
ton in American politics.
The senate will be democratic
throughout the next administration.
There is not accessibility ofoonyertinq
itfor fouryearsb beyond the 4th Of Marcel
next. But the house may be gained
this fall, and thus even if the republi.
cans lose the presidency all revolu.
t%ionary enterprise may be prevented
The first struggle will be fol-
the house. and with the third term
out of the way it can be gained.
Ohio will do her share. The present
members of congress in the Cinein.
natl districts may be easily reelected.
The numerous districts the republi
cans lost by small majorities through
carelessness and spitefulness, petty
jealousness and failuresin organization
two years ago, can be carried now
Half a dozen members may be gained
in the south, in Tennessee and North
Carolina; and Florida, South Carolina
and Mississippi should not be aban-
There is no time to be lost. The
third-term folly has interferred with
organization. Each southern district
where there is a possibility of electine
a republican congressman, should re-
oeive attention Immediately. The
first thing is the house, and it is moi
less important than the presidency.