New-York tribune., 1881-11-07
rHE ELECTIONS OF ISL.

No class Of Republicans can anOlu 10 heSlccl
their duty in the elections this year. Not one
would fail to regret it most kcenly hereafter II
neglect mt this time should bring defeat. Even
those who think only of the narrOwcst and
lowest motives must realize that those with
whom President Arthur has especially acted
cannot afford to stab him in his own State.
Neither can those who have dlsscntcd as to
the conduct of the party heretofore afford to
see il beaten at moment when the response
bilities of management have fallen upon them.
In short, the circumstances happen to be such
that 1t would be particularly expensive TO any
leader or his friends it. by his or their neglect,
the Republican party should be defeated.
An " off year" frequently brings partial
reaction The cause is not commonly under
stood, nor highly creditable, but it does not
operate this year, for reasons easily compre-
hended. new President cannot appoint
everybody. Necessarily, he diSplcases some of
his hungry supporters, and he is fortunate if
he does not make such mistakes as to incur the
censure of some Of his most judicious and dis
interested friends. Hence the working force Of
party in power is apt to be much
disorganized at the first election after
the Inauguration Of new President.
While some selfish workers are disappointed
and soured. others find themselves comfort
ably fixed for years, and Indifferent. Just
at this time, too, it comes TO pass that a great
many good citizens, who think that the cOun-
try ought not to need saving oftener than once
in four years. conclude that they have done
enough, and viii rest. The soreness of some,
and the apathy of others, usually bring n re-
action. But extraordinary circumstances tend
to make these causes entirely imperative this
year. President Garfield had hardly begun to
make appointments when he was shot. Pres-
dent Arthur has filed very few places as yet.
Nine-tenths of those who seek Office still have
hope, and, in New-YOrk especially, they are
under the eye of a leader who has been at the
head of the organization for years, and who
knows what can be done in every district AS
to the better class of voters. who are not gov
erned by purely selfish motives, nothing has
been done by either President to ALLEVIATE them.
If the voting is to be on account of the adj
ministratOn of President Garfield, it would be
overwhelmingly approved by both parties. If
on account of the administration OF President
Arthur, he has done not "a thing as yet TO dis
hearten or offend the best and most cOnscicn-
tious men of his party.
This is not an "oT year" Intelligent men
realize that, owing to Unprecedented circum-
stances, the course of the Government for a
Presidential term may yet be determined by
the elections of this week. Vacancies IN the
House and the close division in the Senate
have made it possible for publc opinion to
turn the scale either way, if not by votes of
men yet to be elected, then by the pressure
of public sentiment upon those already hold |
ing seats. The truth is that Republican sue !
cess is more necessary than ever this year, |
and extraordinary events have brought home |
10 the people keen appreciation Of their re-
,ponsibilties and duties. The Democratic |
party, by its conduct, has disgusted its wor-
5hiest supporters, and has proved that it is
still in the last degree important to exclude
hat party from control OF the Government
There are times when the defeat of a party
n power may he good for the party and for
he country. But this is not one of them.
The party owes it TO the country to succeed.
There never has been time when the Repub-
lean party better deserved success. Last year
{ elected President whose virtues and gran
leur OF character the whole world recognizes.