Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1881-01-24
Aanfdstrr ts,tfi!ss-rcer.
The Damccraeia Hu,y.

MONDAY EVENING. JAE. u, 1881.
The Demccraeia Nu.y.
The Democracy are not responsible for
the failure thus far of the Pennsylvania
Legislature to elect a United States se,i-
ator. The division of the Republicans
into two factions, each of sufficient
strength to prevent choice, was not ei-
fected by Democratic influences, nor by
the inducement of Democratic offers of
assistance to either side. The Demo-
cratic members went to Harrisburg not
expecting to elect Democratic United
States senator, nor to secure any other
advantages in legislation than those
which usually obtain to a respectable
minority. We fail to see, therefore, why
SO many Of the Democratic members,
and so many more small politi-
clans of the party all over the
state, should be worrying them
selves about what the Democrats ought
to do, in the way of a trade, to break the
present deadlock. The Democratic men,
bers Of the Assembly met in caucus,
agreed on their policy, nominated their
candidate for senator, and now let them
keep on voting for him. If the Repub:i'
cans cannot agree on their candidate
that is no fault of our party and none OF
its concern. As long as they do not pre-
sent a candidate who can receive the ap-
proval of the Democratic sentiment OF
the state, they certainly cannot expect
the vote of its representatives In the
Legislature.
We hear great deal Of talk about
what this Democrat or that one wants,
and on what consideration this or that
one would give the Democratic vote to
Mr.. Oliver or Mr.. Grow or Mr.. Wolfe or
some other Republican. Notably we
hear that Mr.. Stenger has one idea, and
Mr.. Wallace another, and Mr.. Randall
still another; or that all three OF these
distinguished gentlemen have agreed on
a bargain, which includes the transfer Of
the Democratic vote to Mr.. Oliver in
consideration of an appOrtionment
which is agreeable to each and all OF
them.
We do not believe these gentlemen
have done any such thing. They are not
authorized to do it for the party; and
they cannot deliver the goods. No
doubt there are individual members OF
the Legislature who would respectively
vote for a RepublicaI-no Democrat S
election being possible-to serve the per-
sonal preference or political advantage
Of one or the other of these gentlemen, or
Of some other equally distinguished
Democrat. But what is such local or
personal consideration compared with
the general advantage and the honor of
the whole Democratic party in Pennssl-
vania If these gentlemen or anybody
else has a proposition, of advantage to
the whole party, let it be announced for
the consideration of the whole
party, and let it be known who
makes it and who will carry it
ont. Ii anything has been done in a
corner for their individual or their joint
advantage and the whole strength of the
Democratic party and its good name are
to be bartered away to serve this purpose,
let it be known and it will be quickly
resented.
No Democratic me:lIi'".' :.tn relieve
himself of the responsi:.;:!y Il his vote
for a Republican candidate for senator
by the assurance that It WAS cast in the
interest of an apportionnent favorable to
any individuals aspirations, however
high that individual may stand in DEM
Ocratic esteem. Each member will he
held to rigid accountability for his own
action.
Moreover. in the present temper of tie
members of the Legislature. in both par
ties, no scheme to elect Mr.. Oliver by
the transfer to him of the Democratic
vote is practicable. AS soon as it is at
tempted, a number of votes now being
cast for Mr.. Oliver will be lost to him !:
the obligations of party will he cast off
should Mr.. Oliver become the candi-
date of fragments Of all parties.
On the other hand a large number
of Democrats refuse to recognize
the right of any ;' leader" Or even of the
caucus majority, or of any authority ex-
cept their own consciences, to direct
their choice of a Republican candidate.
Mr.. Oliver has not shown himself able
to muster over 95 votes. II Democratic
support of him should drive off 20 of
these, it will require 60 Democratic votes
to elect him; which can never be
secured on anv terms.