The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1882-11-30
Toledo Sunday Journal.l
What Caused the Republican Defeat.

What caused the Republican disas-
ter Of 1892? Not growing conf
dence in the Democratic party, be-
cause the Democratic gains are the
greatest where that party is not in
power In Name, for instance. where
the Democrats are in power, there is
RepublEi victory this year, while
the greatest gain for the Democracy
is in New York State, that has not
had Democratic Governor since Gov
ernor Tilden.
In 1874 the Republicans were gen.
orally defeated, but that was largely
owing to the money panic of 1873,
and its consequent distress. This
year, we are in the midst of plenty
and apparent prosperity. It was the
money panic Of 1873 that was the
principal cause Of the Republican de-
feat, in all the doubtful states, in
1874. And yet the disaster that over
took the Republicans in 1874 is not to
be compared to the disasters Of this
year.
Neither is it true that the result is
due to the apathy of the voters, or
want of organization. The work of
organization has been more system
attic and persistent this year than any
''off" year for the past decade. The
large vote polled in all the states
shows that the Republicans have gen.
orally voted; but many have voted
the Democratic ticket. Now, what
was the matter with these Republi-
cans? They are not disappointed
office seekers, or the saleable voters
who have thus goro daft. The office
seekers are generally the fellows who
stick closely to the machine, through
thick and thin. too servile to squeal
and too cowardly to bolt, and the sala-
BILE fellows! why, Jay Hubbell had |
the wherewith this year to gobble
every last one Of them, and he un-
doubtedly got the most and worst of
them.
The cause Of the Republican defeats
this year appears to be entirely within
the organization, and is owing to the
contest of the two rival factions Of
the party for supremacy and the fu-
ture control of the party machinery
The reckless legislation Of the last
Congress and it's wasteful extrava-
gance, doubtless had some influence
with doubtful voters, but the real
cause is the disgust Of the masses
with the ambitious wars of the rival
bosses for supremacy in party con-
troll.
President Arthur cannot be held
for the result The war
Of the factions was severely on when
Garfield was President. It waged
fercely before the assassin sent him
to his death. The Independent move
ment had powerful impetus, both in
New York and Pennsylvania, even
before Fosters Prohibition candle
winked out in gloom in Ohio. The
result in Ohio, in October, may have
given an impetus to the clapper Of
this November death knell, but it did
not set it in motion.
Now what Of the future, and what
ara the chances for reorganization?
We should say there is chance; but
It is slim chance Those who think
5he Republican party will go to pieces
ire mistaken. It has lots Of vitality
md cohesion yet, and it the best or
ranized party the world ever saw.
But that it can organize victory for
1884 out Of the wreck of 1882 we do
not believe. Out of the disasters of
1874 it did not organize substantial
victory in 1876. 1t is true that Hayes
was inaugurated President, but the
popular vote was largely against him.
And in 1876, the whole, vast and om-
nipotent money power of the country
was actively used to secure a Republi-
,an President.
Of course the American people are
A mercurial nation, as tickle and un-
stable as the East wind, and there is
no telling what changes in so-called
popular sentiment the change Of
few moons may bring, but the war of
,he factions is now so fierce and furi-
ous that it will probably require Ma
5ional defeat, and the retirement of a
of the bosses in both the
Half-breed and Stalwart factions, to
put the party in a solidly healthy con-
lition.