Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-08-20
POLITICAL POINTS.

The disposition of colored men 10 exercise
an independent choice in politics is not :
Encouraging sign of the times either in the
North or the South.-Sprin9feld RspubHcat
Since the number of close and doubtful
districts is large, the civil-service reform
question might be forced upon the attention
| of Congress in a more effective way than by
presidential messages or platform resolu-
uons, and members would soon be convinced
that they cannot longer dodge the issue or
| play with it fast and loose.-Bufalo Courier.
| Every day the free-trade tendencies of the
| Democratic party manifest themselves more
prominently. There is everything in the
signs OF the times to indicate that in the
| near future the question of protectiy e
vite the trade OF other nations will be the
one upon which the parties of this country
| will be divided.-Harrisburg Telegraph.
At the end of eight months this Congress
disperses, leaving the foulest record in our
| legislative history, surprising the worst DAYS
of Grantism in reckless expenditure, and de-
| tying public opinion by outrages that are
likely TO receive condign punishment at the
ballot-box. Needless of the lesson of 1876
the Republican leaders have exceeded their
own worst extravaganza, and neglected the
duties which the people demanded at their
hands. Senator Allison's reluctant confes-
sion of S7S,OOO,O00 excess over the last ap-
preparation will stand in judgment sgains.
them at The fail eieciious.-NeU York iStsn.
While President Arthur uses his Office to
build up faction at the expense of party
harmony and success, he serves one good
purpose, at least, without intending ii. Moth
ing is 30 effective in demonstrating the need
and educating the popular recognitionof the
ned for a thorough reform Of the civil
service as a wanton application of the spoils
system such as we have witnessed in the case
Of the Utica postofice. 1t is not possible to
conceive a case which more perfectly illus
trates the evils of system which the Repub-
lican party has time after time pledged itself
to REFORM and yet continues steadily to use
for the basest ends Utica Herald (Rep.).
Major Ethel Barksdale, who was nomi-
mated by reclamation recently by the Demo-
Gratis of the Seventh congressional Misss-
sippi district, is one of the most popular gen.
tlemen in the State. For several years he was
chairman of the State Executive Committee
OF the Democratic party. In 1880 he was
prominent candidate for the United States
Senate and led all his Democratic COMPETE
tors in caucus. Finding that further use. of
his name would result in a deadlock, and
consequent party Decentralization, he with
drew from the contest, and Senator George
was nominated and elected. In 1881 he was
a prominent candidate for governor, and on
several ballots lacked only few votes 10
secure the nomination Again there was
danger of continued struggle that BODIED
no good TO the party, and Major Bsrksdzle
withdrew for the common good, and threw
his Influence in favor of General Lowry
Ncu York Post.
The Atlanta Consultation Dem, reviewing
the electoral vote of the States in 1884 un-
der the new apportionment, says: "Instead |
of 1S5 votes The successful candidate for |
president in 1884 must have 206 votes. The |
sixteen Southern States, including Virginia |
and Delaware, will cast 153 votes. If Read /
iusterism and a confused condition of things /
generally should deprive the Democrats of
Virginia, and If immigration and the coiored
vote can, a. is claimed, take Delaware
out of the Democratic column, the once solid
South will be able TO cast only 138 votes for
the Democratic nominees This is about
the worse phase that the Southern vote can
reasonably be expected to take; and for
prudence's sake we therefore assume that |
the South is good for only 138 votes. In that
case the Northern States must furnish sixty
eight more to bring the Democratic party
into power again. Californis, Indiana,
Nevada, New Jersey, and New York win cast
votes, . just about enough TO
insure Democratic victory. But what aasur-
ance have we tn at 81 these States can be
carried in the teeth Of the patronage and re-
suits of various assessments that are at the
Of the Republican party"