Press and daily Dakotaian. (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1880-1889, 1882-07-24
Bon Homme County Politics.
"Crito" in Scotland Citizen.

At last I am prepared to meet the con-
ditions of promise made you months
ago.
The sassss nsttsar sasroSSf Sf hsh this county
and in dealing with this question shall
forget for the time that I am member
OF one of the great political parties, and
will contemplate the political situation
and prospects from the impartial and crit
ical standpoint of non-partisan.
At the election of 1880 there were two
tickets only, voted in this county, the
democratic and republican. But during
the canvass that preceded the election
great revolution took place in the repub.
lican party as result of which there was
detection to such an extent from that
party that tho democratic ticket was tri-
umphant by an average majority of more
than two hundred out of total vote of
less than one thousand.
Since 1880 there has been war in the
democratic camp, and although its
thunders have not been heard for some
time they are liable at any moment to be
resumed.
How is it now with the republican
party? The condition of this party is
not more promising. The detection of
two years ago has not been cured, the
breach not healed, the chasm not bridg-
ed over. The same men who two years
ago deserted to the democrats have not
yet returned to the republican camp;
nor is 1t evident that they will. The
delegate question is likely to provoke q
fatal conflict in the county convention,
and certain local issues abeut which re.
publicans disagree are likely to supple.
ment the threatening aspect of affairs.
The detection from the democratic
ranks is inexcusable, and really has nc
tangible basis; SO that the indications
are for ultimate harmony between the
two wings.
But the conditions connected with
the republican party are essentially diff
ferent.
Here we see detection based or
causes that operate just as potently TO-
day as they did in 1880, while reinforced
by the delegate question. That the Pet
tigrew and anti-Pettigrew men are nearly
equally balanced in numerical strength
the ensuing few weeks will clearly show
But, the convention will, without
doubt declare for Pettigrew. Then what
Why bolt and an independent move
ment. which will make democratic sue
cess in the county something to be con
templated as more than problematical.
The republicans of late years hav
made many blunders: have been reckles
in their disregard of the claims of tn
different sections of the county for re
presentation :on the county ticket
Springfield has ruled with high han,
to the exclusion of other precincts.
For instance, take the precinct of Tyn
! lo11 nvorov,1n 0f tho so.,, -
shown in republican nominating conven
tions. Not for years has this precinc
been represented on the repablica
with less than half the ticket, and sh
J. superintendent Of schools, just three ou
i Of the five principal county offices. RI
. publicans are strongly opposed to thl
t grab business, and are resolved that
. shall not be tolerated any longer, tbs
n no precinct shall be conceded more tha
's one of the more important county office
le To oppose this sentiment in the lmpen'
N ing county, convention would most lik
.. ly prove to be the last straw that wou
to break the camel's back.
The foreign element affords profile
very difficult for solution. He were
reckless prophet who should predict th
il would vote republican or democrat
OK next fall. The republicans could contI
We il, but are likely not to do so. and
rs, strength will either be thrown away.
~ an independent movement or be join
cs to the democrats.
til Thus, through republican. yet a'
ve candid observer OF events, see clea
i'm the signs Of democratic victory IN
!. county next fall. CRtro