New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-10-08
THE TEEK,S ELECTIONS.

The importance of the elections to be held
tlis week may be greater than has been sup
posed, even by the most earnest partlsans.
Politically, it is we'll understood that the result
of the next Presidential election may be greatly
affected. 1t could hardly he otherwise. The
Democratic victories last year were so sweep
ing that. unless events should show decided
change in the positions and relative forces Of
parties, the Republicans could hardly go into
the next campaign with much hope. 1t has
been their belief that those victories were due
TO altogether phenomenal causes which no
longer operate, or no longer In the sImo man
ner, and if this should prove to be the fact, the
dishearl enment of their opponents would be
serious. 1t is possible, however, that both par
ties NAV draw somewhat mistaken lnfcrcnces
from the result, Oh account OF tho disturbing
influence of the temperance question. In some
purts of Ohio this question seems TO have helped
tbc Republicans materially; at other points
il may have had n considerable, though prob
ably Temporary, Influence against them. Hence
if is possible that the indications rs to the rel
alive strength of parties may be less clear than
usual. But the bcst-iniormcd Republicans
looI, for a victory so complete that its meaning
will not he doubted.
Tbs influence of this weeks elections in pro-
noting settlement OF a great and most exciting
social problem may he Unexpectedly important
Putting aside the merely political aspects OF the
tcmperauce question, it is still one OF the most
momeotons as il is one Of the most difficult
with which the country has to deal. Public
cpipicn, in a State which is recognized as fairly
representative of the different elements of pop
ulation and shades CT opinion that make up the
Nation, will be expressed Oh three distinct
Unions Of the temperance problem. No real
restriction whatever is the solution which has
been tried to this day in most of the States.
Restriction by system Of taxation, such as that
of the Scott law, has now been tiled long
enough in Ohio for the people to hav" an ODiH-
ion of its workings. Finally, absolute prohibi-
ton will have many supporters. If it should
prevail in a State like Ohio, and SO soon after
thc enactment Of law which was by many
considered a, ltislactory asttilcment rs it was
possible to make, tue current impressions az t.
the actual strength and tendency OF public
oninion on this subject would have to be re-
yjsed the enactment of prohibltory legislation
cou d no longer be opposed on the ground that
chere exists no public sentiment 10 enforce it,
and there could hardly be named n State in
which it could be held certain that the people
would not make trial Of that solution. More
over the results of the trial in such State as
Ohio could hardly fail to cause complete rcv
olution in public sentiment, one way oI the
other.
The commercial and financial consequences
of the election may also be very great. When
surprising Democratic victories year ago
swcpt into temporary power those who have
long been fighting against honest money, pub
lie faith and protection OF home industry,
feeling of apprehension at once began tcprc-
vail. From that hour it has been impossible TO
restore that confidence which is requisite to the
prosperity of industry and trade. Capital has
been unwilling to commit itself to new under
takings. Securities have gone begging for lack
of investors. Almost every commercial or
financial interest has felt the change. 1t Is pos
sible that this year a reversal OF the popular
diet may start genuine and lasting revival of
confidence, with intellectually beneficial results
to all business interests.