The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1883-10-13
Ohio.

In all the theories by which the result of
the Ohio election is accounted for, or sought
to be accounted for, there is not much that
seems satisfactory. Senator Sherman says
1t was the loss of the German vote; but as a
matter OF fact, in the cities where the Ger
man vote is most potential the Republican
gains were largest, and on the morning af-
tlie election the Republican paper in Cir
clpnati especially commended the Germans
for their faithfulness. Somebody else ad-
vances a theory, which seems to fit the fact
that the Democrats were unexpectedly
strong In The sheep raising sections. that
the farmers voted that ticket to punish the
Republican party for reducing the tariff on
wool. 1t is a circumstance worthy Of no
tiee that in Ohio the Democratic party is
high tariff party--on WOO, just as in South
Carolina 1t is high tariff party on rice, in
Louisiana a high tariff party on sugar, in
Pennsylvania high tariff party on hemp.
1t has no general policy, no principle to
which il adlieres with fidelity, but every
where it is a party of expedents and make
believe.
Another theory which has something to
recommend It is that the prohibtionists
traded votes for Governor for votes for the
prohibition amendment of the constitution.
The political prohibitonists are qnl,e capa-
BILE of doing that sort of thing. Il has been
observed everywhere that the men with
whom prohibition is political stock in
trade ore among the most reckless aud un-
scrupuious OF politicians. Their chief sue
cesses have been in the direction of defeat.
ing the party which has done anything for
temperance and securing the ascendancy of
the party which does everything for the
liquor interests. Whether what is alleged
was done in Ohio We have no means of
knowledge; but we do not think it probable
that 1t was done to an extent that caused
the defeat of the Republicans.
II those who are on the ground and know
all the ins and outs of the campaign cannot
account for the result, if the Democrats do
not know why they have won and the Re
publicans do not know why they have lost,
twill not be expected that persons far away
will be bold in expressing judgment. The
probability is that there was variety and
completely of causes which co-operated to
bring about the issue, and it win be a mis-
take to charge the result to any one cause,
however that might simplify future duty if
such cause could be discovered. This
however is clear, that the contest was not
waged on broad national issues. but largely
on local questions which broke up party
lines at the ballot box
For this reason the result affords Repub-
licans no reason to despair of carving Ohio
in the contest of next year. That is a con-
test into which local issues will enter hardly
appreciably. The lines will be drawn upon
those questions which interest and affect the
whole country. Whether States shall have
particular form of liquor law, or any other
particular feature of local administration.
will not then be chiefly considered. 1t would
be an error to say that the late Ohio e,ec-
election will have no influence upon
the election next year. To a GER
tain extent it is an adverse infu-
ence and this must be recognized. It makes
1t harder for the Republicans to elect their
candidate for President; but any body who
attaches decisive Importance to this incident
Is not only faint-hearted but he does not
take account of what experience has often
shown of the discipline of reverses. One
thing it does make clear, that it win be nee
essary to put in the field candidates of the
highest reputation for ability and character
and to present to the intelligence of the
country broad, patriotic and reform policy.