New-York tribune., 1883-06-04
THE OHIO REPUBLICANS.


Tho Ohio State Central Committee having re-
fused to change the time for the meeting Oh the
Republican Convention II will assemble to-mor-
row, as originally intended. The project OF al
tering the date never had anything except
meagre support, and if the Democrats had not
given il q wider audience than 1t deserved. lttle
attention would have been drawn to 1t. The
Democrats imagined that they saw an opportu-
nifty to manufacture party capital and with
characteristic mallciousness they seized upon the
movement and gave it an undue prominence.
They started the cry of panic, hoping to
stampede the Republican host before the battle
began. The dignifed course of the State Com
mittee will demonstrate that there is no cause
for premature fear.
With this week the campaign in Ohio may be
said to begin. 1t will be manifestly the most
i'm portant of the canvasses of this year. There
will be interesting contests in other States
such. for instance, as that in Massachusetts,
which will determine the political life or death
of Butlerism But the latter will concern the
Bay State mainly, although the lovers of pure
politics everywhere will rejoice to see an end
put to the career of the most notorious and
dangerous demagOgue in the country. Inc
Ohio campaign, however, will nave National
interest and it may determine the issues upon
which the Presidential battle of next year Will
be fought. If the Democrats win, the victory
will encourage them sensibly in the effort to
gain control of the Presidency and Congress-
While should success rest with the Republicans
il will be taken as evidence that they are to
have another four years lease OF power at
Washington.
The proof is ample that the Republicans are
alive to the importance of the OCCASION Ihe
dligent efforts of the enemy to create divisions
in their ranks have met with ignominious fail
ures. No attempt has been made to push the
| political fortunes of any man or clique at the
| expense of party harmony. And now day be-
| fore the convention is to meet 1t Is very
uncertain who will receive the nomination for
Governor. This however, does not presage a
| wan. of interest in the canvass, but comes from
| n desire to make the best choice of candidates
| nossible after ample time has been given for
| consultation among tho representatives Of the
marty. The wisdom of the Ohio Republicans is
| shown nv this course. If the Republican party
is 70 continue the dominant party in this Ma
ton it must bring its methods into close ieia-
tioE with the people. The greater the opportu-
mites it offers for the participation OF large
number of voters in its councils the broader and
6rmer will its foundations be laid. The day is
past when the people can be hoodwinked by
maneuvring politicians. Sincerity IL the ele-
meut now most needed in party AFFAIRS. There
are many Republicans competent and popular
enough to lead the party. But unless the peo-
nile are convinced that il is sincere in Its prom
| ises il will seek in vain for popular support.
The Ohio Republicans seem to have adopted
tho right method and with the earnest woIH
and thorough organization that Will ioilow Tue
convention the promise of their success IL
| bright indeed.