The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1884-02-28
no HOPE OF VICTORY.

NO HOPE OF VICTORY.
Thus situated in respect to the nation
al legislature divided in purpose; on the
defensive as to every important issue be
fore the people; presenting no popular
principle which is not talsitied by its own
practices turning its back upon the
only men who are competent to lead it,
and beginning the campaign by deliber-
ately swapping its fingers III the face of
the business interests Of the county
how can the Democracy really expect
victory in the next presidential election 2
AS matter Of fact | firmly believe that
the thoughtful men in the party really
entertain no expectation that is not based
upon the torIorn hope OF Il happy acci-
dent. Whether this happy accident
shall be the arrival Of Il Democratic
Moses without preliminary announce
ment, the enthusiastic response Of the
people to the anti-corporation crusade
which the House committees We're organ
lied to set on foot, the opening of new
barrel 10y Mr.. Payne or Mr.. Flower, the
resurrection of Samuel }. Tilden, the
reassertion Of boss methods, or the re-
nomination Of Chester A. Arthur, is an
open question that it is too early to close
The Mcdonald boom, which has been
moving right along in Indiana and other
of the Western States, has not caused
any great commOtion in Washington
Every Democrat has a kind word to say
for ''Joe," as he is Familiarity called, and
his friends would rejoice to see him NOM
mated if they thought he could be elect
ed but for a sacrifice Joseph is altogether
too old and lovely.
Before Congress met a majority Of the
leading Democrats from the East thought
that a Western man should be nominat-
ed but, since the election of Carlisle as
speaker, bringing with it the Morrison
calamity tariff bill, the faces of the
braves are again turned towards the
rising sun. With a prospect of losing
New York, Connecticut, Ohio, Virginia,
California and Delaware, as the result of
tariff agitation, the Eastern Democrats
care not to scour the prairies for a candi-
date Rather would they seize upon
some good man Of large wealth who
favors Protection and the national bank
ing system, and is regarded with respect
by the money changers Of Wall Street.
Hence it is that the presence of Mr.
Mcdonald is needed in Washington TO
inspire the doubtful with hope and re
store confidence in the faint hearted.
The tariff cannot be laid aside, despite
all the Eastern men, who hoped for a
time that the Morrison bill might be
smOthered in committee.
One of the ablest Democratic politi-
clans in the House said this evening that
he had no doubt some sort of bill would
be reported. "Hewitt is a great source
Of uneasiness to the committee" said he.
Gle reminds me of the little spit fires
we used to make with powder when |
was boy. They would siss and snap
and then go out, and, about the time we
thought it safe to approach, explode with
great flash. Still, think Hewitt will
support some sort Of bill"
"What will the House do with it 2"
"IIill it, of course. Mills, | under
stand, will make any sacrifice to get a
bill before the House. really believe
nothing could make Mills so unhappy as
to elect Democratic president. He
would think principle sacrificed some
where"