Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1884-11-08
WASHINGTON LETTER.

WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON. Nov. LIST. 1884.
If'twere done when tits done, then
'twere well if 'twere done quickly, is
what everyone is feeling about the
election. Now that the presidential
campaign is over, there is here
breathless waiting for the fatal day.
The only question discussed is,
" who will be the next President"
The political field was perhaps never
more obscured in doubt. No one
can tell BY fifty thousand votes, for
instance, how the State of New York
will go, or on which side the plurali-
ty will lie. The six States whose
votes either way will decide the
election are acknowledged to be
doubtful, and surprises often comes
from States admitted to be sure.
The situation IS too perplexlng for
any but the reckless to hazard pre-
dictions, but there is disposition in
political circles to count New York
for Cleveland, aud to place Indiana
and Connecticut as doubtful States.
They make New Jersey drift toward
Cleveland, and both sides claim Ne
vada.
Under the great strain in New
York government clerks have for
gotten their elatlon over the Ohio
election. OF course nearly all those
who have vote have gone to their
respective States. Among those
who remain anxiety has reached a
white heat. During this campaign.
whenever there has been an exodus
of Republicans from Washington, IA
panic has seized those who were
left. For the past few days the
chief subject of conversation among
department clerks has been the
means that will be used BY the Dem
ocratic horde to turn the incumbents
out next March should Cleveland be
elected. They have little faith in
the protection of civil service rules
under a Democratic administration.
Political headquarters of both
parties in this city has been closed.
There are no statesmen left in the
city to-day, and all the cabinet Off
GERS are away. Secretary Teller of
the Interior Department. is in Color.
ado speaking for Mr.. Blaine, Secre-
tary Chandler is doing his best for
the ticket in New Hampshire,
Secretary Lincoln is speaking in
Illinois, and Attorney General Brew.
ster is helping in Pennsylvania.
Elk Secretary Gresham has lent his
aid in different States, and Post
master General Hatton who does
not speak, has assisted ably with
his pen.
Before this reaches you the issue
OF the campaign will have been pass
ed upon by the people, and the next
president elected. | will abstain
from any appearance of prophecy.
The predictions Of the wisest men
are worthless. You know as much
of politics as is known here, if not
more. ] am disposed to think there
is danger of getting one sided
view Of the field in Washington, it
is apt to be cOlored by the hopes
and fears of those who are personal.
ly interested. A change of admins
tration means more here than else.
where, and consequently there is
more feeling and less cool calculation.
Candid men on both sides admit
that the doubtful elements which
are so much relied ON by both par.
ties defy computation. Many dis.
affected voters will yield to the per.
suasions of old political associates
next Tuesday and stand by their
party. in the heat and enthusiasm
of that day men cherishing various
forms of grievances will be drawn
irresistibly to the old parties, and
will find themselves, before they
know it, imbued with the old feel
ing, and shouting the old party war
cries.
From this time on the country
will be plunged in the smoke and
Ioar of the conflict. Where large
masses are opposed and the lines
extended, as in the close of gener.
al engagement, it will be impossible
even for the leaders to keep track of
events.
The campaign that is now closing
has been one to make the judicious
grleve. 1t has been waged with
undue violence and acrimony. False
appeals have been made to the pas
sions and p!ejudices of the .gnorant.
False issues have been presented by
those from whom the country has a
right to expect temperance, reason,
and Judgment. After the fourth of
November there will be time, and
surely there is need, for dispassionate re-