Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1884-09-30
Ohio and West Virginia.

The Philadelphia Times diScourses as
follows in regard to the elections which
are 10 come OF in Ohio and West Virginia
two weeks from this day:
The result Of the State contests In Ohio
and West Virginia in October should not
affect the choice OF President in Noyem-
Der, but il will, and that's the end OF the
argument. While both States may be
largely or wholly controlled by local issues
OF local combinations in the election OF
State and local officers, II is quite possible
for the October elections &c irreyOcably de-
eide the election Of Cleveland or Blaine to
the next presidency.
Three results are possible in Ohio and
West Virginia on the 14th OF October. II
is possible that both States may vote Rcpub-
lican; II is possible that both States may
vote Democratic; II is probable that Ohio
will vote Republican and that West Viz
ginia will vote Democratic.
II both Ohio and West Virginia shall
vote Republican in October. II will be ac-
cepted as practically settling the election
Of Mr.. Blaine. 1t would settle the tide in
favor OF the Republicans, and the now
trembling western States Of Illinois, Indi-
ana. Wisconsin, Michigan, and others
MOUlu w lttNOuAUll WI IAN ~ oCittt uOn
In the Republican line, with Indiana as the
only one likely 10 be contested. The break
of West Virginia would also strongly
strengthen the Republican assault upon the
South, and several of the southern States
would be within range OF Republican sue
cess.
II both Ohio and West Virginia sh1ll vote
Democratic in October il would be notice
Lot lott nj Of tho Donttl,1ip N
campaign, and Cleveland would then be
likely TO sweep the hesitating Republican
States Of the West and to have enough
electoral votes without New York or New
England. lie would, however, then be
certain TO carry New York and Connecti-
cut, with MASSACHUSETTS and New Hampshire
doubtful. 10 is always very easy for q ma.
tional candidate 10 carry doubtful States
when his election is regarded as certain
with or without them.
II Ohio shall vote Republican and West
Virginia shall vote Democratic in October,
the October elections will be drawn bat
tie between the great parties, as each will
have held its own. The contest would
then be remanded back TO California, Ne
vada, Indiana. New York, New Jersey. and
Connecticut, as 1t was in 1880, and the sue
cessful party in New York would be the
successful party in the presidency. A large
Democratic majority in West Virginia and
q small Republican majority in Ohio, or
rice rerS0, would enthuse one party and
dcpress the other, but it would settle no.
thing beyond the desperation of the No
yembCr conflict.
1t Is idle 10 argue that Ohio may vote on
beerand prohibition, or that West Virginia
may be controlled by factious Democratic
dissensions and ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
fusion. Success only is successful in poll
ties or war, and none Will give ear to the
explanations OF the discounted party.
Right or wrong, reasonable or unreasona-
Bile. therefore, the nation waits for the fin
ger-bOards OF the October elections; and as
II can't be made otherwise, the only sensl.
BILE thing TO do Is to sit down and wait
along with the crowd.