Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1884-11-20
Over nj last.

three or fo,r of which were of excite
ment and suspense, the national cleo
ton WAS decided on Saturday evening
by the close Of the official count Of the
State of New York, which gave ma
iority for the democratic candidates,
not materially different from the fig
ures given by the democratic papers
and the Associated Press aboat one
week previously.
By the verdict of the people, the
party which HIS been in. power contln-
uously in the executive departments,
for twrnty-four years has been de-
throned and its steady opponent dur
ing all those years has been given the
1eins of government.
There must be cause for this
change and one Of no ordinary moment;
for the republican party held Tor more
than one excellent reason, high place
in the estimation of the people of the
Republic, and besides which the ad-
vantages accrung from the simple fact
of possession were enormous.
We say there must be welghty
reason proaucib.e, for the overthrow of
this party and it would be q pleasure
to all to BE able to read logical and
convincing statement of such reason,
but it is a task which for more than one
reason, we shall decline to enter upon,
not because we Do not believe that we
have an intelligent view in the matter,
but principally because it suits us best
to utterly eschew political discussion
in these columns, as 1T may bear upon
differences between the two great par
ties and an unpr1judicel discussion OF
this topic could scarcely escape Tie
charge Of partisan bias.
We may however congratulate all
upon the fact that fnal decision l. as
been reached and that 50 fur we are
able to Judge, acquiesconco in such de-
cision by the Defeated party has been
final and decided.
1t is as regretable as it was remark =
able, that in state casting one and
ono-quarter millions Of votes, the ma
ioritv should be so slender, being but
one for every thousand votes cast in
New York, and it is to be hoped that
its great weight Of thirty-six votes in
the electoral college may not soon
again rest upon the decision of the Off
cial count.
There is no questioning the fact that
business was at standstill during the
first seven days following the election
and for it, the utterance of incendiary
and Incorporate sentiments by strong
partisan editors and orators and the
disquieting suggestions of revolution,
mobs and swindles, is almost wholly
blameable, for the people in the face OF
it have shown their good sense and
strength of character by quoting down
while the leaders were yet wild with
excitement.
Few sober and clear headed men
have at any time believed that the re
suit as declared would not be acqui
esced in without dangerous commotion
even though at one time, less balanced
heads were ready to predict the worst
We are of those who believe that the
institutions Of this country are too well
and firmly grounded to be overturned
or even rudely shocked, by q change Of
party administration and all the talk
about shouldering guns was based upon
an assumption that the common sense
and patriotism of the American people
was not of sufficient virtue and strength
TO see right done by the force of mora
sentiment alone; a most erroneous be-
lief.