New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-10-19
THE WORK TO BE DONE.

The revelations by "The Herald" cast wet
blanket over Democratic hopes. In some coun-
ties, ii is said, there is overwhelming revolt
against Hill in others the stampede Of Demo-
Gratis from Cleveland because of the tariff ques-
ton is serious; and in others still there are
thousands of Democrats whose votes are said
| TO be for SALE This is the only possible in
ference. because it is asserted that these voters
are likely to be bought by the Republicans, and
man who is bought to vote Republican
ticket is not Republican. The Herald"
does not profess to have any evidence that Re-
publicans have purchased or are about to pur-
chase any of this venal crowd. But its revelation
that thousands of Democrats are ready and
waiting to sell is at least confession that they
have no real attachment to Democratic ideas
or candidates. In Connecticut the same paper
reports, there is profound disgust among Dem
ocrats at the inaction and incompetence of the
Democratic management, and the demoraliza-
ton is so great that even the utmost efforts
can hardly save the State.
warnings, to put Democrats on their
guard" these disclosures are called by "Tbe
Herald"! Republicans see in them prepare
ton for anticipated defeat The Free Traders
are beginning to find that the vote is likely to
go against them and are preparing excuses
in advance. In some States or counties the
Encouragement of committees will be alleged
in others, the appeal to workingmen on the
tariff in Others the dissatisfaction with Demo-
cratic State or local nominations; and in others
still, the readiness of Democrats to sell their
votes. Whether these excuses have much or
little foundation, the fact remains that the
Democrats begin to expect defeat.
1t is just here that the Republicans need
warning. 1t will not do for them to be over
confident More than one great battle has been
lost simply because it was supposed to be won
already. Two weeks and half remain, in
which vast proportion of the most practical
work of the campaign has to be DONE If the
work of registration, Of careful canvass and
scrutiny of registration to prevent frard, of
final appeal to the good sense of voters, and all
the arduous labor of bringing out full vote
and securing an honest count is not faithfully
performed, the best cause, supported by clear
majority of the people, may yet be defeated.
OvercOnfdence would lead Republicans to
neglect all this wearying labor, in the belief
that the issue is already assured.
The question is asked every day, What is
the real inside prospect in Newly ork" The
plain truth ought to be steadily kept in mind
by every Republican. The State is not as
sured to either party, though the Republicans
have the best chances of success. tri1ing
neglect in each voting precinct may insure de-
feat. 1t is perfectly true that there arc signs
of great Democratic stampede on account Of
the tariff question, and that a change of only
one vote in twenty on that issue would give
the State to Harrison by more than $4,000
plurality But no man Of either party can
determine definitely how much this change may
amount to, for the force of party spirit and life
long habit, which will be kindled by the excite
ment of the closing weeks of campaign, may
influence many to support their party against
their convictions. In every part of the State,
too there are preparations for the fraudulent |
and corrupt work in which Governor Hills sup. |
porters are adopts.
Precisely the same is true Of New-Jersey and |
Connecticut Either State may be won by a |
large plurality. but either may also be lost by |
neglect or Overconfdence. There is no other |
sensible course than to use every honest effort
until the votes have been counted and returned,
neglecting not a precinct and not voter. When
that work has been faithfully done, the Re-
publicans will have right to rejoice in the vic
tory which by such work only can be made sure