The Washington critic., 1888-08-08
WASHINGTON, AUGUST s, 1888.
TIE pREsIpENTIAL OUTLOOK.


II the Presidential election were TO be
held tomorrow or next day, instead of
the first Tuesday in November, the indi-
cations as focused at the National Capi-
tai would warrant reasonable belief
that the Republicans would carry the
day.
What the political situation will be
lecture.
Just now the "bulge" appears to be
with our Republican friends. They
arc actually exhibiting some enthusi-
asm in spite of the hot weather, and the
workers of the party are evidently de-
termined to retain their present advan-
tage.
1t must be admitted that the G. o. p,
in spite of its somewhat battered condi-
ton, is coming up to the scratch with
pertinacity, unanimity and vim worthy
of its palmiest days and suggestive of
close and desperate contest.
In every political campaign since
1850 till the present time it has fought
merely to defend its leaseh old of power
and possession of the Government
from the assaults Of the Democracy. 1t
almost assumed itself to be invincible,
but dissensions within its own ranks,
and the wonderful vitality of the oppo-
sition, were too much for it; and at the
end of the last campaign it stepped
down and out with as much becoming
grace as its astonishment at the result
would permit.
At this time its position is changed,
and the Republican party is thoroughly
organized for aggression rather than de-
tense. 1t now moves in solid phalanx,
animated only by a single purpose-to
Dust the Democrats from their control
of the Administration and its patronage.
Upon the other hand, it is quite ques-
tionable whether the party in power is as
we'll organized or imbued with the same
enthusiasm as it was four years ago,
when stimulated by its ancient faith,
that 'to the victors belong the spoils, /"
and confident of realizing all that the
term implies.
Has the victory ''panned out" to its
entire satisfaction? Have its results
been what the rank and file believed
n, look ed forward to and confidently ex.
pected?
If we are 10 judge by the personal
sentiments of many pronounced Demo.
Gratis in Congress and the recognized
leaders of the party in all sections of the
country toward the Administration OF
Mr.. Cleveland, and if these sentiments
honestly reflect the feelings of the great
body of the party, the chances of the
Presidents reelection, although they
may be even, are at the present writing
anything but rose-colored.
The Democratic party was splendid
fighting organization when it was con
tending for the control of the Govern
ment, to the administration of which il
had long been stranger; but to be in
power and not in full possession of tn,
loaves and fishes is condition of affairs
wholly in conflict with Democratic theory
and practice. Tho milk in the cocoanut
and not the ,husk thereof is what sus
tains life.
Whether it can wage successful battl,
with the enemy under these depressing
circumstances is to be decided on the jtl
of November. 1t is true there are those
who believe that the unanimity of Mr.
Cleveland's denomination made his re
election foregone conclusion. There ar
many firm believers in Clcveland's luck
1t may be further suggested that tn
party which "runs the machine" has a.
immense advantage over the party whic
only partly runs it; but of all .this W
shall know more in due time.