San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1888-03-31
CUTTING DOWN THE MARGIN.

CUTTING DOWN THE MARGIN.
The Memphis Avalanche Is a conser-
vative paper not even slightly tinged
with republican sentiments. but 1t does
not see everything Colour de rose In the
democratic camp, at least In the good
old state Of Tennessee. In a recent
issue that journal depr coates the bitter
ness OF the discussion over gubern atorial
candidates and delivers itself as follows:
There can be no objection to full
and free expression of opinion on the
subject, but Tennessee Is the last state
In the Union which can afford the luxury
of a family fight this year. The term
luxury is advisedly used. TO accept
candidates ground out by machine
methods because they happen to have
democracy" stamped somewhere on
their rear elevation, does not have
tendency to strengthen the party or to
keep the government pure and able.
What we have to fear is that the state,
If torn by internal quarrels, may be
handed over to the republicans. The
margin Is too small for the cutting OF
any fancy figures"
This is about the size Of it from dem
ocratic point of view. Seen from re-
publican's vantage ground the outlook is
even less favorable than as seen by the
Avalanche, whose editor is one of the
leading congressional representatives OF
his state. The National Republican, OF
Washington, commenting upon the stu
alton in Tennessee, as existing during
the present presidential campaign, says:
There is no democratic margin
"small" or great in Tennessee. The
state is republican in sentiment and will
give its vote for the nominee OF the Chi
cago convention. Thousands Of men
who have heretofore acted with the
democratic party are thoroughly dis
gusted with the free trade ideas OF the
Cleveland. Carlisle Mills combination
and will vote for the republican idea of
"protection to American industries
and laid to American schools"
1t will be seen by close analysis OF
these several statements that they are
not as far apart as they might be, by a
large majority. The democratic con-
gresham plainly declares that Tennes-
see democrats cannot afford the luxury
of family fight this year. and empha-
sizes the word family fight" The re-
publican editor says that the democratic
congressman is too sanguine when he
says "the margin is too small for the
cutting of any family figures" and de-
clares that there Is no margin at all.
The facts appear to be that Tennessee
will certainly be included in the list OF
close states this presidential campaign.
1t Is by no means likely that Tennessee
is the only southern state that will be
counted in the debatable ground this
year. Louisiana shows very strong
symptoms OF being similarly affected
and other states may join their ranks. 1t
is too early to say anything con-
olusively concerning these matters,
but there is hope in the situation.
Hope, because the republican party have
made no calculations upon the detection
of any southern state this year. If any
southern states go republican it will be
so much unexpected gain for the party,
and will by 80 much decrease the demo-
cratic chances for success. The presi-
Dental policy has not commended the
administration to the protection wing
of the party in the south, and there is no
telling at present to what lengths the
disaffection may spread. 1t is at least
significant that congressman Phelsn, of
Tennessee, should deem it necessary to
raise his warning voice against family
quarrels in the democratic party in his
state. and remind them, as he does,
that they cannot afford the luxury of
such a fight, because the democratic
margin within the state is too small for
the cutting of any fancy figures.