Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-11-05

To dispassionate observers. who have watched
the political canvasses throughout the United
States, the general result of yesterdays cleo
tons was not q surprise. As stated by The
STAR the indications clearly pointed to a demo-
cratic victory. But in view Of the extent and
character OF this victory any explanation OF it
which includes only year reasons will fall
short Of the mark. Even with the addi-
ton OF local causes. including gerrymanders,
that do not affect the general trend
OF politics the republican defeat IL not sufii-
ciently accounted for. The fact that three
strong republican states in the east were swung
for the time from their moorings and that
more or less severe losses were sustained in
others, that such western strongholds as Wis
consin and Kansas were shaken, that Congress
was recaptured by majority somewhat ex-
ceeding even democratic expectation, lie expli-
cable only on the theory that the people are to
some extent dissatisfied with the party in
power. As heretofore, the second Congress of
an administration has gone adverse to it As
has happened before, the republican voter in
one great state has rebuked his party for its
biunder in accepting leadership subject TO
public suspicion and which the people had in
dicated would not be endured by them.
The democratic victory in Pennsylvania is due
more 10 the revolt of the anti-Quay republicans
than to the organization Of the democratic
party, however excellent that may have been.
The victory there is considerably more than a
party triumph. 1t may. and probably will,
inure to the benefit OF the party whose organ
ization 1t defeated, well as to the interest of
good government. The defeat OF the republic
cans in Massachusetts, and New Hampshire
may be more serious, although it is two years
before q test can be made Of the matter The
result there was unquestionably due in part to
the passage OF the tariff bill. But the hand
some tribute paid to the author OF the measure
by democratic district shows that protection
hath her victories also. The fact that the new
tariff went into operation Just before election,
In time for the voter to note the rise of prices
in certain articles, but not in time for effective
explanation and defense Of the law, and not in
time for a test of its general effect, operated
against the republicans. The republican col
umn was disturbed in the northwest in q num-
Der of places. part Of this disturbance was
due 70 the tarif-a part to other causes. The
great farmers movement interfered in Illinois.
Iowa, Kansas and other states. The general
tendency was against the republicans, notwith-
standing they made q more than usually spir-
tied campaign.
To the republicans there are several consid-
erations Of hopeful character. The presiden-
tial election is two years off. The conditions Of
that contest are altogether different from
the conditions Of tho one just waged, |
with the chances more in their favor |
If the republicans had carried the Fifty
second Congress they might have paved
the way for losing the Fifty-third and the pres
idential election. The democratic victory is
not a proSnostic Of democratic victory in 80 |
Between the assembling OF the new Congress
and that election the victors may become the |
vanquished, the conquered the conqueror. And |
yet to party ably led and possessing the con- |
hdence at the moment of the people the oppor- |
tunity presented would seem to be one of mag |
nihcens promise. All depends on the course of |
events in and out of Congress during the last |
two years Of Mr.. Harrison's administration and |
upon the record made by each party in the de- |
partments of government which it will control |