The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1890-12-05
THE COUNTY ELECTION.


rhe matter of the general cleo
ton Of 1890, locally considered,
may properly be disposed of and
dismissed for history, when the results
are compared with those of former
years, aud the progress of opinion and
electoral action in the county thus indi-
Gated, shall be set forth.
B Before the erection of Montour, Col
umbia County at a full election had at
tanned to democratic majority of 1900,
slightly exceeding that majority at the
gubernatorial and presidential elections
of 1874. When Montour was erected
she carried off 500 of that majority,
leaving the majority in this county
standing at about 100. This was
large majority for small county and
justified the political soubriquet appli
ed to us, of "Zhe Star of the North.'
Bot the majority has since grown in
proportion to the vote polled, and in
absolute magnitude, to the mag
nifcent figures which the recent
election returns present. That growth
continued even during the war, as was
illustrated by the fact that tho soldier
vote of 1864, from this county, (unlike
that of almost every other county in
the State, )exhibited democratic pre-
ponderance. But prior to The present
year the highest majority given at a
test election, was given TO Hancock in
1880, being over 2300. The present
year the democratic majorities for
Lieut.. Governor and for Secretary of Iu-
ternal affairs Barclay, reached nearly
27O0, while that for Pattison doomed
up to 2SO6, being an increase approach
ing 500 over any former example.
Upon the proportionate vote the re-
suit is equally remarkable. Omittng
fractions, the Delamater vote was 2000
and the Pattison vote 4S00- the demo-
cratic vote being two to one, and 800
to spare.
OF the 81 counties of the State, Col
umbia ranks courth in its democratic
majority, being exceeded only by the
great counties of Berks, Northampton
and York; excluding aa exceptional
vote reported for the present year,
for Schuylkill and Lehigh,- and in its
proportionate vote, as between parties,
it is exceeded only by one or two OF
its sister counties.
During the period of time re-
ferred to there has been no con-
siderable increase of voters from
abroad, except in the Centralia district
and one or two other points in the
county. The growth and increase of
political power for the democracy, has
been, therefore, apon native elements
of population by conversions from the
opposite party and by young men CON-
ing of age, and it is remarkable fact
that the county has generally given her
best majorities in the worst of years
when disaster fell upon the party in
the state and throughout the country.
Our German and Scotch-Irish popu-
lation have remained firm in political
conviction and steadfast in the worst
of times.
We have fortunately escaped pollti
ness, resulting from large money ex
penditures upon elections. State com
mittees have rarely contributed to ouI
local expense, and as rule, candidates
have not been profuse in outlay tc
secure success. 1t may be added, that
while the party has had leaders-mer
to think, write and speak for it--it ha'
not been subjected to the domination
of bosses, nominations for Office have
commonly been made bv the free, un
controlled action of the people, anC
have not been dictated to then
or manipulated for them. OF cours'
difficulties have arisen, sometimes from
over.zeal of candidates, or from selfish
ambition, but upon the whole fair pla,
has been the rule and not the excep
tion in party action. Nor is it to b
overlooked that just and reasonable
rules for the making of nominations t.
Office, have prevailed amongst us. By
Q special county convention called TO
the purpose about 20 years ago, cod
of rules for nominations vas adopted
which subsequently has been, from
time to time amended, and now consti
tutes, perhaps the best nominating
system in force in the state. 1t may
not be perfect, but it has doubtless
contributed largely to party harmony
and success.
Upon the whole therefore, there wa
good cause for the democracy celebrat
ing the splendid victory which the.
achieved in our coanty. Of thirt.
election districts in the County twent,
nine return democratic msjorlties, leay
ing West Berwick standing solitar!
and alone on the opposite sidel An'
when in addition to our satisfaction
over the local result, we turn to the re
suit in our state and elsewhere, on
feelings rise to hopefulness and conf
dence in the future of our great part.
and of our beloved country, which tha
party is so well fitted to guide in tn
ways of prosperity and peace.
@. II. BUCKALEw.
john G.. FREEZE.