Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-07-27
The Political Outlook.

7. &c n little early to forecast the coming
camuaipn. vet it is probable that 1t is TO
be one of the most exciting and momen-
tons election contests that has taken place
IN the history Of this country. lt is gong
foo far TO say. as some have asserted, that
the Republican leaders already concede
their defeat both in the present election
and in the presidential contest of two
wears hence, because it does not seem pro-
bable that, as reasonably shrewd men,
they would resort TO the methous tlaO
they have If .such was their oPlh!.Qln.
What may fairly be said III the matter
IL that they recognize the necessity OF des-
nerate steps. if impending defeat IS 10 pe
averted. Certain it Is that not since lobO
has the party in power used us temporary
authority in the desperate manner tlat mas
characterized Republican action during
the last twelve months.
II is evident that the Repubhcah hu-
minlstration came into Office pledged IN
manner little appreciated by thoso VINO
merely voted the Republican tlcKet; l4Ae
two subjects as iilustraLoh5' HenatSt
Wolcott. of Colorado, SAID III the
Senate. While the silver bill was under
discussion, that President, Harrison
would not have been elected II the ne
publican party had not pledged itself i, TO
Follow the wishes of the silver men. We
do not nj all assent to Mr.. Nolcotts mea-
snrement OF the electoral situation. Oh
the contrary, a. we SAID the DINER uhy' We
believe that, if the country had been aware
of the peril Mr.. Harrison would hot haNo
been successful Certainly such pledges
&C the Colorado Senator describes were not
given by the party. and were only Iaguely
implied in the Chicago platform. Yet thete
mist have been a clear understanding
between the leaders of the RepuOlcan
organization aud those representing ,uo
silver interest. This accounts Tor whaI
seemed 20 be the surprising TACT that SEE
retary Window. instead OF taxing SlIoHhs
grounds, as IT was supposed IN TINS PaIl Vi
The country that he would. on the question
of silver imitation, practically inFl'ed M
imitation in his report TO Congress on tlo
silver coinage. A compact had been made
low those in authority for the purpose OF
obtaining political support, and that COM
Dact had to be kept, even at the rlsA u
GREAT currency disturbances.
In the matter of the tariff the same
secret understanding was made. DuFlns
the campaign of two years ago IL WI
preached throughout the country that ~ W
| tariff needed revision. hut tnat IL shoulu
| he revised by the friends aud not the
was ALWAYS held out that revision meant
reduction from the tax which had DeeN
| imposed during wartimes, but TO an III
| formed few IL must have been evident ,Da'
the revision TO which President HARRISON
pledged his influence was material III
| c,ease IN taxes almost all along the line-
| that is. so lar "a they were probationary IL
| their character. In these respects the lie
publican party leaders in Washington have
| endeayored to make good Their pledges
| although At the decided cost or pOlitica
But 10 Offset this, and with the intent o
maintaining es long Us possible grasl
| upon the Government, new ana e&traorul
nary political methods have been resorte'
| TO. The election bill is one illustration o
this: another IL found IN the apparent IN
| difference to consequences IN the matte
of pension legislation; stih another !
found in the attempt to secure tor som
time in the future the control OF che sen
ate. by allowing only maniiesuy kepubii
can Territories to come into the Union a
new States. aud when by chance Demo
cratic senators arc elected. unseating thes
for the purpose of keeping up tue ma
jority. Yet another instance Is ionnd Il
tho announced intention OF ,departin
from the custom that has existed since IN
formation of our Government Ia relation 7
the allotment Of congressional districts J.
accordance with the decennial census.
These ars all instances OF party tactic
which would not be resorted to 10y apoiitica
organization. the leaders OF when honestl
believed that they held the commence OF
majority Of tho electors, From urs, :
last IL Is an effort TO defeat public wiz ,
circuInventing u TO hold power when IN
J reasons which IN nee governments WA