New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-07-09
4 SIGNIFICANT CAMPAIGN.

Undoubtedly the election in Ohio ought to
furnish a good test of the present condition OF
politic1l sentiment throughout the country
That State is neither East nor West 1t Is not
overrun by the Farmers Alliance nor controlled
nv manufacturing interests. 1t has Important
sympathetic connections with every part OF The
land and extreme sentiment on tho issues OF
the day is there reflected clearly, but only in a
sensible degree. The people of Ohio possibly
better than those Of any other State are so
placed In interest and association as to be able
to strike far general average OF the merits
and dement's of all the questions now exciting
popular attention. They are at fortunate dis-
lance from the various points where poltica
forces are generated-near enough 70 appre-
clate their value, but not so close as to be I'M
dnly influenced. They are an exceptionally IN
telligent people. and are distinguished for their
irdcDendence of party ties. They vote as they
think; and they think with much logic and
candor. In view of these facts and OF the Ma
tional issues that Major McKinley's nomination
has summoned to the front, it is reasonable 10
suppose that when Ohio has spoken fair IN
dication will be given as to the general opinion
of Americans upon the controversies at present
in discussion.
Major Mckinley is of all men the one around
whom such a campaign should be fought. lie
is decidedly the best representative OF those
policies that Republicans advocate and Demo
Gratis oppose who is now available for test OF
populsr feeling. lie is without personal enemies
or blind partisanS His personality is fofcbIe
but not overwhelming. His peculiar stIehgh
is derived from the fact that ne stands as one
of the abest opponents of National kepuDhcah
aims, the author of the Tariff bill which IS now
law. and the leader Of his party on the moor OF
the House in the assertion OF It's principles
# is t,ue that his work has not yet been IN
onoroti,n long enough to enable the people to
stand in INDICTMENT upon all its results, but they
opgbt bv this time to be able at least to apple-
ciats its tendencies and to be on their guard
against all kinds of statements for the support
of which plain evidence is not adduced' Inc
Tariff bill has already accomplished certain
results that clearly show the direction OF ITS
influence upon National prosperity. 1t has not
increased the cost Of living and it has sum
ulated industry Reciprocity and the revival
Of American shipping have not proceeded far
but thew have shown the farmer that the articles
which are TO be exported under reciprocal treat
ips and in American bottoms are mainly his
products, and he can see, if he will, that his
interest in these policies is greater than that
Of any other class.
The silver issue will be presented in Ohio
before d Constituency that has no selfish interest
to serve by promoting either OF the policies
submitted to its consideration. Its people are,
however. of the substantial sort who possess
property interests and who know the value OF
honest money. The Ohio Democratic Conven-
ton in 1890 declared for free coinage, and I'M
doubtedy after the record of its party in the
last Congress it will do 50 again. The result
of battle upon this question thus clearly de-
fined will be significant. The Republicans have
proved by the enactment into law of measure
which already brings into monetary use the
total silver product of American mines that they
believe in the employment of silver just so far
rs is possiblc without bringing about silver
monometallism, and it is pretty safe to think
that this is as far as the people of Ohio would
wish to 60 II is fortunate for both parties, IN
view of the approaching session OF Congress,
that State so representative of the best and
safest American opinion has decided TO shape
its contest with reference to these National
issues We say decided because no action OF
the Democratic Convention can now prevent
such a contest. The nomination OF Major Nc
| Kinley was the result of the plain wish OF the
Ohio voters for square fight on these issues
and the Democrats cannot now evade them
They must come directly to the front and stand
or fall upon the questions which McKlney's
candidacy presents.