The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1891-11-29
Thoughts on the Coming Contest

To TIE EDi,os or THE suN-Sir. Democrats In Wash.
ington rejoice At the result OF the elections
Democrats throughout tho country rejoice But II Is
well to bear In mind the fact that nothing ultimate and
conclusive has been achieved. The triumphs In New
York. Massachusetts,. and Iowa In small degree
attributable to the high character and personal popu
larity Of Flower. Russell and Boies All three had been
tested in the crucibe OF official nfe-Flower Repre-
sentative In Congress and Russell and Doies
orsand all had proved faithful to duty and party
grateful to friends courteous and inst all capa
bic and honest In the discharge Of official duty Each
had adorned tho positions he had been called to oc-
cupy. Each gave unity strength. and activity to the
Democratic party. That the proven fitness OF candi.
dates for office constitutes element Of strength and
an assurance OF victory alike credtabe to the party
and the people.
While the hearts OF Democrats are stirred by the fer
vent promise of tho future. the saeacous will not
In their enthusiasm. forget the conditions imposed by
area'onabie hope The lesson Of the hour must be
derstood and its teachings obeyed Let but fuen
OF intelligence purity. and personal popularity hence
forth bear tue standard of the party That alone
seems necessary to the Of the party 1892
and IL deserves success other terms
New York Democrats must and perform their duty
IN the Light OF the elections OF 1885, 49, 90 and Ql
With an acceptable candidate for the Presidency. the
electoral vote OF the state of New York will be
the Democratic nominee of 1892. With such men in
the ranks as German. Hill. Cray Boies and other clean
and popular statesmen the National Democratic Con.
vention should make fatal mistake Whether Cleve-
land Ia strictly In out of the ranks IL mmateria
The name has neither charm fascination Of any
kind IL useful only adn,on,tion. The clamor
for Cleveland comes chiefly from those who per.
sonaily unscquAinted with him. It comes too from
States that have turned him down the polls and
with an opportunity would do 80 asail. In 1888
Cleveland lost Iowa by more than 80 600 and Massa.
chusets by more than 80 ooo At the next elections
thereafter both States elected Democratic Governors
at the late election been reelected In 1885,
Cleveland lost Wisconsin by than 81 900. In 1890
Wisconsin elected Democratic Governor BY more than
2SOOo. In 1888 Cleveland lost Illinois by more than
~ OO0 In 1889 tho Democrats carried that State by
nearly lOOO eiectins Democratic Legislature which
elected Democratic United States Senator to succeed
Republican. In 1888 Cleveland carried Virginia by
1900. In 1889 Mckinney. Democrat was elected Gov.
ernor of that State by majority of than 10000
over all competitors In 1883 Cleveland lost the State
of New York by more than 5000 while Hill the Dem.
ocratic nominee for Governor. at tbs same election
carried the State by than 10 COO Other statistics
OF like import are abundant. but this is enough
Now. is there reason to believe that Cleveland 10
stronger with the Democratic party now than he
in 1888. is It not more probable that he has lost
popularity with the party by withholding his approba.
ton and. as Is believed by Democrats generally. his
vote too from the Democratic nominee for Mayor Of
the city of New York at the late municipal ccc,iont
Not a few Democrats insist that Cleveland. when
President. curt. coarse and uncivil in manner:
that he fathess friends and party traditions
that his personal habits bad that deaf 10
tho voice and counses Of tho accredited leaders of tho
Democratic party; that be was imperious .tubbo,n
and defiant In the use of the veto power: that hs
po,ntments were ofeusiye and not unfreouenuv In
sul,ing to Democrats ana that his Administration was
Augwunpish and un Democratic throughout.
These are tho accusations OF those who or have
been nearest to Cleveland personally and officially In
this District where he Is personally well known the
hostility TO him is widespread and emphst,c II ia
hardly worth while for him or his friends TO oppose
separate detences TO tho several counts in tha ndct
ment. A candidate is a, disadvantage when Obliged
to refute charges ana explain personal antaronsm,
Whether Cleveland Is falsely or truthtuy charged il
not for political purposes the appropriate limit OF I'm.
quiry. 1t should extend to this Are the charges be-
lieved to be true by considerable number or Demo.
Gratis" do the Democrats who regard Cleveland As |
vain arrogant, bombasiic opnonated and otherwise
personally odous offensive constitute an opposing
md ola Nan