The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-06-07
To-day's Convcntion-The Magnificent
Party of the Minority.

When at noon to-day JAMES S. ChARKsoN
OF Iowa arises from the red cheryy-wood
chair which has been presented by the res
idents OF West Superior. Wisconsin, vigor.
ously strikes tho desk with the live-oak
gavel turned expressly for his use by tho
pupils OF tho South Side High School. and
calls the Minneapolis Convention to order,
the tenth Republican National Convention
held In the United States will DO open for
business.
Brother GARRISON will face remarka-
bio gathering Of delegates representing
American electors; truly remarkable for
various reasons. The first Republican Con-
vention consisted OF 55s delegates. To-day 8
Convention will have 94 delegates. The
first Republican Convention spoke for
States Of which Iowa was the most west
erly. excepting California on the Pacific
coast. Minnesota was then a Territory.
Tho great Northwest. tho Republican re-
serve. was under Federal administration.
Then only 149 electoral votes were needed
80 elect. The total popular vote at the sue
ceeding election was 100000. The defeated
candidate alone in this years contest will
not poll less than 100000 votes.
But not only ns respects the marvellous
span OF increase which marks the progress
of the American people Is to-day's Conven-
ton notable. but chiefly on account OF the
splendid tenacity which the Republican
party has shown. 1t Is vitality alike
worthy Of the pride OF It's members and Of
the ungrudged tribute OF Its Democratic
'adversaries. Consider these facts:
Constantly and steadily since 1872 the Re-
publican party has been in numerical
minority in the United States. A majority.
always enlarging. has during that time
voted against It's Presidential candidates.
Yet notwithstanding this, 30 vigorously
and 80 skilfully have tho Republicans
fought against increasing odds that they
have won three Of the four Presidential
elections held since that time, two
fairly and one by fraud and crime. Tho
one election which they lost absolutely
went against them by scratch. Though
practically unorganized in more than one
third OF the States OF tho country during
that time. beaten in successive Congress
elections. and with nearly every doubtful
and determining State such as New York.
Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey,
Michigan. and Iowa having Democratic
Governor. tho outnumbercd Republicans
have been fighting with all the vigor Of
desperation: and they meet to-day again to
challenge their Democratic foes.
AS tho tide Of Democratic proponderance
has risen. the Republicans have slowly ro-
coded toward the West. where they now
make their stand. Their National Convcn-
ton OF 1872 was held in Philadelphia. Four
years later they fell back to Cincinnati.
Tl,nir fNr
was at Chicago: and now still in tho line
OF retreat toward the Northwest. they reach
Minneapolis. They have been saved from
absolute overthrow only by the setting up
Of new States with which partially to Off
set the Democratic gains. Tho electoral
votes Of the now Northwestern States will
materially assist the Republicans this year.
End tho party managers exhibit full apprc-
citation Of the fact by tho concessions which
they have made to secure their support.
At to-day's Convention there will be seats
IN tho hall for twelve thousand persons,
eight thousand less than the capacity OF
the meeting place Of the Democratic Con-
vention two weeks hence. 1t is certain to
be IN interesting and impressive gather
Ing Mr.. CLARKsoN will confront the rep
rcscntatives OF party which has earned
from its opponents the splendid acknowl-
edgment that it never knows when it is
beaten.
1t does not at this moment seem probable
that the next President of the United States
will be selected at the Convention which
meets to-day. But If the Republican candi-
date does not triumph he will at least go
down fighting, and in order to win. the De-
mncrncy r,ust pnnnCa him with , oop,l;1ot,
who Is not ashamed Of his colors, to whom
the perils Of political warfare are not dis
tasteful. whose prestige Of leadership has
not been dimmcd by defeat. and whose title
TO leadership is not tainted with treason.
cowardice. or dishonor.