The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1892-09-15
TIURSi NY, sept. 10, 1892.
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THE SOUTH STILL SOLID.

1 t4f / VIII va .NitHdtlpIl tN ~
Hr. Clark Howell.
Mr.. Clark Howell, editor of the
Atlanta Constitution, IS writing 4 Sc
lies # letters to the New York UcyaM
IN the political situation in the South.
I he first Of these is published below.
Mr.. Howell says:
Is the South still solid?
If 50, why 50? and if not, why
not?
While the Republicans are engaged
IN arriving at al. understanding of the
Ituatlon IN the West and endeavoring
to explain the threatening attitude of
Wisconsin,, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan
and other States in that neighborhood
which are flirting with the Democracy
to such an extent that their affections
may become fixed, let US take look
1t the situation in the South and see
whether Or not there isany probability
IF Democratic losses here, enough to
Offset Republican disturbances else
where.
/ am asked by the UeraM to
review, in several letters, the political
situation in the South. Thus restricted,
and in order to reach the subject at
once, We will take it for granted that
The Democrats will make heavy gains
this year in the western States. This
IS susceptible of the most convincing
demonstration, but the public accep-
lance that such is the case, coupled
with the fixedncss of the question
which am to treat, justifies the state
mcnt of the condition without argu-
mcnt to prove it.
kEPUBLICAN TALK.
lead II the situation in the South
by way of the West because the claim,
IN made that the Democracy is in
greater dagger in the South than is the
Republican party in the West. Re
publican leaders assert il, Republican
new. !apcr5 argue 1t, and Republican
compaign money IS at work in tht
South on the basis that it is true anC
in the hoI that impending disaster
elsewhere may possibly be met anC
overcome Iy the proper working of 4
vast field which has heretofore beer
barren of Republican results.
The Republicans expect this year to
make i ching in the heretofore solo
makeup Of the electoral vote of the
South, and they are moving to thu
end by two routes-frst, by direc
appeal TO their own organization
where this course IS advisable; and
second, by indirect support of tht
Third party in places where the Demo
Gratis can L more effcctually inju. {
w covert assistance of the home made
opponents than by overt and djrec
antagonism.
division, diyision," Is the Repub
lean cry. and whether it comes
through honorable appeal to party
principle or through mesalliance witt
every possible element of Democratic
opposition, the result is equally salts
factory. \ heterogeneous and motle,
combination of conflicting forces ha.
thus been effected in many parts 0
the South which is threatening to tn,
Democracy.
From every quarter it is found tina
almost without exception those win
have opposed the organized Demo
cracy before are conspicuous in thei
advocacy Of the new party now. Man,
Of the class known as independent
Democrats, whose only excuse for no
leaving the party entirely has bee
that there was nothing 10 so to bu
tie Republican party, fragrant in tn
South with the aroma of negro dicta
turship and association, have welcome'
tie new dSpensation as an lnvitln!
field for operation.
OLD POLITICAL HACkS.
Another noticeable class of recruit
n the army now in the field agains
the Democracy are many Of the oil
political hacks who have been unsuC
cesSiully contending for office, ant
who have as frequently and freel,
poured the libation OF their candidac
on the party altar as there have bee
elections TO give them opportunity
Their patriotic unselisness has no
been appreciated and they hope fo
better luck elsewhere. If not success
ful this time thsy will land some
where else-anywhere, on any plat
form for ANYBODY or anything, but a
tie time with the f1g Of office owe
thcit heads. There are men in Geo,
gla who to my knowledge have bee