Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-10-30
DEMOCRATIC SIGNS.
CHAIRMAN w. r. ttARRiTy ON 1hE
OUTLOOK NOVEMBER THE 9Th.
Results OF sbs Campsixn Of Education
Considerations which Add to the rfo-
babiiity or = Democratic Victory.

had dfspeiled ehe fyaf tnht tue DeihoSi" ~
party could not oe safely intrusted WIN
thought and conscience OF bis sountrymein
in the famous message of December, 1881,
new alignment of parties commeneeu'
and many Of ths leading spirits OF the ne,
publican pn1ty IN its earlier days Joineu
hands with the Democracy In the 2rehs
work of commercial emancipation. Inc
change to tie Democracy or such men as
Carl Schurz. Wayne MacVeagh. ana waiter
q. Gresham affords one evidence OF tulS;
Just as the course OF the newspaper press
(which, as Mr. Clarkson publicly lamenteu,
Is now throwing its greater influence IN
favor of the Democratic party IS another.
IL Is likewise matter OF common 90
serystion that majority OF the frst voters
are now giving their youthful zesi anu TO-
bust strength to the party OF tarin REFORM,
as that most in sympathy with the ultimate
destiny of our country and most respon-
sive to its highest needs.
Indeed, the campaign OF education uhs
not been without its results among any
class. The manufacturer. whose raw ma
terials are taxed and markets restricted,
the laboring man, who has felt the pur-
chasing power of his wages decreased by
unnecessary taxation without a commensu,
rate increase in its nominal amount, ana
the neglected consumer, have all given hr.
Cleveland's appeal for conservative re-
vision a sober second thought since 1888. i,
There are other considerations, some OF
q temporary and exceptional character,
which add to the probability OF coming
Democratic victory. To few OF these al
fusion will be briefly made:
NO DrADvANTAoEs NOW.
1. In 1888 the Democracy not only Ia
bored under the necessity OF conducting q
campaign of education on long-neglected
issue, but 1t was compelled to defend q
general tariff bill, which, however wise
aud salutary, yet, for good or Ill, affected
a variety of industries. This made the
work of explanation and justification cor
spondingly difficult and complicated. we
labor under neither disadvantage now.
The opposition must defend the many
schedules of the Mckinley law, as we did
the Mills bill. Then, too, we IN 1888 fought
to successful issue the elementary prin-
ciples of the tariff question. That cur
country needs wider markets, that the
cheapening of commodities is desirable,
for example. are questions no longer seri-
ously disputed. as Mr.. Harrlson's letter or
acceptance will amply show. They were
seriously controverted III 1888, but are now
abandoned. The present calm on the sur
face of politics indicates nothing more
strongly than that the tariff scare IL over
and that the spectre of free trade, like the
bloody shirt, is relegated to "innocuous
desuetude." 1t frightens no one IN 1892 as
it did in 1888.
2. The Democracy is not handicapped
BY the disappointments arising from the
distribution of Federal patronage, as 1t
was in 1888; while, on the contrary, Presl-
dent HarrIson's administration must face.
in every township, village, and city, the
lack of Interest and at times open hostility
arising from pleasing one man TO the bitter
disappointment of other loyal partisans.
To a party that has been SO long in power
that the irritation and iealousies arising
from the original distribution of patronage
has ceased the possession Of government
is an advantage; but this Is IS little true
of Mr.. Harrison in 1892 as it was OF Mr..
Cleveland in 1898.
NOT COMPLICATED.
8. The Democratic situation in New York
Is not complicated in 1892 as 1t was II 1883
by the mutual snd unfortunate misunder-
standings that arise from the divided et-
fort of electing q President and Gov
ernor at the same election The bitterness
to which this supposed conflict of interests
gave rise has disappeared, and Mr.. Harri-
son must face this year united Democra-
cy in the great pivotal State. IL other as
surance were needed of unity in purpose
of all interests than Senator Hills able,
admirable, and cordial speeches in Brook
lyn and Buffalo, il will be found IN the
fact that every organization of the party.
in and out of New York city, is working
in entire harmony aud will keep step TO
the onward march Of tariff reform.
BROADER BATTLE-FIELD.
4. It is believed that the Republican
party has not and cannot now command
the vast sums of money which it used
with such efficacy in the last presidential
election. Assuming that it has an album
dance OF money, it can no longer with
safety concentrate its forces as in 1888. The
field of battle Is much broader and cannot
be safely narrowed. Since the elections OF
1880, 1890. and 1891 the sheer OF rainbow
chasing" has lost its force. The pot OF
gold was found IN the magnificent results
achieved IN States east and west of the
Mississippi which had heretofore been
safely Republican. The Republican party
can abandon especial effort in the States
of Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan,
Minnesota, Kansas. Nebraska. Colorado,
Nevada, and South Dakota, in tho West,
and in the States of Massachusetts,, New
Hampshire. and Rhode Island, in the East,
only at great and obvious peril. Even with
extraordinary effort on their part the De.
favorable results in more than one OF
these States, although such hope will
not induce the Democratic leaders
to relax single effort in the States
generally regarded as pivotal. We do not
need the electoral votes of the States Just
mentioned. and are, therefore, not under
the disadvantage under which the party
in power labors of being compelled TO
weaken its forces by dissipating them over
vast area of debatable ground.
INCREASING pLURALTTIEs.
5. In the States commonly regarded as
destined to be deoisive-namely, Now
York, New Jersey. Connecticut. and In
diana-ws fight from the vantage ground
of having won the intermediate elections
since 1888 by increasing pluralities.
6. The assured votes which Michigan,
under her law of district representation.
will give US should not be overlooked nor
the possibility that the States of Kansas,
Nebraska, Nevada. Colorado. and South
Dakota may cast their electoral votes in
whole or in part for Dir. Weaver, by reason
of tho fusion of parties in these States.
z. The Australlan-ballot system has very
generally come into operation since the
last election for President, and it is not
disputed that wherever adopted Its results
have been beneficial to the Democracy.
Inc Vi ctc, upon
which the Republican party has placed
great reliance, can no longer be- success
fully practlced.
ATowER OF STRENGTH.
s. Finally. Mr.. ClevelaDd's great popu-
larity is tower of strength for his cause.
The people have generally endorsed Mr..
Depew's tribute TO him as the typical
American" He ia stronger with the
masses to-day, out of power, than when he
was President. His former defeat. suffer
ed through manly adherence to principle
has only served to endear him with many
who prefer courage to time-serving and
honor TO mere expediency. Despite his
many estimable traits of head and heart,
and the general respect in which Mr.. Har.
rison IS held, 1t can hardly be said that he
occupies an equal place with Mr.. Cleve-
land in the affections of the people.
For these reasons, among others, while
not Understanding the power, vigor. uu-
firing energy, and extensive resources OF
the opposition. and fully approaching tina,
the battle is not won until the last vote is
counted (and sometimes. as in 1915. no,
even them. am or opinion that the next
President will be Democrat.
w. +. HARaIrr.