The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-11-08
A REM ABLE CAMPAIGN

The canvass which has just closed will
long be remembered as one Of the most
quiet and apathetic contests in our po-
litical history. The complete absence
of any excitement or unusual demon
stration has been variously explained.
Some think they see the beginning of a
new era in u politics which is to be
marked by a calm and thoughtful dis
cusslon, and the elimination of pyro-
technics and parades. Others attribute
the quietude Of the present canvass to
the fact that old candidates, not one of
whom was the choice of the majority of
his W party, and old issues which had
been fought over before, were again pre-
sented. Probably both causes had
something to do with the lack of inter
est and enthusiasm among the people.
There is little doubt that had the re-
publicans nominated Blaine, and the
democrats Hill or Boies, we should have
seen a hot and fiercely fought campaign
and the public mind aroused to a high
pitch. Had new questions been before
the people, even with the old candi-
dates, the discussion would have been
livelier and the public meetings larger.
Had the two parties taken opposite
sides of the silver question, too, we
should have had u bitter sectional fight
with the south and vest arrayed against
the east.
Another reason for the indifference
we have witnessed as to the outcome
this year possibly may be found in the
growing weariness of our people with
frequent elections. We believe it would
have pleased a great majority of the
American people if they had not been
compelled to 60 through the agitations
OF a presidential election at this time.
Practically our presidential contests are
almost unending. More than a year be-
fore the presidents term expires the
skirmishlng preliminary to the next ma
tional convention begins. The candi-
dates are before the people for nearly
six months prior to election day. Nearly
half a year ~intervenes between the cleo
ton and the inaugu ratlon-a period of
anxiety and uncertainty. And the aver
age president does not reach the middle
Of his term before he begins to figure on
a denomination.
We believe there will surely be a
growing demand for a six year term for
the president and for his non-eligibllity
to reelection. The country has not
forgotten the %scandalous uso of power
and patronage that brought about the
defeat Of Blaine last June and the re-
nomination of the present incumbent Of
the office in spite of the dissatisfaction
that his administration had given to the
majority of his own party. Mr.. Glove
land's denomination in 1888 was perhaps
exceptional in this respect, as his fore
ing Of the tariff issue, d few months be-
fore the convention assembled, made
his nomination a logical sequence, and
he did not find 1t necessary to employ
the arts of patronage. But it does not
need argument to convince any think
ing man that a president would be less
likely to yield to the allurements Of
power, and would discharge his duties
more fearlessly. if the prize of renomi-
nation were not dangling before his
eyes. We have seen in many OF the
states a tendency to lengthen the terms
OF their governors. New York a few
years ago extended the term Of her ex-
ecutlve from two years to three; Penn
s%ylvania did the same. New Jersey gives
her governor a three-years term and
makes him Ineligible to reelection.
The new states have generally given
longer terms to their governors than the