The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-11-09
None Of the Politicians at WASH
ington Prepared for the
Election Results.
Largely tho Natural Result OF
Discomfort Because of the
Depression.
Happening Thus Early In the Admins
tratisa 1t VIII Have NO Bearing
81 the Next Election.

predictions of either democrats, republi-
cans or populists. Tho only grain of COM
fort for democrats il in tho defeat OF tho
populists and the election Of O'ForrAI in
Virgins. where they wsre terrotixsd by
pOpulist claims. This. however, 10 small
comfort TO the overwhelming slaughter
elsewhere. They expected defeat in The
states whore the free coinage element II
strong but were not prepared to be showed
under in sound money states like Massa-
ohusstts and Now York. All prominent
democratic leaders ascribe the result to two
causes: Dissatisfaction Of the farmers
over the financial situation, and the apathy
of disappointed office seekers. Defeat in
Iowa il regretted. not SO much on account
of insurina the election Of . republican
United States senator - In the practical
removal Of Gov. Boiss from the list Of
eligible presidential timber.
The populists are much disappointed at
their showing, but claim that laser return .
will be better for them. About tho only
complaosnt men In the dsmooratio ranks
are the silver mon. wha are in . position to
say to the president, II told you so.'' They
will take this as text and ut tho opening
Of the regular session be prepared to renew
the fRht for silver more vigorously than
over, II possible. 1t is not believed that
the presid ent is discouraged by tho land
slide. as he 10 known to believe that time
will vindioate his policy.
No e1pressiods of opinion on the elections
yesterday wore to b had from members OF
the administration. The president stay ed
out At Woodley. presumably TO work ON his
message. Secretary Herbert was at the
navy department but . short time this
morning, and Secretary Gresham declined
to express an opinion.
Prominent democratic leaders of the
capital are peculiarly relunetant to assign a
and dem nocratio defeat. Chairman sayers,
OF tho appropriations oommittee, seemed
cheerful. and said, with a laugh: - he
principal reason seems to be that We did
not get enough yotes. There may have
boen eome other particular and incident tai
reason. but We did not get enough OF votes.
and that is about all there Is to say about
IT. The committee on appropriations did
not oause it, anyhow. We can prove an
alibi."
Chairman Wilson. Of The ways and means
committee. said: II am mighty glad 1t
tration. The election in Virginia shows
that the pepulist uprising has not gained
much headway. As soon az democratic
measures can be taken to restore the pros-
right"
Ex-senator Malone. of Virginia, said he
regarded the result as an acknowledgment
on the part of tho PEOPLE shat they made
mistake in putting Cleveland In the white
house.
Ex-Conaressman Bon Gable, OF Illinois,
said: "As to general causes. business de-
PRESTON is perhaps the most potent. The
public seemed to blanc these conditi ons
upon the party in power. I hold that the
adninistratiou and democratic party 10
not responsible. Business conditions grew
out of perntoious legislation enacted BY the
republican party"
Judge Lochrsn. commissioner Of pen
sions, said: IT il the natural result Of
hard times. UnthinkinR people have
charged the financial trouble 10 Tho party
in noWer."
First Assistant Postmaster General Frank
Jones said: "Ths democratic party will toe
the scratch next time. Blows of this char
aote1 cannot phase ii. knock down with
result 10 due TO local causes. The result in
Ohio was the one Of most Importance. II
brought Mckinley oaoe more in popular
view 40 political success and raised his
prospects - chunk Of presidential tim
Representative Burrows, of Michigan.
said the general result indicated that the
laboring people Of the country are un-
doubtedly opposed to free trade - advo-
Gated by the democratic party. In Ohio
the issue was squsrely en- the tariff and the
enormous victory showed how strong pub
lie sentiment 10 on that subject"
Representative MoAlillin. of Tennessee,
said that no one we'll posted on the sub ject
looked for victory In Ohio. Massechus stts
and Iowa. Tho result ia not due to the
tariff agitation, for NO one knew what the
changes in the taSii would be-"