The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1893-11-07
TODAY'S ELECTIONS.
How They Are Viewed by States
men at Washington.
LOOKING FOR POLITICAL sTRAws.

Close Friends Of tho Administration, How
ever, Do Not Admit That Democratic
Defeat This Year Would Indicate the
Failure OF the Party in 1896.
WASHINGTON, Nov. Z. The result Of to-
Gays elections throughout the country
are awaited with great interest by the
public men In this city, who's in them an
Indication of the result of the popular
elections of 1894. The American public is
fully aware of the Significance of the re-
suit in the great states of New York, Ohio,
Iowa, Massachusetts, and Virginia.
The politicians are looking upon the
election which occurs today not so much
as'to its being an endorsement orcommen-
dation of the Democratic administration,
but more as a criterion as to whether there
Il very much dissatisfaction with the ad-
ministration. 1t does not mean they say,
that the next election depends upon it, but
Ct is'a straw to which way the political
wind Is blowing.
When four years ago the elections were
held it will be remembered that it was a
tremendous setback for the Republican
party. Campbell defeated Foraker in
Ohio, and from Iowa came a protest
against Republican rule in the victory for
Horace Boies, who is now q candidate for
the third time. Their defeats were at
tributed at that time by the Republicans
to local causes, but yet 1t was acknowl-
edged IL 1t they betrayed the dissatisfac-
tion the people felt with the administra-
tion they had elected only year previous.
At that time there had been no session
of congress to indicate what would be the
policy of the administration upon the
great questions before the country Since
the last Inauguration there has been SEES
sion of congress for three months, and ac-
tion has been taken on one of the greatest
questions that has been presented to the
people in many years. Although the legis-
1ation passed is of much Importance, it is
in no sense partisan legislation. Both par
ties participated in It, Besides it comes
too late to have any marked effect upon
the elections Of this year,
II Is believed by the close friends of the
administration that in no manner can the
possible defeat Of the Democrats beattrib-
uted to the action of congress, as both par
ties were responsible. 1t was thought that
the suspension of silver purchases might
give an impetus to the Populist campaign
In Virginia but even there it Is now con
ceded that the Democrats will be success
full With the prospects before them the
friends of the administration are inclined
70 say that this is an "off year" and pre-
sents nothing upon which the political
future can be gauged.
Unlike the elections of three years ago,
the actual test of the Democratic party
cannot he made. There has not been any
legislation of a partisan character which
has become law. The repeal of the, fed
sral election laws passed the house, but
with SO little interest that it is not be-
lieved 1t will change votes. Viewed from
the Washington standpoint the elections
are interesting as presenting the thoughts
Of the people on multifarious questions
without involving any great political sig
nificance.
Secretary Lamont is in New York, where
be expects to vote. Assistant Secretary
Hamlin, of the treasury department, left
for his home in Massachusetts. Supervis-
ing Architect O'Rourke, Solicitor Gen
sral Maxwell, Fourth Assistant Post
master General Maxwell and First Comp
troller Bowler have also gone to their
respective homes for the same purpose.
The congressional contingent in the city
b pretty well tbinned out today. The New
York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Ohio
and Virginia delegations are at home at
landing the elections. The southern dele
cations have not II quorum present and
but few of the members from south OF
Mason and Dixon's line remain in town.
Senator Palmer, of Illinois attaches
much importance to the local elections in
Che city of Chicago and county of Cook
In Illinois, where there are only to be
slected a number Of judges and board OF
county commissioners, hut Senator Palmer
holds that on the result of today's cleo
tipn will largely depend the solution of the
Aomius senatorial contest. The senator
left for home last night.
Virginia Democrats confidently predict
from $4,000 to 10000 majority and secur,
ever two-thirds of the members of thu
legislature. In every part of the state tn,
voters are thoroughly aroused, and thi,
being the case there is no fear of defeat
The apathy which is said to have existed
few weeks ago has disappeared and tn,
Democrats will poll full vote. Betting
In Richmond is on $4,000 majority fol
O'Ferral. The Populists are said to b,
unwilling to back their claims by theil
money.
The state election finds the Republican,
Of Ohio ms confident as ever of an over
whelming plurality for Governor McKin
ley. The weather there is favorable to
full vote of the party, and, there is still {
disposition to claim the state by not les,
than $4,000.