Blackfoot news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1891-1902, 1893-01-14
THE IDIIf0 CAMPAIGN.
Rerietc Of the Results, ,cifh Some
thing -4bosGt the Her, UhO
Produced Them.

salt Lake Herald, touching the Idaho
campaign and ITS results, that it re-
produces it in full as choice political
matter for its party readers and asks
them to take a position defensive
against the dangers that may come as
pointed ont by the writer. This is
the letter
TO the Editor OF The Herald;
When Mr., Harrity, chairman Of the
National Democratic committee touch
ed the button and put his heavy col
umns in motion the morning of the
memorable Sth of November, the coun-
try was not prepared for the extent of
the victory which was to come to him
in that days battle. When the battle
clouds were riven, and lifted from the
Geld of Idaho, the country was no bet
ter prepared for the victory here than
it was for the results of the battles of
Mr., Harrity' conquering forces. Prior
to the election day, Idaho was conced-
ed by everybody living outside its
boundary lines to the Republicans
The most astute editors and the most
observant and best posted newspapers
placed it in the column of safe Re
publican states. There was no excep-
tion to this. All the estimates pub
lished by the great metropolitan dai-
lies in the east, invariably put Idaho
in the column with Maine, Vermont,
Pennsylvania and that class of Repub-
lican states.
But that action caused no wonder
ment; it was nothing strange to the
thoughtful, considerate mind. For
six years before the state had gone
Republican with heavy gains.a at each
returning election. In 1886 the Con-
gresham was elected by about 400;
in 1890 oy majority of over $500,
and. of course, everybody expected
and looked for another Republican
victory in 1892 But when the clouds
were lifted and the results of the days
work were known there was a general
disappointment Instead of exultant
shouts from victorious Republicans
being heard, the Democrats were
making the welkin ring with their
peans Of praise and songs of victory,
It may be pleasing information at
tins particular paragraph Of our letter
to tell the results of this famous vic
tory and how and BY whom it was
planned and won. In the first place
the Republicans entered the field flush
ed with the victories of three proceed
ing campaigns in the state, and with
the prestige of heavy increasing ma
jorities. Their leaders claimed the
state as absolutely safe for them, and
by a majority of 1000 in excess of
their famous majority IN 1890, when
il crossed the line above $500. They
We're sanguine, exultant. The Demo
Gratis advanced with fear and trem-
bling When the battle of ballots had
been fought and the votes counted; it
was found that the electoral votes of
the state had been taken from Mr..
Harrison; that the great majority of
1890 had been reduced more than 80
per cent, and that a generous division
of county offices had been made in all
the counties of the state. TO the
Democrats tins was most agreeable
surprise; it was glorious victory.
10 the Republicans 1t was crushing
defeat.
But how was it planned and how
won? 1t was planned by new men;
it was won by a change OF tactics I'M
der new leaders.
Prior to all movements for the cam
paign or calls for conventions, thu
leading newspapers of the party gave
life and utterance to a prevailing sen
timent in The party, and that sentiment
was 'The time has come for
change III party leadership; for de-
parture from the never successful die
tation of the old regime This senti
ment carried in tho convention and
new leader was chosen.