The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1894-08-12
Yesterdays CONVENTION,

The Democratic convention which
assembled at Turnverein hall yesterday
was noted for its numbers and for the
hopeful temper which appeared to per.
wade most of its mem bers. 1t is very
hard indeed to depress the "unterri-
fed" and the speech of Chairman
Stephens. who announced that the Pop.
ulists would swallow the Republicans
and that the Democracy would conse-
quently enjoy picnic, struck respon-
eive chord in the breasts OF the dele.
gates. If the judges minor premise
theswallowing process foresaid-shall
turn out to be true, his conclusion fol-
lows Is the night the day. But will it?
This is the celebrated "off year" A
great many people who noted the unin-
terrupted series OF Repu blcan victories
all over the United States last
fall had an idea that that was
the notable year aforesaid, but this is
not true. The "off year" is the second
year of an administration OF any party.
1t is that in which ths jealousies. heart
brrnings and discomfort arising from
the distribution OF federal patronage
have had time to crystalize. One can
take up political almanac and go back
for time whereof the memory of man
runueth not to the contrary without
finding an exception to this rule that
the party in power is always defeated in
this year. Even in the height of the
war, with Lincoln at the head of the
government, the Republicans were
beaten in 1862 in such staunch Repub-
lican states as Pennsy lvania. Illinois
and Indiana, and SO in every equivalent
year since, whatever party happened to
be in power.
This being an indisputabls fact, what
special reason is there for supposing that
this invarisble rule of our politics will
be changed in favor OF the Democracy
this year? No one can be wild enough
to assert that Mr.. Cleveland has been a
great success az president, or that his
popularity is anything like what it was
when he WAS nominated. OF course he
still retains friends, but with the people
AZ iArge his name limo navst certainty ioue
its glamour and power to conjure with.
The Democracy must. therefore, rest
their hope for success in this county on
the belief formulated by Judge Stephens
that the Populists will swallow the Re-
publican organization. We confess we
do not see any certain indications OF the
imminence of this cannibslistio feat.
After giving the matter a good deal OF
careful attention, We have yet failed to
determine to our own satisfaction just
in what proportion the Populists will
draw from the old political organiza-
tions. The man who has that figured
out has about found the key to the stu
alton. always remembering, of couree,
that there is large normal Republican
majority in this county which must
needs be overcome.
No political organization should over
look the fact that the real test Of strength
in local matters this fall will lie in the
personal worth of the men nominated
for office, and in the scope OF the re-
forms promised in the platforms. No
mere party hacks, pretending to base
their action or political fate on dead
issues, will be regarded for q moment by
the ordinary voter OF whatsoever party
We have at last reached stage in which
humbug will count for very little II
| politice.