The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1894-12-14
THE NATIONAL CAPITAL.
RESULT ON PARTIES OF THE
LATE ELECTIONS.

Republicans Expected Victory Senator
Rms Political Fortunes The Presi-
dent and His Party Balance of Power
IN the Senate.
Special Washington Letter.
The election news has been the great
subject of conversation in this capitol
during the past few days. It can
frankly be said that the politicians Of
both parties saw the signs of the COM
ing storm. The Republicans on duty
here at the Congressional headquar-
tsrs were absolutely confident of a
sweeping victory, and the Democrats,
while not willing to admit that their
cause was hopeless, were evidently i'm
pressed with the fear of coming de-
feat Mr.. Lawrence Gardner, the gen.
Ial secretary of the Democratic Con-
gressional Committee, informed me in
an entirely confidential way some time
since that the indications pointed to a
Republican majority in Congress.
In view Of the greatness Of the land
slide, everybody here is impressed
with the hopeful attitude kept up by
the Democrats until the last moment.
and especially with the brilliant and
aggressive campaign waged by Sem
ator Hill in New York. The Senator's
future career is the subject of discus
sion in many mouths. He will return
TO the Senate with an increased repu-
tation as an able and aggressive orator
but with the prestige of invincibility
As a political manager entirely torn
from him. Many Of Hills friends pro-
Tess to believe that the gallant fight
he made as the leader Of a forlorn
hope will increase rather than dimin-
ish his influence with his party. Others
claim now that the only hope for the
Democracy is to turn unreservedly to
President Cleveland for guidance and
leadership.
There is little doubt in the minds OF
experienced politicians that the dis
aster to the Democracy has largely
arisen from the cross purposes be-
sween the Democratic majority in
Congress and the President. From
the outset the Democratic leaders
have been bound to have their own
way, or to accede unwillingly to such
measures as the President deemed 1t
his duty to urge upon Congress. The
delay in passing both the silver and
sariff bills arose from the disposition
of the Democratic leaders to resent
executive advice. The President sue
seeded in forcing the Silver Repeal
bill through, and in securing an un-
satisfactory tariff measure, but 1t is
we'll known here that, under the sur
face, the attitude of the Democrats In
Congress has been one of actual re-
bellion against the White House.
Whether the Democrats can "get to-
gether" is now a question that is be-
ing solemnly discussed in the secret
councils of the party leaders here. The
warning conveyed by the late over
whelming disaster will doubtless in
cline even the most recalcitrant to
a more conciliatory attitude than has
recently been shown. One of the most
prominent of national Democrats said
to me after the election news was re-
ceived: "The very existence Of the
Democratic party now seems to depend
upon our healing up our quarrels."
Another Democrat remarked more
humorously: 1.-THE Democratic party
always unites under the shadow Of
affiiction, and we have not only the
overwhelming disaster to subdue our
feelings, but Tom Reed will WELD the
Christening rod over US again"