The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-06-05
THE POLITICAL OUTLOOK.

Friends Of honest government have rea-
son to congratulate themselves on the
political prospect, as far as it has been
developed. The Crimmins and Kelly fac
ton was so thoroughly showed under on
Saturday that it may be said to have been
extiDguished 1t is no longer a force
worth reckoning with. Indeed its alliance
at this moment would be more to be feared
than its enmity. 1t can help no man and
no cause; but suspicion of its friendlI-
ness would require to be theoretically
repudiated.
On the other hand. there are no present
indications that Chris Buckley's efforts 10
revive his connection with the Democracy
are likely TO be successful. II is certain
strange as it may seem-that the ex-boss
did cherish hopes Of playing the part of a
prodigal son, and of regaining, with the
help Of the Fire Department and at least a
portion of the police, the influence which
was torn from his grasp by the popular
uprising of 1892. He has friends still
among the unterrified. But ii does not
look as though San Francisco was yet pre-
pared to restore him to grace. Among the
practical politicians of the Democratic
faith-that is to say. among those who
work politics for all that is in it-a fierce
resentment is cherished against the boss
who wrecked the party through his greed,
his corruption and his stupidity When
the last Mayoralty election took place it
was believed by large body of voters that
the ReorganiZed Democracy was merely
Buckley under new name, and that the
Pharisaical denunciations Of political cor
ruption which emanated from the Demo-
cratic headquarters were merely a new
instance of the devil rebuking sin. Thus
there Is decided disposition among the
Democrats to-day to give Mr.. Buckley a
cold shoulder and to send him back to the
elegant ranch in Alameda which was the
fruit of bis judicious operations In politics.
Whether they will adhere to this prudent
policy throughout the campaign remains
TO be seen.
The two parties enter the arena this
fall on unequal terms. The prevailing
business depression has knocked the fight
out Of the Democrats; the feeling among
them is that they are riding for fall. At
gathering of representative members of
the party the other Gay one of them re-
marked that the Republicans could elect
painted Indian from a cigar-store over
the next Democrat who could be nomi-
mated. The feeling. no doubt, is general
that this is a Republican year, and that
with proper judgment the party should
sweep the field.
But politics is a game of surprises. It is
quite possible for The Republicans TO throw
away their chances by presuming too far
on their prospects of success 1t is not
true that they could elect painted Indian.
as the representative Democrat asserted.
If they try any tricks OF the kind they will
discover that people sometimes change
their mind with surprising agility, and that
machines do not own voters. as a farmer
owns his cow. Having it in their power to
nominate a candidate who, all other things
being equal, will succeed Governor Mark
ham as Governor, the heads Of the party
owe it to their followers to nominate one
whose character and standing are such
that conscientious Republicans would have
voted for him if the issue Of the contest
had been doubtful; not one who was
picked up at haphszard simply because
he wanted the place and thought that the
momentary prestige of the party could
insure him victory which he could not
have won on his own merits.