Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-11-13
THE RECENT ELECTIONS.
Causes and Consequences Of the Demo-
cratic Defeat

To the Editor OF the Dispatch:
As there are causes for all things, SO
there are consequences from all things.
The elections last week resulted not so
much in Republican victory as In DEM
ocratic defeat, just as two years ago the
reverse Of this was the case. Partisan
spirit Is not as strong now as II has BEEN
There Is more of individual independ-
ence in thought and In action on the
part of both Democrats and Republicans
than there was even year or TWO back.
Many of the Democrats who voted at
the late election voted for Republican
candidates as a protest against Demo-
cratic practices violative of Democratic
principles. Many of them who did not
vote derived their temper or negative
disapproval from the same consideration.
The disastrous result was brought about
by a complication of influences.
There was a serious mistake made IN
constituting the elections of two years ago
as a general popular demand for re-
versal of the Mckinley law; the demand
was only for a reasonable moderation or
that monopolistic tariff. And while II Is
true that the new tariff does not reverse
It, If Mr.. Clevelands wishes In the mat
free trade would have asserted Itself
more boldly than 1t did. This Is the
second time Mr.. Cleveland has run the
Democratic ship upon this tariff rock.
1t was not, however the tariff altogether
that turned the tide of popular sentims mt
against the administration. The pluto
cratic complexion OF the government, the
autocratic tone and temper OF the Presi-
dent, very soon began to engender among
the people feeling that is not the feel
ing logically flowing from satisfaction on
the part of Democrats with a Democratic
Administration.
The high hearted loyalty of the party
that had twice put Mr.. Cleveland in power
received It's first shock in the appointment
OF a redolent Republican az Premier In
the Cabinet; but that was, not the last
shock. The truth is that with all his
probity, patriotism. and sincerity, with
all of his mental and moral force, all his
courage and conscientious sense OF duty,
Mr. Cleveland Is not OF that type OF In
spring, magnetic broad visioned men
suited for craftsmanship as we'll as party
leadership in times like these In country
like this. 1t sometimes looks as If Mr..
Cleveland is posing for posterity to adj
mire him as patriot above party and
a hero too high for environment to affect
but be obvious to his closest adherents
now that he has grievously, IL not ire
parably. impaired the harmony and
broken the strength OF his party In
every section OF the Union. That he has
purposely done IT, I do not believe But
that Is so-Voila. the Democratic debris
of the 9Th OF November, 1891. too truly
tells the story.
More than any other President since
Andrew Jackson, Mr.. Cleveland has been
the dictator OF his party. He assumed the
role OF ruler. and the responsibility Of the
results Of his ruling must rest upon him.
The consequences of this great Demo-
cratic defeat are not 50 easily foretold.
II the Democratic party In the South
is really breaking up. as n permanent
thing. the prospect for the party IS
gloomy indeed: for without the whole
South the national Democracy would
have little more than a nominal exist
ence. Let US. however. have fearless
and unequivocal declaration on the part
of the national Democracy In favor or
free coinage and fair elections. and the
alignment of the wavering ranks OF the
southern Democracy will soon be again
as II has been. Otherwise. we have just
seen but the beginning OF the end. AS to
the tariff, It may be relied upon that the
Republican leaders are too astute TO be
found favorng further tariff agitation,
knowing. as they do. that a forceful fac
tor in bringing about their victory was
the announcement from Mr.. Cleveland
and from Mr.. Wilson that in Democratic
contemplation resumption OF tarin tink-
ering was only awaiting opportunity.
The tariff views OF the men OF the
Mckinley school have been relegated, and
they will remain In relegation, for the
very good reason that the Republican
managers are clever enough to recognize
the fact that the intelligence Of the coun-
try. irrespective Of party, has risen In