Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1895-08-29
An interesting Political situation.

Tho pending contest between the |
hostile factions Of the Republican party |
in Pennsylvania adds largely to the
interest in this years political
situation. Although this is what is
generally termed an "off year" in poll
tics, there being no contests for Con-
gresham and none bearing directly
upon national politics, it is important
as being the year previous to the great
struggle for the Presidency. The de-
velopments in the States that hold cleo
tions this fall may have an important
bearing upon the elections to follow in
1896.
A survey Of the field shows indica-
tions of decided upheayals and radical
reversals of political conditions thus
far existing. In the heretofore reliably
Democratic State of Kentucky, Demo
cratic divisions on the financial ques-
tion, and the attitude of the Demo
cratic candidate for Governor in insist
ing upon advocating the free coinage of
silver, Notwithstanding the fact that
he was nominated on a sound money
platform, threaten the party with sure
defeat. In Missouri, where Bland led
the Democratic convention to an une-
quivocal declaration in favor of the
madness of free silver coinage, there
are indications that the Democratic
majority will be dissipated by the de-
lection Of sound money Democrats, and
the door opened wide for Republican
victory. In Maryland, the revolt
agaist the rule Of German threatens
Democratic supremacy in that State
more seriously than ever before.
But the tide is not all running
against the Democracy. New York,
despite the crushing defeat admins
tered to the Democrats at two success
sive elections, including the overthrow
of Tammany Hall, shows signs Of effect.
ing another of these radical political
revolutions of which the Empire State
is capable. The Democratic leaders
there seem hopeful and full of the
energy of hard fighting; the Republi-
cans are at desperate odds and on the
eve of an open revolt against the DIES.
potic boss rule of Plat. Bossism there,
as elsewhere, is having its logical and
unerring effect. 1t is now among the
possibilities of the year that the Demo
Gratis will carry New York at the cleo
ton next November.
Ohio has also been made a fairly
debatable State by the changes since
the disastrous Democratic deluge Of
1891. Despite an adverse majority of
nearly lao, 600 under which they were
buried year ago, the Ohio Democrats
have opened campaign full of fire and
enthusiasm, and in the present dis
gruntled condition of the Republicans,
owing to the fierce fued existing be-
tween Foraker and Mckinley factions
the former being in control of the
party organization--D Democratic sue
cess is among the reasonable possibili-
ties.
And then comes PENNSYLVANIA.
Should the fight now waging at Har
risburg result in the rending of the
Republican party, there is no reason
why the Democrats should not step in
and win decisive victory. They
would have every incentive, and all the
encouragement that can be derived
from the independent elements of a
community disgusted with the conten-
tions of corrupt political factions, in
addition to the strength of their party
organization. With the Republicans
divided, the Democrats Of Pennsyl.
yania should carry the State with ease.
With results as above foreshadowed,
it can readily be imagined with what
interest the opening of next years
campaign would be awaited. Even
the loss, next fall, of heretofore Demo
cratic States would not dampen the
ardor of the Democrats should Ohio,
New York and Pennsylvania vote with
them next November. They would
enter into the contest next year with
every confidence Of success, and with
all the advantage that accrues to the
party in power from the good condi-
tions of business throughout the coun-
try The Democratic party emerged
from the overwhelming Greeley disaster
OF 1872, and swept the country in the
elections Of 1874, following this achieve
ment two years later by electing the
President, although subsequently de-
prived Of the fruits of that victory
| The recuueratiye noWers nf the Darnoo
racy are marvellous, and victories in
decisive States this year and through
out the country next year, are not be-
yond the bounds Of probability.