The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1895-10-18
The State Campaign,

organs have already declared to their
own satisfaction the ignominious de-
feat of the entire State ticket by an
overwhelming majority, graciously,
however, granting to us the one men,
Der of the Superior Court bench which
is provided for by the alleged law
that created this new tribunal. TO
the shrewd observer of State affairs
these extremely partisan prognostica-
tons are humorous in no slight degree.
The close political student recognizes
the fact that never in the history of
Pennsylvania did the Democracy have
better opportunity to win, and it is
conceded by the fairminded of this
class that an energetic canvass for
the balance of the campaign will
bring out the full Democratic vote,
and this, aided by the independent
thinkers of the State, who are neither
ruled by the Junior United States
Senator or the Administration and
Philadelphia Combine contingent of
the Republican party, will place the
stamp OF approval on the ticket select
ed at the Williamsport convention.
This conclusion has rot been ar
rived at simply after a rapid glance
over the held, but the course of the
Republican party in this campaign
and its party organs plainly shows
that Democratic victory is greatly
feared by them. 1t has no doubt
been noticed that during the few
weeks ofthis campaign already passed
the Republican party organs, always
SO eager to enter into a campaign of
mud singing and defamation of char
acter, have confined themselves al
most entirely to discussing and laud-
ing reform propositions that were pro-
mulgated by their State Chairman,
who heretofore has been the thorn in
the side of al Republican party re.
formers. The make up of the Demo
cratic State ticket has been left
severely alone, simply for the reason
that to have said anything but that
Which was good would have endanger.
ed any chance of Republican victory.
The record OF the last session of the
State Legislature is still green in the
memories Of the voters of the Com.
menwealth, and from a Republican
standpoint it would have been suicidal
to'have entered into a campaign that
would have taken for its text the
record of the Republican party of the
State during the past year. Attempts
have been made to ring the changes
on the time.worn doctrines and
pledges of their party, but these fall
very flat when there is so much mater
ial that could be analysed with profit
to the State and interest to the tax
payers. 1t would never have done to
refer to any recent exploits of the
party, for the reason that it would be
followed by general, expose of mis-
management and gross expenditure
OF public funds. For that reason the
candidacy of Hon. benjamin F.
Meyers is looked upon with serious.
ness that is truly fattering 10 the
minority party. 1t has been noticed
througe the length and breadth of
the State that while such reputable
and conservative newspapers as the
Public Ledger, of Philadelphia, and
Others Of equal merit have been
severely scoring the administration of
the financial affairs of the Common
wealth, and condemning the manner
in Which the funds of the people have
been sauandered by profigate Legis
lature and officials who work simply
for the purpose of gaining selfish
party ends, the administration of the
Treasurer's Office has been in the
direct charge and management al.
most exclusively of the Republican
candidate for Treasurer, as it is a we'll
known fact that Treasurer Jackson
has spent very little of his time in the
department during his term. is it
any wonder that under these condi.
tions a man with such an enviable
record as Mr.. Meyers should be
feared by both factions of the Republi-
can party machine ?
AS for the Judgeship contest, it is
pretty nearly understood that the
people of the State will vote in such
way as to show their condemnation of
the disgraceful factional fights in the
Republican patty and the unseemly
proceedings that led to the creation
OF this Court. The six honorable
and distinguished jurists placed IN
nomination by the Democratic party
came before the people In an honest,
straightforward and fearless manner,
backed only by their regulations as
lawyers and Judges and the knowl.
edge that they we're safe in the hands
of the people. The character of the
Office does not admit of any personal
campaign, but it is not necessary in
this case. 1t is sufficient for the peo.
pie to know the motive that made the
Court, and they also know that the