Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-11-03

Major Mckinley, II appears upon the
testimony OF such un9rejudiced observers
as Mark Hanna and Joseph Manley.
Is already elected. Nothing IL left but
the shouting, and the two gentlemen re-
fcrred TO seem inclined TO leave very NJ
tie OF that to be done after election. Mr..
Hanna yesterday informed an eager, but
not too credulous world that Mckinley had
81 electoral votes sure. twcnty-siX more
probably for him, and thirty-two doubt
full. To get the first total he classed
California. Delaware. Illinois. Indiana
Kentucky. Maryland, Michigan. Mime
sota. Nebraska, North Carolina, South
Dakota. Tennessee, West virginia. ana
Wyoming as absolutely safe for Mchin-
ley. Five OF these States have been re-
liab.y Democratic in every presidential
election since Reconstruction days. In
Illinois. Michigan, Indiana, Minnesota,
Mr.. Bryan's chances OF victory are
thrice as promising as Mckinley's. while
California and Nebraska are committed
10 the Democratic candidate beyond
shadow of a doubt. The states which
the Republican chairman classes as pro-
badly for Mckinley are Kansas. Virginia,
and Washington. Few cool observers
will have any apprehension that Kansas,
which, in 1892. on n fusion ticket gave
Weaver 5,S7f plurality over Harrison VIII
fail 10 maintain fits position this year,
when the fusion Is more complete ana
the leadership more inspiring. Nor Is
the 5000 Democratic plurality In VIZ
ginia in '93 likely to show a falling OH
this year. when the Populsts, who then
cast 12,275 anti-Democratic votes, are
welded with the Democracy As for the
States which Mr.. Hanna regards as
doubtful. it is charitable 10 suppose that
he so estimated Texas prior to his report
ed Indictment for an alleged effort 10 buy
the electoral vote OF the State. Texas
and Missouri are the only doubtful States
Mr.. Hanna knows.
Mr.. Manley is little more moderate
than his chief. Three hundred and sevel
votes he finds certain for Mckinley. He
omits from the cock-cure column North
Carolina and Wyoming but claims Kan
sas as certain. Among his doubtful
States he enumerates Missouri, North
Carolina. and Virginia. More generous
than Hanna. Mr. Manley comedies Mr.
Bryan ninety-three electoral votes.
The very extravaganza of these esti-
mates defeats their purpose. They will
deceive no one. for no sane observer OF
American political conditions can expect
10 see the solid South broken by Repub-
lican success in Texas. Virginia or North
Carolina. or can imagine the Republi-
cans regaining control in states like
Kansas and Nebraska, which are
thoroughly dominated by the Populists
The Republican managers are whistling
very loud 10 keep their courage up.
Holly contested as this election has
been. Democrats may go to the polls
with perfect confidence that the party
never went before the people in better
condition for victory. The revolt Of the
gold Democrats has proved a complete
fzzle. The campaign Of Palmer and
Buckner has been only grotesque. To
the Democratic cause the farmers and
workingmen have 1ocked as never before.
Though money has been lacking to the
Democratic managers. volunteer assist
ance has been at their command IN
plenty. Enthusiasm has replaced cold
and mercenary political efforts.
Mr.. Bryan's success IS as near'y GER
tain as anything can be IN the political
arena. The doubtful States which are at
least reasonably possible for him 10
carry are. with their electoral votes.
North Dakota. g. Delaware. 3; Illinois,
q; Indiana. 10; Maryland. 8: Michigan, Il:
oregon. 1. If out of this list Mr. Bryan
can gather thirteen electoral votes, his
election IS assured.
Democrats and their allies may go 10
the polls confident of success.