New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-10-19

Ora conclusion-and one ony-can be drawn
nv those who have followed the progress Of
this years campaign in Maryland from the ex-
traordnarv letter recently addressed by Scna-
tor 4 p German 10 Edwin +. Abel. the pro-
prietor OF The Baltimore SUM-. That the
MARYLAND Senator in spite Of political and per-
eonal cstraneements, should suddenly propose
10 invest with party authority and party lead
ershp the most persistent and dangerous Of is
poItical enemies must argue an eXtremer cbb
IN Mr.. Germans fortunes than he has yet been
called upon 10 face in all his long career as
the master hand In the Democratic politics OF
the State 1t may be urged Of course. that the
curious offer TO the proprietor Of THE Sun
was made under conditions which preclndcd It's
acceptance conditions whose inadequacy and
unfairness are fully exposed in Mr.. Abclls
formal declination of the responsibilities sought
to he thrust upon him by his political foes
Rut that Mr. German, whose triumphs in home
politics have been won by rigorous discipline
and unfolding nrinness has now thrown the
traditions of a lifetime TO the winds and openly
begged for quarter from his party antagonists,
discloses on his part a lamcntable lack OF that
steadincss and confidence which have carried
him successfully through ell previous cncoun-
ters with the dissenting elements within the
Democratic ranks
Certainly Mr. Germans profession, whether
sincere or not of willingness 10 retire from
party management and to abandon, on certain
conditions. his candidacy for reelection TO the
United States Senate. gives color 10 the theory
that without some further steps toward party
unification the Democratic fight is lost this
year IN Maryland. Everything indeed that has
happened since the present canvass began to
define itself strengthens and confirms this view.
The obvious "straddle' on the silver question,
which had been incorporated under Mr.. Cor
mans personal direction into the Democratic
state platform at Baltimore last July. antago-
nlzed from the outset that large and influential
element in the party which had refused TO fol-
low Mr. Bryan's leadership year ago. War
fare was consequently begun on Mr. Germans
'non-commttal' candidacy By the two lead
Ing Democratic newspapers in the State, THE
Baltimore Sun and 1.-The Baltimore News,
and the wholesale party detection which last
year made Maryland so overwhelmingly Re-
publican threatened TO repeat itself this fall
on an equally alarming scale. fractional diff
culties and friction in the Republican camp
STAYED for time the full effect OF Democratic
dissensions; but with the rehabilitation Of the
Republican organization early In September and
the impetus given TO the Republican canvass 10y
the change In party management, the uphill
character of Mr.. Germans struggle for re-elec-
ton became apparent.
Enough Republicans hold over In the State
Senate for two years longer to make Icpub
Iican majority next winter in that branch OF
the Legislature a practical certainty. or the
ninety-one members to be chosen to the House
Of Delegates Mr.. German will consequently be
Obliged TO secure the election Of fifty or over ia
make his own return to Washington reasonably
secure. In the present House Of Delegates the
Democratic strength IL nineteen; so that nc
less than thirty-one seats will have to be gained