Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-10-08
Ohio Republicans Uneasy Over Apathy
of the Democrats.
FEAR VOTERS WILL NOT TURN OUT
Little Disaffection Among Dis
appointed Aspirants for Office.
TROUBLES OF THE ORATORS
special Correspondence of The Evening Star.

Special Correspondence of The Evening Star.
CANTON, Ohio, October 6, 1897.
For many years the problem Of an Ohio
campaign following a presidential election
was simple. 1t was merely to estimate the
natural reaction. The more sweeping the
republican victory had been in the national
campaign, the more nearly the factors
pointed to a democratic solution. Where
the occupant of the White House was an
Ohio man. as has happened, an extra allow
ance had to be made for personal disap-
pointments and the always painful dis
covery that the number of office pegs limit
ed the number of hats which could be hung
up. The buckeye politician has always
taken this natural law of politics as on
affront to himself. Though the rest of the
country may be subject to harsh conditions,
he has never been able to understand why
there should not be places enough for the
placemen of this favored state. In year
when this feeling is freshest upon him he
is apt to show it by languid interest in
the campaign. Sometimes his languor de-
Ielops into pronounced Indifference. He
and his friends stay away from the polls
and mediate on the ingratitude of par
ties.
Canton is a good center from which to
judge how far these influences radiate in
the present campaign. Having given the
nation President, Canton may be expect
ed to feel more than a common interest in
the success of his administration. 1t may
also be properly looked to for friends and
neighbors who are ready to add their help
toward making the administration a sue
cess by becoming parts of 1t. If the posi-
lions are not numerous enough to crafty
all these ambitions or are not forthcoming
promptly enough the extent to which the
disappointment will show itself on election
day may be gagged.
Good Point of Observation.
Beyond these matters Of a nature per-
sonal to the administration Canton is also
a good center from which to judge the in
huence of good crops and better times
commercially ard industrially on the cam
paign. Right here in Stark county are
farms, mines and manufactures which
themselves give an index of what is going
en-. Wayne county. which adjoins, used to
be cited by Mr.. Blaine as an Illustration of
the wealth that lay in wheat. Holmes
county, close by, pastures sheep on it's
hlilsIdes, and a variation in it's normal
democratic majority either UP or down MAY
always be accepted as sign that a polit-
zeal revolution has taken place. Demo-
cratic farmers in Holmes county never vote
the republican ticket, yet VIXEN wool is
fetching high price they sometimes help
on republican majority by forgetting to
vote their own ticket.
So far as l can make out the local condi-
tons in the home of TIE President are less
unfavorable than might be supposed. The
county may rot do as well for the ticket
as 1t did when Major Mckinley was him
self candidate. Political opponents who
voted for him out of personal friendship
are not going to support the republican
ticket this year. Nor are violent Dartisans
who exerted themselves in opposition be-
cause the candidate was their townsman
going to be so active. So these elements
neutraliZe each other. A few gold demo-
q tn n h, for
currency reform an excuse for their own
lack of interest Nevertheless, they will
not vote the democratic ticket because free
silver Is still the test of fealty.
In the Presidents own political house
hold there is less grumbling than had ex-
pected to find. Major McKinley's tact in
Cancellation is still exerted. If another
would turn itself into big reception COM
mittee, just as it did last year. The polt-
cal pilgrims would be welcomed With the
same heartiness and Canton would make
the visiting stranger its guest.
Ambitions That Failed.
l could name off several score of good
citizens whose expectations were confided
to me during my stay in Canton last VIM
ter. Some expected to come to Washing
ten, but most of them had longing eyes
fixed on foreign candidates. Hardly a enc
of these men has had his ambition gratified,
about the ingratitude of the President.
few have changed their base to local
politics. The majority, however, are pa
tiently waiting. The fact that nobodys
neishbor has been named may have some
thing to do with the lack of bitterness that
usually goes with deferred or defeated DO
litical hopes. Where both Smith and Jones
expect consulate neither Is apt to com
plain so long as the other doesn't get it.
suppose before the administration
10 nd M to pvac At
kinley's old congr essional district will have
its share of consular and other positions
1t is SIMPLY stating a political condition to
say that the large number of his former
constituents who expect rewards are wait
ing cheerfully, and while waiting are not
forgetting their party obligations.
PRESIDENT Hayes, when tenanting the
White House. had more trouble naming a
postmaster at his home in Fremont tran
In selecting his cabinet. Months ago heard
that President Mckinley would have to 90
through the same experience. The de-
velopments have not been so distressing
None of the local federal appointments
hove yet been filled. The present demo-
cratic postmaster Is an efficient one, and
he will not be disturbed until his four years
are up. 1t is understood, however, that
the President has made selection which
Is semi-personal in its nature. Mr. Frease
the probable postmaster, seems to be ac-
ceptable. though his good fortune is envied
There is some disaffection among the
Grand Army veterans, who think Comrade
Mckinley should bestow the Office on one
OF their number, as he was in the habit of
doing when he represented the district in
Congress.
They will probably be reconciled by recog-
milton in other positions. Besides, until an
appointment is actually made no dynamic
force can explode, and the veterans are
loyal to the ticket, whatever their indi-
vidual disappointments. The President has
appeals made to him III other than the
Canton post Office. but these he Is able to
refer to the representative In Congress-
The representative can be relied on to
recommend the man the President is likely
to want. yet when there is an embarrass-
ment OF riches the congressman must take
the responsibility of the selection.
Experience of Campaign Speakers.
1 have been told by the campaign speak
ers who have been out in the country dis
tricts that they find the feeling at Canton
reflected in the country. No pronounced
lack of interest due to disappointment over
office is found. The active workers are not
as active in a presidential year, but they
are in evidence at the cross roads rallies.
Gen. c. II. Grosvenor talks against civil
service. and his words arouse enthusiasm,
though the hearers know they are only
empty words. and build no homes Of nffice