New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-11-13
coon WORK WELL DONE.

While the country is cOngratulatiDg itself on
the happy result OF the general elections, and
rejoicing in the assurance of a continuance and
increase of business and industrial activity and
prosperity ii is not bad time TO bestow a
word of just and well-earned praise upon the
men who have rendered conspicuous services in
the achievement of that result. Among the
first. in our Judgment. should be named Char
man BabcOck of the Republican Congressional
Committee
That the control Of the National House of
Representatives should not ne wrested from the
Republicans was matter Of vital concern, and
was 80 regarded by President Mckinley and
the supporters of his Administration through
out the country. An Administration majority
in the Senate was reasonably certain; an ad-
verse majority in the House would have been
a National calamity. Nearly everybody ac-
cepted the first Of these propositions. and few
Republicans at least, disputed the second Yet
for more than six weeks after the Congress
siona Committee had opened its headquarters
and appealed TO Republicans throughout the
country for aid and cooperation it received no
encouraging or adequate response. deadly
lethargy seemed to prevail everywhere Con-
tcntment born of prosperity had lulled into a
sense of false security thousands upon thou
sands of men whom adversely and business
distress and staCnqtion had spurred to most
vigorous energy arl action in 1894 and 1896.
Thousands more we so blinded by overconfi-
dence as to dcride every suggestion that any
effort whatever was required to insure Repub-
lcan success and an overwhelming vote of
confidence IL the Administration
Such were the conditions that confronted the
Republican Cong .cssional Committee and baf-
fed its efforts DOWN &c and for some time after
the September elections in Maine and Vermont.
These conditions were as perplexing as they
were new 10 Mr.. Babcock. but he and his col
leagues were quick 10 perceive and realize that
unless the supporters Of the Administration.
whether Republicans or Sound Money Demo
Gratis. could be aroused from their apathy and
stimulated 20 active effort the day was lost
We happen to know. in part. at least, how pa
tlcntly. manfully and zealously the committee
strovc. and what obstacles they overcame 10
attain their object. A month before Election
Day the struggle still seemed almost hope
less. but Chairman Babcock continued to pcrse-
we're and soon tho clouds began to break. From
that time forward. as our Washington dis
patches have shown. his faith and confidence
never wavercd. and his efforts were redoubled
OF course. he as well most other Repub
leans was surprised II not chagrined to find
when the smoke of battle had vanished. that
the party had been saved from humating de
feat and the country from a dangerous men
ace only by the sturdy and magnificent efforts
Of their brethren in the States west Of the
Missouri River which were swept into the
Bryan column two years ago. II these States
had not come TO the rescue the friends and
supporters Of the Administration could not have
controlled the organization OF the next House
Of Representatives.
But even in this aspect the sagacity and fore
thought OF Chairman Babcock stand wildcat
ed He claimed a Republican gain OF twelve
seats In the States referred TO, and the efforts
Of the committee were devoted In large part
10 making that claim good. The result was n
gain of thirteen a number exactly equal to
the undisputcd Republican majority. The fact
that the efforts of the committee elsewhere
were not rewarded with the success they de-
served or that Republican losses were heaviest