New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-09-14
THE ELECTIONS.

1t IL an interesting fact which Will strike
come people with surprise judging from their
recent remarks. that both parties are equally
we'll satisfied with the results Of the elections
In September. The characteristics which have
made both parties what they are explain the
situation. The Democrats are pleased because
they lack political shrewdness and the Repub-
licans because they have it. The Democrats
knew no better than to make an effort to In
crease their vote in these elections, while the
Republicans did nothing. made no speeches, and
left the voters largely undisturbed in their con-
fidence. II does not appear that their conf
dence was mistaken. The Republicans car
ricd Maine by a sufficient majority and elected
all the Congressman, but at the same time
showed enough apathy and loss TO put voters
in other States on their guard AS the chance
of Democratic success In Congressional cleo
tons in November depends almost wholly on
continued indifference and overconfdcnce OF
Republican voters, the actual result has been
a help to the Republicans.
IL is betraying no secret 70 say, what Is
known in well-nformed political circles, that
Republican leaders of capacity have this year
found some occasion to fear the prevailing im-
preston that Republican success was certain
everywhere owing to the war. The belief that
the people would sustain the Government by
overwhelming majorties II there was n dis
tinct issue made respecting the war Is not
erroneous But 1t Is serious difficulty that
many voters do not that any issue is made
regarding the war; nor that the Government
stands In any need OF being sustained They
take it for granted that the next Congress will
be Republican. although changes such as are
by no means impossible in the second year OF
any Presidential term might turn the scale.
Nor do many realize what a blow 1t would be
to the Administration II, while tho terms Of
peace yet remain TO he settled. and all the ter
rtorlal and other questions growing out Of
tho war the control Of either house Of Con-
grcss should he given over by sheer neglect TO
the party which will do its utmost to defeat
tho policy and plans of the Government
The Democrats have carefully avoided max
Ing distinct issue. either as TO the war itself
or It's conduct. or the terms OF peace, or the
disposition Of territory which has been or may
he added 10 the United States. They obviously
desire to take advantage of any or all the dis
satisfaction that may appear but meanwhile
keep their forces together by dwelling upon
monetary and Populstic issues where those
have strength. and upon local questions in other
States On the Republican side tho feeling
that the tariff question has been settled and
cannot be again disturbed has a prevalence
which Is really remarkable, considering the fact
that the first step toward fixing trade relations
with conquered territory must inevitably arec'
tie tariff II Is equally singular that the none
tar, question Is supposed to ba out of the way
when one Of the first difficulties before Con
gross Is TO determine what will be settled In
regard to Spanish and other silver which has
sigcuistcd largely in the West India islsrds