New-York tribune., 1898-01-13
MR.. HANNA'S VICTORY.

/ Senator Hanna has won; has won by the
smallest possible margin in the separate ballots
Of the Ohio Legislature and without n single
vote to spare in the joint assembly; has won
after a bitter and inglorous conflict, which
Ohio Repubcanism Will surely survive. but
which for the time being leaves 1t in manned
and enfeebed condition. The result Is, on the
whole fortunate for the party and the country,
hut It would be foolish to pretend that the main
incidents Of the struggle are legitimate source
Of pride TO those who have been engaged in IT..
Senator Hannas victory was anticipated from
the beginning; indeed, the circumstances made
il seem inevitable And yet It was achieved not
by the highest skill in the employment Of su-
peror resources but through the blunders OF
his adversaries after they had virtually won.
All the advantages Of position were on his side.
His nomination by the State Convention of his
party was ratified by all but four Of It's county
/ conventions; his election TO the office which he
had received by appointment from the Governor
was made controlling issue Of the legislative
campaign. and was deemed a chief feature OF
the Republican victory in November. Thus he
had throughout the contest which he almost lost
the immense benefit of the prevalent feeling
and indisputable fact that the Republican ma
iorty Of the Legislature was under an obga-
ton Of good faith 10 respect the verdict Of the
polls. Furthermore. it thoroughly under
stood that Mr.. Hanna's defeat would be pro-
claimed, and to some extent construed as n
condemnation Of the National Administration.
and it was felt that President Mckinley had
every claim to be exempted from such a pen
atty. And finally. aversion to giving Senator
Foraker a free-silver colleague was a potent
factor in Mr.. Hanna's favor
Nevertheless, with all these advantages and
with the prestige derived from his Invaluable
services and triumphant leadership In 1896,
Senator Hanna barely escaped defeat. His ex-
perience should teach all who aspire to the con-
troll OF political forces that the people Of this
country demand and IN the long run will insist
on having, a free voice in the management Of
their own affairs They are loyal to leader.
but they hate even the faintest appearance Of
being driven. They followed Mr. Hanna in 1896
with the keenest satisfaction because he was
going their way. In Ohio during the recent
campaign a majority less declsvely slgnlfed
their faith and liking; but the animosties which
survived in sufficient strength to sodfy an I'M
natural alliance against him and welngh give
extent, he has temporarily lost his hold upon the
rather to the malignant warfare of his enemies
than TO any conscious faults Of his own will be
generally admitted Appreciation of what he
has done for the party and the Nation and con-
fdence In his devotion to the principles which
were vindlcated under his leadership are still
the prevailing sentiments Of his countrymen
We do not need TO say that they are ours But
1t has seemed proper at the close Of a contest
which has aroused universal interest to review
the facts with perfect candor in the hope that
they may convey a useful lesson to all OBJ
servers.
There is every reason to believe that so saga
cious a man as Senator Hanna will not miss
their significance. His candidacy has been con-
verted into the means Of splitting his party in
Ohio, Of giving some present aid and comfort
to the enemy and OF supplying them with am
munition which they hope 70 use with deadly
effect the coming fall and in the National battle
two years hence Though he may acQult him
self Of all blame for this unfortunate condition
Of affairs he doubtless appreciates the fact that
he will be held largely responsible for the events
Of the future. He IS expected to Justify to pub
lie opinion the long tenure OF Senate seat in
which he has been secured, and II must he his
most earnest desire to do so. The difficult task
OF reuntlng Ohio Republicans IN an impreg-
nable majority will test to the uttermost his
wisdom. patriotism and magnanimity. And yet
the advantage of position which was his In the
struggle so hardly won is still his in even great
er degree in the hour Of victory. We hope and
believe that he will be equal to the emergency
and the opportunity.