The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1899-10-14
Republican Prospects.

There is no denying the fact that
there is very little political activity
this fall, but it effects both political
parties to a greater or lesser extent.
This is what may be termed an off
year in politics. Viewing the situa-
ton from this standpoint, neither
party will poll its full strength. The
Republicans, however, have the ad-
vantage in that the candidates will
receive nearer a straight party vote
than their opponents.
The Republicans of the county
have not been nearer perfect har-
mony in many years than they are in
the present campaign. The candi-
dates are being supported with almost
absolute unanimity by their party; by
common consent the Quay and anti
Quay factions have put factionalism
aside and resolved to support the
county ticket simply as Republicans.
There are no inharmonious condi-
tiOns in the Republican party Of
Schuylkill. As a matter of fact, the
Republicans are more firmly united
than the Democrats, and the returns
will prove the truth of this assertion.
The old factional feud among the
Democrats is more irreconcilable than
it has been in any former campaign
in recent years. The TRAITORS of 9G"
are in the saddle, and those Demo
Gratis who have an abiding faith in
Bryan and the Chicago platform will
seize the opportunity to repay the
Bryan deserters. The spirit of bitter
ness and hatred that made possible
the riotous scenes during the closing
hours of the recent Democratic
county convention has not been al
layed. Those candidates who were
counted out have no reason to be
loyal to men who secured their nomi-
nations by fraud.
Another fact, to show that the
Democrats have troubles of their
own, is that they are directing their
full strength against the Republican
candidates for District Attorney and
County Commissioners. These are
the offices they desire most to control
because of the patronage that at
taches to them. A campaign of false
hood and vilification is directed
against Messrs. Berger, Kantner and
Reber. Why ? Because the Demo
cratic press, recognizing the weakness
of their candidates for these offices,
attempt to hide their incompetency
by bitter attacks upon the Republi-
cans and thus divert the public atten-
tion. But the people understand the
reason, and will not be influenced
against them.
If there is one Office in Schuylkill
county in which change of admin
istration is demanded, it is the District
Attorney The Democratic candidate
has been connected with that Office
for the past six years, and it is
natural to suppose that should he be
elected there will be no reforms in
augurated. The people have no de-
sire for continuation Of the present
regime.
Messrs. Kantner and Reber, the Re
publican candidates for Commission
ers, have nothing to fear from a com
parison with their Democratic op-
ponents, but everything to gain.
Hence the Democratic press, in order
to shield their candidates as much as
possible, inaugurate a campaign Of
misrepresentation. As we have pre-
viOusly noted, the official organ Of the
Democracy, the Pottsville Chronicle,
has repeatedly during the past year
or 80 commended the present Repub-
liean board Of County Commissioners
for the excellent administration they
have given the people. No one can
truthfully say otherwise, in reviewing
the record of these officials. In any