The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1899-11-22

The political sentiment of the United
States at this time is decisively Republi-
can. Any one can go over the list of
states and see that the Republicans hold
more than i'm 1896. Three general elec-
tions have taken place since that year
and the net result is a strengthened Re-
publican position. The four states gained
are Kansas, Washington, South Dakota
and Wyoming. Kentucky. which divid-
ed its electoral vote in 1896, is more
strongly Republican now than il was
then. The single State regained by the
Democrats is Maryland, and this was
managed only by platform silent on
silver and the rest of the Chicago plat
form. Compared with 1896 the Republi-
can gain of electoral votes is twenty-five
the loss eight. This change would make
the electoral college stand Republican,
2S5, Democratic, l62. 1t is as close an esti-
mate in actual figures as can be made.
These are accomplished facts. Through
three so.caled uff years the opposition has
done its utmost to turn the political tide.
But it runs more powerful than ever.
The Democratic party itself has crum-
bled in attempting to develop weak
spot in Republican lines.
One new national issue, expansion, was
tested in the twelve states that voted on
the 7th inst. 1t was emphaticslly ap-
proved. Massachusetts, the home of At
kinson, Garrison, Boutwell,, Hoar and a
bitter anti-expansion league, piled up an
immense Republican majority. New
York Republicans increased their Roose-
welt majority and gained twelve MEM
bers in the legislature. New Jersey
shows decidedly Republican gains in
both the popular vote and the legislature.
Mclean is astonished by the $4,000 plu-
rality against him in Ohio. The Repub-
licans of Kentucky were united and won
a brilliant victory. Iowa increased its
majority. South Dakota, where the Pres
ident recently made some of his strong
est expansion speeches, and where Sena-
tor Pettigrew has been untiring on the
other side, changed from fusion maiori-
ty last year to phenomenal Republican
majority of 5000 or 10000. Mclean and
other Democratic managers counted on a
German revolt on expansion. 1t invis-
ible in the returns, in Ohio, Iowa, New
York or anywhere else. There are many
Germans in Buffalo and Louis
vile, and both cities went Democratic
last year. This year they give large Re-
publican maiorities.
Mr.. Bryan saved his state and it is evil
dent that there are some Republicans in
Nebraska who do not care to lessen his
C jnspicuity in the Democratic party.
Bryan has strong popularity and per-
haps will serve the Democratic purpose
next year as well as any man could in
the present confused condition of the
party. He will be defeated, but so will
any other Democrat. To drop him would
cost the Democrats their chance in Ne
brrska, Colorado and two or three small
western States. He can cnunt on the
South as confidently as any other. He
will lose Mary land unless he renounces
free silver and that would stultify hlm to
such degree that he would be laugh
ing stock. His position against expan-
sion is already condemned AS for
trusts, he will find no exclusive fighting
ground. In fact, he has no objections to
them if they take the shape OF his friends
Democratic party can do is to hope that
an issue will turn up before the meeting
of their national convention. In all prob
ability they have their candidate, and he
is Eeaten man on the face of circum-
stances. Globe Democrat.