The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-09-13
Circulation Statement.
The Dark CIoud in Maine.

Notwithstanding the fact that the Re
publican party managers affect to be
pleased with the vote at the State election
in Maine. there is excellent reason for
saying that it has alarmed them beyond
measure. and that they are connecting
measures to meet the newly developed
menace in the doubtful States. The
result in Maine involving a Repub-
lcan loss of twelve per cent, and
Democratic gain of twenty-three
per cent. as compared with 1896
means to Mr. Mckinley and Mr.. Hanna
exactly what it does to Mr.. Bryan. namely,
that a similar change in the West would
assure a Democratic victory in November
beyond any peradventure. With Della
ware. Maryland, West Virginia, and Ken
lucky. all of which went Republican four
years ago. lost to the party, Mr.. Bryan
might easily spare New York if certain of
the large States of the Middle West cast
their electoral votes for him. OF these he
seems at this time to be sure Of Indiana.
and has more than an even chance to
carry Illinois. Wisconsin and Michigan
are debatable ground, while Minnesota,
with all the anti-fmperialistic and anti
trust forces united. is more than likely to
cast its electoral vote for the man of the
people.
There is one leader in the Mckinley
camp who does not allow himself any illu-
sions. and that man is Marcus \. Hanna
When he sees breakers ahead he does not
stop to mourn over conditions. He simply
calls upon the trusts for more money and
prepares to speed it scientifically in local
tiles where votes are needed and will
count for most. The Republican play in
West Virginia is an excellent illustration.
There IS no particular need for excep-
tionai activity in railway construction ia
that Commonwealth at this time. All the
same. thousands of negroes are being
rushed into the State from Maryland the
District OF Columbia. and North Carolina.
They are hired and shipped as railway
laborers. but it would not be surprising TO
see them attempt to vote in November.
Such thing might. indeed. astonish the
Hon. stephen b. EiFins. but ii would not
anyone else.
As result of the Maine scare we may
expec: to see great deal OF colonial
ton and the usual interchange Of Republic
can suffrage courtesies on the ohio-Indiana
boundary line. 1t was the mutual assis-
tance principle applied on this frontier in
1896 that gave Mr. Mckinley the fiattering
majority he received in his home State.
and got out an aggregate vote within it
larger than the number Of voters in Ohio.
The combination IT, power will not loosen
its hold upon patronage. control over leg
islation and the Treasury without a hard
fight.
It Will not DO for Democrats to be merely
passive spectators Of the corrupt methods
employed, and to be employed by The Han
ma managers to win the election IN spite
OF any popular majority that may be op-
posed TO them. Vigilance is demanded
everywhere. and vigilance committees viii /
find plenty TO justify their existence and /
peculiar activities in many places. The
American people need to be alive to the
danger Of another stolen Presidential cleo
tior. and to be wido-awske and dctermin-
ed to prevent such thing. The Demo-
cratic party would be safe enough If it
could depend upon an honest ballot and a
lair count In all parts Of the country; bat
If there is 30 be Republican corruption
bribery. and fraud in the field. as now
promises t9 be the case. it viii require as
tute detective and preventive work OK
thorough kind to deal with these mani
festations OF good politics and sound
business methods