The Hawaiian star. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 1900-08-29
PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS.


As yet however the campaign oratory
part of the struggle is not under full
way. Not that there are not all kinds
of speeches being made. in great plenty
but they are merely the local and per-
sonal ebnlitions of party feeling, the
marching to position of the various
elements of the great procession to the
polls. The great organized procession
of spell binders" has not yet started.
Everything is not quite ready yet.
A presidential campaign is not hap
hazard affair, much as it may look like
it to the foreigner superficial observer,
or one unacquainted with methods. 1t
is a campaign in fact as well as in name
Being a campaign ii cannot be wisely
undertaken without knowledge of re-
sources and obstacles to be met and
overcome. The issues have to shape
themselves. Local feelings have to be
considered; the sentiments of commu-
mites and classes on particular subjects
perhaps subjects not directly touched
on by the party platforms, but which
will influence votes, and which may be
per handling. Local quarrels have to
be healed. Rival leaders have to be
placated or squelched. Local conditions
have to be considered.
In getting information regarding
these things cold blooded, un-impas-
stoned methods are used. What cam
paign committees want are facts, and
Tha1y IL 10, i 81
mistakes by ver-enthusiats or reckless
confidence.
When these things have been learned
and studied, then begins the real work
of the campaign and the planning of
meetings, and demonstrations, and the
assignment of speakers. No labor is
wasted. Money is not spent by Re
publican campaign committee in a re-
liably Republican state or county. The
points where there is danger of the
party losing it's accustomed vote or
where there is hope of making substan-
tial gains are the points where effort is
directed.
Up to the present the process of poll
teal shifting and classification is going
on. There is always more or less shift
ing of parties in a presidential cam
paign, and it is always at the beginning
of the campaign. Men who have been
Republicans or Democrats for years, see
things in new lights and change their
party affiliations. Just now the Repup-
Hcan papers are publishing the name of
every man they can get hold of who
voted for Bryan four years ago and will
vote for Mckinley this year. The De-
mocratic papers are equally Industrious
in publishing the names Of former Re
publicans and Gold Democrats who will
this year support Bryan. Imperialism
has thrust itself forward as an issue
that is making great changes in politics
Little as has been said about it in this
territory and little as we weigh it as
an important factor, it is clear that it
has profoundly impressed a great many
serious minds in the States. Taking
dominance over the silver and other
questions of the last campaign, the
Republican party position on it is at
tracing back to the Republican ranks
and to Republican allegiance, many who
supported Bryan four years ago. On
the other hand, it is attracting to the
support of Bryan and to Democratic
allegiance, many who were ulienated
from them four years ago by the radi-
sal utterances of the Chicago convem-
ton. When such men as Bourke Coch-
rane, and John ]. Valentine who led in
the Gold Democratic movement of four
years ago, and George F. Boutwell, a
wheel horse of the Republican party
and a cabinet officer in Grants admins
tratioH, declare that they will support
Bryan, it must be evident that the issue
of Imperialism has created an impress
sion and a profound influence in the
States, of which few echos have reached
here.
This however is but one influence or
element. 1t will only affect certain
limited class of minds unless it can be
popularized and made to attach itself
to some deep seated American senti-
ment.
Chairman Hanna has sent out a eau
ton to his party against over confidence
This is not to be taken however as the
expression of a fear that the party will
be defeated, but simply to recall enthu-
siasts to a recognition that this is a
campaign to be planned and thought
out, and not be endangered by foolish
moves or eXtravagant claims before the
plan Of campaign is thoroughly thought
out and the columns which are to win
victory are set in motion.
1t is easy to deride American presi- |
dental campaigns. There is bound to |
be more or less of the burlesque and |
foolish when 10000 900 of people are be-
ing appealed to on matters they believe
vitality important, on matters touching
their national pride and patriotism. But
beneath the fFoth and excuses of pre-
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