Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-04-08
DISCUSSING RESULTS
Tendencies Disclosed by the
Recent Elections.
VEERING TO EXTREMES
SUCCESS OF THE POPULISTIC
DEMOCRATS.
Republicans Showing Disposition to
Adopt Radical Attitude as "Stand-
Patters" on Tariff Question.

Two distinct features are observed by
politicians in the results of the spring
elections this week. namely:
First, that the republicans made gains
over the last election throughout the coun-
try generally.
Second, that the only democratic VIC
tories achieved were won by the socialis-
c-populistic-Bryanistfc wing of the
party. The regular democratic candidates
were showed under, but Golden Rule"
Jones, "Single-taxer'' Tom Johnson and
Municipal Carter Harrison
won out handsomely.
The latter feature Of the elections may
cause some pondering among politicians.
it Is said. The step toward socialism taken
by David B. Hill Of New York last fall is
being followed by the democrats of the
cities of the middle west Heretofore it
has been the granger element in the demo-
cratic party that has wandered off after
strange gods But as the democrats of
the farms, contemplating perhaps the high
prices and good times that prevail for
farm products. lean toward conservatism
again, the democrats OF the cities follow
leaders whose course Is directed away
from the beaten path of democracy Of old
en- times.
The Republican Attitude.
Coincidently with this manifested trend
of the democracy Is a stiffentng Of repub-
lican lines. The republican managers are
showing a disposition to adopt the most
radical position on the question of high
tariff. They have taken their stand among
the most determined ''stand patters" for
existing economic conditions, which they
claim are responsible for present indus
trial and material prosperity.
Thus. more than a year In advance of
the opening of the campaign. for the pres
idency can be observed distinct currents
strongly in opposite directions. Whether
they will continue to carry the rank and
file Of the party with them until the presi
Dental campaign is a question: no one can
now answer.
The outcome of the spring elections in
Chicago, Cleveland, Toledo and Cincinnati
will set the eastern democrats to thinking.
The result was not favorable to the plan
or the eastern managers for Reorganization
od,,l Of the democratic party along old, con-
Olney and company cannot head move
nent In support of the theories of Carter
Harrison. Tom johnson and Golden Rule
Jones. such as have been indorsed by the
voters Of Chicago Cleveland and Toledo.
The defeat OF fusion Of reform repub-
licans with democrats in Cincinnati does
not augur well for amalgamating the re-
form and mugwump elements Of the east
the opinion OF politicians, the elections may
be considered very significant.
Strength Of the Bryanits.
Another question may confront the demo-
Gratis If this sentiment, as expressed in
the recent elections. 10 found to have deep
root and If 1t spreads, namely, may not
the eastern democrats be overslaughed in
convention by the Bryanites and those So
cialisttc fellows from the middle west.
1t already is evident to many thinking
democrats that the proposed reorganizers
of the party will have to depend upon the
south and upon a little coterie in the east
for the major part of the forces to be used
In the reorganization warfare. In the
trans Mississippi region Bryan will fight
them to the bitter end and now 1t seems
that he may find efficient reinforcements
In the great labor centeTs between the AL
leghenies and the Mississippi.
II there Is such a tendency of the demo-
Gratis, the effect will be to cause the re-
publicans to go to the other extreme. It
does not seem as If there will be any mid
die ground, anyhow. The republican man
ayers already show Indications of being
afraid Of middle ground on the tariff
question, and evince a tendency to stand or
fall on the most radical expression Of their
protective tariff theory.
So, 1t may be expected that they Will
take an extreme position on all social and
economic question where the democrats In
dfcate tendency to follow the Johnsons
and the HarrtsOns and the BryanS