New-York tribune., 1904-09-08

CAMPAIGN NEEDS LIFE.
The Vermont Election Causes Con
sternation 4mOng Democrats.

IFROM TRIBUNE BUREAU
Washington, Sept. 1.-NCtwithsta ndinE an
apathy great was ever known in that
State, Vermont rolled up such a tremendous
Republican majority that it has created as
great CONSERVATION among the Democrats as
it has been the source of encouragement and
qualification TO their opponents. The RepubH-
cans do not fail 10 appreciate the significance
of so sweeping a victory, which they regard as
an Endorsement OF the administration of Presi-
dent Roosevelt and surety of the success
of the Republican national ticket. this fall
The Democracy made Roosevelt the issue. and
the Republicans of Vermont willingly accepted
the challenge. The result indicates that the
nominee is fully as strong as mis- party. and
that his individual following compares favora-
bly, With that of any of his predecessors,
The Vermont victory is the one topic of dis
cusson in political circles here to-day. and the
Democrats are making all kinds OF excuses for
the decisive defeat OF their party. They have
been unable. however to give any reasonable
explanation. beyond couceding that it is ap-
parentIy a Republican year. and that vigor-
Gus and aggressive campaign must be waged
from now until Election Day IN order TO stamp
out the apathy which has evidently been
transferred from the Republican party to the
d, mocracy. II is declared here. in response TO
Democratic inquiries to Just how il hap
pehed that the people OF Vermont had simply
made up their minds how they would vote, and
that they were either too busy with their
business affairs or did not care 10 spend time
listening to political discussions. They went
to the polls and voted in way that indicated
their desire for Il continuance of present po-
lltical conditions. Their action can only be in
terpreted as a formal Endorsement of Presi-
dent Roosevelt's administration. for it was
md
won.
Democratic leaders to-day We're wondering
whether the apparent indifference to the cam
paign that exists to some extent all over the
country has the same explanation that has been
demonstrated in Vermont. They are wondering
whether the entire country has made up HS
mind how the election is TO go. There Is no
doubt the result in Vermont Is causing lhe Oelii-
Ccrats some hard thinking
II is pointed out here that the extremely large
plurality that was given the Republican ticket
in Vermont can be realized only by comparl-
son with the vote in the September elections OF
other Presidential years since 1870 only IN
1896 has the plurality exceeded that given the
Republican candidate yesterday In the Sep
tember election of chat year 1T was 5o.59l. Inc
Republican pluralities In Vermont in september
lows 1876 23 10; 1880 26,603; 1854. 22.I4;
1888 2S.995: 1892 1912; 1896. 3S39l; 1900.
81 1872: average, % .34l The plurality Ior Fresl-
dent in 1900 was 29.110.
the result in Vermont has caused leading
Democrats to question the adviSaolilty OF Judge
Parker's determination not 10 make campaign
speeches. Many of them are now renewing their
suggestions that a considerable amount of per-
soual magnetism is needed TO stir up the Demo
cratic voters They are questioning whether the
loss of Bryan the great attraction OF the cam
paign is being compensated for by the inffuence
of their present candidate, who is known 10 the
people merely by his photograph In judicial
gown and the descriptions given by speloinders
on the stump in newspapers and magazines
These Democrats may again renew their demand
that their candidate get into the campaign