New-York tribune., 1904-10-30
TAGGART'S PAPER OPTIMISTIC.
Thinks Bryan and the Floating Vote May
Save Indiana.

To the Editor OF The Tribune
Sir: With the election less than two weeks off,
the prediction may be made that Indiana Is still
IA doubt Both sides are claiming that they will
carry the State and each organization advances
good arguments 10 prove its contention. To a
close observer, free from partisanship, from all
appearances IL Is still anybody's game. On the
face Of things the Republicans have the best Of
u But they have had advantage for the last
ten years. The undercurrent is what will tell in
State which normally varies not over 5000 10
IoOVO either way IL is things which do not ap-
pear on the surface on which the Democrats are
counting and which would appear to give them
really the best Of II.
The Republicans have carried the State in the
1881 eight years by pluralties ranging from lS,-
VSO 10 5000. This gives them decided ad-
vantage as surface indication. The betting is
IN favor Of the Republicans. another surface
indication. and the Republican managers are
making big claims based largely or the two facts
OF previous victories and the trend of the bet
ing But there are several serious drawbacks
70 the Republicans. IN the first place they have
not been able 10 drum up any enthusiasm At
the Republican headquarters il is admitted that
y was not until Bryan made his tour OF the
state that they could awaken their party work.
srs This is a very bad sign for the Republicans.
They hope 70 overcome the general apathy by
exciting enthusiasm over the tour of Senator
Fairbanks
The Democrats are not hampered by any quar-
nels IN their committees. They have working
organiz1tion that goes down into every precinct
ana which touches almost every voter. Chair
man O'Brlen. with funds at his disposal in this
sSslnpAlgh' mas proved himself master in build
lng up an organization.
The Democrats are not having the expected
trouble with the free silver element which Is
stfohs IN this State. Following the tour OF
bryan Nhrough the State. reports were received
from every county that the silver men, who had
Deen waiting Tor their former leaders word had
swung INTO line. Then. too. the gold Democrats
are 81 Dack, except a few who have gone over 10
the kepub permanently. This number Is
not one point, however. There IS another ad-
vantage with the Democrats This is the Hrst
year since 1896 when absolutely no effort he's
been made by employers 70 influence the votes Of
thelr men. In 1896 and 1900 practically an the
large employers OF labor were for Mckinley. and
Nhey Instructed their men how they were ey-
peclea 70 vote II is believed the freedom given
8oTklngEnen VIII mean thousands Of votes for
fafker and Davis. There are railroad mems
democratic clubs IN Indiana this wear for Ira
nrst time since 1896
Finally, the floating vote looks honeFui,1,
toNaro me Democratic party this year This
vote Is really what controls affairs IN Indiana
~ Is estimated that Indiana has at the veTv
smallest computation sixty thousand floating
voters IN the last few campaigns the Rerlb-
means on account Of their better financial condi-
1on, captured al least 80 per cent OF the ioaters
Ihis would mean at least 10000 votes that arc
assured. As their majority at no time has ex-
oeeoed So.cso 1t can be seen that without the
noaters the Republicans can never carry fine
the floating vote. Il appears how much chance
lhey nave OF carrying the State.
ACCORDING 70 reports, the Democrats hav.
plenty OF money for use on Election Dav Theiy
stories OF Chairman Taggart's .ful barTel'' bo,,r
effect. 'N 'N0N
IN view Of all the matters 20 be considered. Il