The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-10-28
POLITICS IN TWO STATES.

remember that Rooseyelt's plurality in that State last year was 255,000 in round numbers it seems absurd for Democrats to entertain any hope of electing Governor this year. but that is just what they are hoping, and there are indications that they have some ground for confidence.
 The Republican Party has gone to the devil" said prominent Ohio poli- tician in Washington a few days ago. thoroughly disgusted over affairs in his State. Governor Herrick, who is can didate for reelection. has two or three obstacles in his way that the Democrats are making the most of. One of these troubles Is connected with the prohibi- tion and anti-saloon sentiment. The extreme opponents of the liquor tramc are dissatisfied with his position ana his course and do not hesitate 10 ex- press 1t very plainly. It has gone so far that a determined effort has been. made to solidify the clergy of the State in opposition to him, with considerable success. It is not comfortable thing for his supporters. to say the least.
 Another of Herrick's handicaps is Cox, the Republican boss of Cincin- natl, who seems willing and determined to sell out the party in the State if he can thereby assure the success of his municipal ticket. He aspires to be supreme in city politics, and his ticket and his methods are causing dissatis- faction and insubordination all over the State. It will be remembered that Secretary Taft, in his recent speech at Akron, unequivocally declared that if he could be in Cincinnati on election day he would vote against the muni- cfpal ticket nominated by the Republi- cans. When a member of the cabinet thus expressed himself against the ticket of his party. in the largest city of his home State 1t will have its effect all over Ohio.
 Added to these two causes of dissat- isfaction it may be added that Her rick doesn't seem to be a very popular official. They do not object so much to what he has done or not done as to his manner of doing 1t. It is com plained of him that he lacks firmness and resolution. He is entirely too amiable. they argue. and this tends to weaken him. In short. while 1t hardly seems possible that the Democrats can elect their State ticket 1t may happen. as strange things often happen in poli- tics. At all events if the Republicans pull through 1t willy be by a much smaller plurality than' they are accus- toned to.
 In Pennsylvania, also. the mix up is becoming interesting. for at last the decent sentiment of the people is aroused and determined. The fight which Mayor Weaver is making against phia is having it's effect elsewhere, and Is fast becoming a State affair. The only State officer to be elected this year. we believe. Is the Treasurer. but that Is enough to cause 8 big fight. One reason why the matter Is assum- ing State proportions is found in/the fact that United States Senator Penrose is supporting the Durham gang, and that Governor Pennypaciter is not fight ing for the gang to any great extent When two such high officials side with the thievish gang, or refuse to take posi- tion, 1t naturally has its effect. The decent citizens of Philadelphia, with out regard to party or politics are standing up to Weaver in his fight and their example is having its influence throughout the State While 1t is not likely that the Roosevelt plurality of over half a million can be overcome it is certain that the Republicans cannot expect to repeat 1t.
 Another thing is causing much dis satisfaction in Pennsylvania. That is the disclosures foliowingS the recent wreck of the Enterprise Bank in Alle- gheny, and the suicide of its cashier. The Investigations following those events show that the Republican of- fcials and politicians had been deposit ing the State funds in favored banks and then borrowing the money on their personal paper. These disclosures have added to the disgust of good citizens and they are showing 1t. Taken altogether. Republicanism in the State of Pennsylvania is having trouble. we are glad to note. If 1t would result in the utter rout of the party 1t would be a great thing for honest govern ment.