New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-04-06
TIE CHICAGO ELECTION.

TO call Judge DUNES victory in Chicago a
Democratic victory is simply to confuse the real
meaning Of Tuesdays election. The Mayoralty
campaign was fought on a single issue-un-
Connected with State or national politics On
this issue the Republican and Democratic can
didRtes agreed In essentials, differing only as
% the method to be chosen in accomplishing
the city's repeatedly expressed desire TO con-
troll its traction system Both candidates IA
vOred public ownership Of the street railways.
Judge Dunno, the Democratic nominee, advo-
Gated drastic and rigorous policy IN dealing
with the holders Of existing railroad franchises,
while John NJ Harlan, the Republican. advised
q somewhat more cautious and cOnciliatory pro-
ETamme. AS was TO be expected I'm a COM
munity as positive and as radical as Chicago.
the holder leader won. But party lines were
ignored throughout the contest the voters de
Viding according 10 their own interests and feel
ings and without reference TO their normal afiI-
satiOns 10 State and national campaigns.
A glance at the returns will show that no
issue was made-or could be made-on the
street railroad question between the Republi-
can and Democratic organizations, as such.
Last November the Republican State and ma
tiOnal tickets swept Chicago by unexampled
pluralities. President Roosevelt carried the city
by a plurality Of lO9924, and for Governor
Charles s. Deneen had a plurality OF 1852
Etringer. On Tuesday Judge Dunno, nominal
~ the Democratic standard bearer, but in real
ity drawing support from all parties polled
I6l, 050 votes-60, 495 more than were cast last
fan for Mr.. Gtringer and CO S94 more than were
cast Tor Alton r. Parker Mr.. Harlan received
1B7.4ll vOtes-7s,345 less than were cast for
M. Deneen and Il ,27S less than were cast for
President Roosevelt. Nothing has happened
since last November 10 change the relative
voting strength Of the two national parties
The shifting Of power shown IN Chicago is
therefore attributable "a local causes and local
causes only.
Mr. Harlan's defeat was explained in many
WAYS IN yesterdays dispatches. 1t was alleged
that he did not have the loyal support of the
Reuublican city machine and that the negro
voters largely deserted him. II was also point
"A ont that though decided advocate Of mu-
,icinal ownership he had allowed himself
10 be nut ia a position Of partial antagonism TO
any Drompt and resolute onslaught on existing
traction interests Undoubtedly he was beaten
because 10 a majority Of the voters be seemed
willing TO temporize a little on an issue on
which the municipality had fits mind made up.
CHICAGO has four times voted by decisive ma
sorities for municipal ownership OF the street
railroads and public sentiment hesitated TO
approre q policy Ike Mr.. Harlan's, which,
whether wisely or unwisely- 20 squirt
at a prolongafion Of the life OF the existing
traction system. Chicago wants 10 make the
experiment Of public ownership, and apparently
looks with favor on any programme which
promises expedition-even II that expedition
leads 10 ultimate delays and long and barren
litigation.
i is not clear what the new administration