Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1910-11-10
ECHOES OF THE ELECTION

With the smoke OF the political
conflict clearing away, it is possible
to analyze the result and appreciate
the effect without prejudice or heat.
1t is perfectly plain that the basic
cause for the republican rout was the
violated pledges of that party upon
the tariff The republicans had dis
tinctly promised a downward revision.
They failed to carry out this promise,
and instead presented to the country
the Payne-Aldrich law, palpable
gold brick, which when scratched
showed plainly as bald and brazen
piece Of iniquity and injustice.
/ With his eyes wide open President
Taft signed this bill, and he has reaped
the reward in a crushing reputation
Of himself and his party. the loss OF
his own state and the transfer of the
control Of the House OF Representatives,
in the middle of his term, TO the OPP
position. The result leaves the whole
country, save for few isolated states
in the hands Of the democrats and in
surgents, while the faction Of his party
which the president has chosen to lead
holds but fragment Of the power it
once had.
1t has been n stunning blow to the
administration and T., the hopes OF
Taft's friends that, Notwithstanding the
nationwide criticism Of his course, the
people we're with him and that he
would receive their Endorsement. There
we're contributory causes for the demo-
cratic landslide-the Ballinger business
and other blunders of the administra
ii0n-but the rock bottom facts are
that the resentment against the tariff,
the disirust OF the Cannon Aldrich gov
eminent at Washington and the high
cost Of living brought about political
revolution which has swept from power
in every pivotal state Of the union the
party held responsible, reyiyfying and
vtalizing the democrats throughout
The country until their whole party,
looking to 1912, vibrates. with conf
dence and enthusiasm.
The effect on Mr.. Taft and his politI-
cal future is almost pathetic. 1t is diff
fcult to see, in the light of the returns,
how he en- be considered an available
candidate for his party two years hence.
In Ohio the republicans made their
fight on a plank indorsing Taft for re-
nomination in 1912. This was his
home state, and he sent into it three
members of his cabinet whose appeal to
the voters was stand by Taft. ," 1t was
driven home by every republican orator
and organ that defeat for Harding
meant the end Of Tafts hope of
succeeding himself. Every influence at
the command Of the administration
was brought to bear to save the state,
and yet the voters Of Ohio reelected
the democratic candidate for governor,
himself frankly a candidate for the
presidency, by greatly increased plu-
ralitv. Friends OF the president said
before, and say now, regardless of the
result, he will be candidate; but they
are unable to disguise the depth to
which they have been plunged in
gloom.
The republican party managers IN
New York are trying to realize the full
extent Of the catastrophe which swept
over them on Tuesday They were
crushed and discouraged by the evil
dences Of ruin on all sides. Meantime,
Theodore Roosevelt is at Oyster Bay
suIking. The fact that the very can
didates for whom he made feryent
appeals we're defeated by overwhelm-
ing votes-larger than on any other
occasion-did not indicate to him as
it did to the leaders Of his party that
these big votes we're a direct slap at
him. limitations that he may openly |
break with President Taft, criticise his
administration and start an active
campaign for the presidential nomi-
nation two years hence come from
Oyster Bay. Roosevelt refused to be
seen by newspaper men yesterday.
To inquirers he sent the word: i
d IN t want to be disturbed"
The Now York Legislature will be
democratic by generous margin, and
there is speculation already as to what
democrat will be selected to succeed
Chaucey NJ. Depew in the Senate.
Senator A. ]. Beyeridge's hopes for
another term at Washington went glim
meriug last night, when late returns
showed conclusively that the democrats
Tuesday elected a majority OF the mem.
bers OF the Indiana Assembly which will
meet next January 10 choose Mr. Bey-
erdge's SUCCESSOR,
According to the latest figures the
democrats will have majority on joint
ballot Of 80. John W. Kern was IN
do,sed last spring by the democrats Tor
United States senator aud in all prob
ability he will become the colleague OF
Senator Shively, also democrat.
Il is conceded that the democratic
state ticket vas elected by splurslity OF
about 10, 900, .,.l
0fthe 10 Indiana congressman IL VII
be democrats. Edgar Dean Crumpacker
OF the Ninth district, was the only re-
publican elected.