Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1915-09-22
THE PRIMARY RETURNS

Ia sweeping Republican Victory at
the polls in November.
There are other outstanding fea-
lures. but the predominance of the
Republican party in the city and
county is emphasized from whatever
angle the figures are viewed The Re-
publican totals are nearly three times
those of the Democratic and Washing
ton parties combined, and in this re-
spect 1t is to be noted that the Wash
ington party has almost disappeared
as a factor in local politics. its total
vote running we'll down into three fig
ures, which is pitiful comparison
with its brave showing in 1912. The
Republican party stands reunited be-
fore the people.
The ticket nominated by the Repub-
licans throughout the county yesterday
! is one to inspire respect and con-
fdence. From first to last it is made
UP of clean, honest. capable men,
whose only pledge is a decent and
conscientious administration of public
affairs It is to be observed, also, that
the candidates are we'll distributed
from a geographical standpoint. There
can be no criticism this year from
sections of the county coml laining
that they have no representation
Practically every center of population
has its nominee, who is a representa-
tive citizen of his community and who
will command its support at the polls.
It has been many years since the Re-
publican party was so fortunate both
in the caiiber of the men nominated
end in the wide extent of locality
Represented. There can be no excuse
for any Republican boiling his ticket
this Fall, and it is not likely that MANY
will do so. especially in view of the
fact that Democrats in the national
campaign next year would use any
apparent weakness in the party now
as an indication of endorsement of the
Wilson administration. which then will
be seeking vindication before the
people.
The fundamental difference between
the Republican and the Democratic
parties. with respect to support of
their tickets. has been always that the
Republicans have been accustomed to
sink personal differences after the Sc
| lection of their candidates and all join
| in support of the nominees of the
majority. while Democratic primary
contests almost invariably are carried
to the polls. as was the case in Penn
sylvania last year. There is no reason
to believe that this condition will not
prevail in Dauphin county this year,
although the hot contests of the pri-
maries will no doubt provide the only
campaign material left for the Demo-
atic-Washington party bosses whose
slate" was put through without a
single hitch yesterday.
In the city it is gratifying to note
that the three Republican councilmen
who have been in active charge of the
more important departments of the
city government and who have borne
the brunt of the unjust attack at the
hands of partisan opponents bent on
discrediting them before the people
have been renominated. Doubtless
when the smoke of the primaries
clears away and the voters give serious
the really substantial accomplishments
of these men they will be reelected
by comfortable majorities. as they
should be. The city cannot afford to
try any experiments at this time. 1t
knows Messrs. Lynch. Taylor and Bow
man. what they have done and what
they may be counted upon to do, and
it does not want to go through an
other needless reorganization of the
municipal departments, with all the
uncertainties and delays such course
would necessitate. The mayoralty sit
uation is discussed elsewhere.
In no way was the Independent
spirit of the Republican voters ex-
pressed more strongly yesterday than
in the selection of candidates for the
School Board The three men who
had been pointed out as unpledged
and without alliances of any sort were
nominated by overwhelming majorities.
The results as a whole, as has been
said. are distinctly optimistic from a
Republican viewpoint. The party is
reunited and there can be no doubt
that the tremendous Republican ma
jority of last year in both city ana
county will even be exceeded this year.