The Carlisle independent., 1920-11-11
STATE CAPITAL NEWS

The expected has happened Now that it is all over, everybody knew that Harding would be elected. Even those who had bet their money on Cox expected to lose 1t. The Democrats are inst now engaged in quadruple effort to explain how 1t happened. No one admits, however, that they had for a moment suspected such land- slide as that which had overwhelmed the Democratic party. It is gratify- ing to know that Arkansas has re- mained loyal to the faith, although in some sections even it is badly scratch ed. Several counties have gone over to the enemy. Surrounded On the north, east and west by Republican states, with Louisiana on the south, somewhat shaken Arkansas appears to hold a position of isolation politi- cally.
 There appears to be no great amount of dissatisfaction over the re- suit, for it had been largely discount ed before the election was held A thing which everybody expected could not have a disquieting influence upon the country, but on the other hand should have steadying tendency and hasten the readiustment for which all persons, irrespective of party, have been praying for these many months. Since 1t had to be a Democratic defeat the concensus of opinion is that it is fortunate it should have been an over whelming victory for the Republican party With a Republican president and Cabinet and working majority in both Houses of Congress, the ad- nainistration will have no alibi upon about peace and prosperity. The Dem ocrats will soon assume the attitude of lockers on and the reins of govern ment, with all the responsibilities at taching thereto, will soon pass to the party of Harding and Lodge and their associates.
 The most notable effect of the Re- publican victory in Arkansas will be upon the distribution of federal pa tronage. For eight years federal of fees have been held and controlled by tine Democratic party. All of this must now be changed. There must be a right -about-face in the personnel of those who have been holding the post offices and other positions of trust and making monthly raids upon the fed eral treasury.
 However, it has been stated official ly that the Reublican State Central Committee, which will have a great deal to do with the distribution of pa- tronage, will not be called until some time after the 4th of March. It is probable therefore that the changes will not begin to be made until some time next summer. The leaders of the party are anxious that they shall not be charged with unseemly haste in their return to the pie counter.
 At this time 1t appears that all of the amendments have been defeated. All of them boiled majority of the votes cast on the subject, but none of them seems to have secured a safe majority of the total number of votes cast in the election as indicated by the vote for governor This is only an- other proof of the difficulty of amend ing the constitution. The Standpaters and Yellow Dogs, who have figured so prominently in state and national pol itics, insist that the organic law should be difficult of amendment. The pro- gressive elements of all parties on the other hand urge that it should be a more elastic instrument, so that it may be readily changed to meet the