Year: 1874

4
party into power two years ago with the
largest majority, perhaps, ever given to a
President, may feel this morning as he reads
the returns of the November elections, that he
has been like the Prodigal Son, and has squan-
dered a precious political inheritance. What
ever the causes, the result is decisive. New
York, which has been anchored so firmly to
the republican party now swings out in pro-
nounced and irretrievable revolt Even the
splendid popularity Of General Dix could not
save the administration. AT the hour we
write it is impossible to estimate the exact re-
suit, but it seems safe to estimate the majority
of Mr. Tilden at from ten to fifteen
thousand majority. The other States speak with
an emphasis no less certain. The indica-
tions are that the republicans in Pennsylva-
mia, mainly through the extraordinary disci-
pline of the party in Philadelphia, have held
| that State. But not even an approximate esti-
mate can be formed, and it seems improbable
that the Keystone State should be alone in
the rush of democratic victories. New Jersey is
probably democratic. The most astound-
ing result however, is in Massachusetts,
which has elected democratic Governor by
decisive, startling majority. General Banks
is elected to the House, while General Butler
is defeated. The defeat Of Butler gives a
poetic sequel to the democratic triumph, and
greatest satisfaction to the American people.
1t closes the career OF the ablest, most persist
ent and most daring of the leaders of the re-
publican party-of the one man who repre-
sented in his own person the animosities, the
mistakes and the audacities Of republicanism
in its hour of arrogant triumph.


This election is not merely victory but a
revolution. The United States pronounces in
favor Of conservative purposes. Weare weary
of war and its bloody instructions. The prac-
tical lessons to be learned cannot fail to be Of
the very gravest importance. The canvass
closes the political career of General Grant.
We can understand that the time will always
come in the history of administrations when
the people become restless and impatient and
crave change. We had indications of this
even in the time of Washington, who was Sc
verely criticised before his retirement for
what was regarded as the corruption Of the
party in power. But Grant has invited the
severest censure, not merely by what he has
done but by what he has failed to do. He
has permitted the Presidential Office to drift
away from what was intended by the founders
of the government The Presidency is no
longer the constitutional head of represen-
tative Republic, but the absolute chief of
dominant party. The Cabinet is no longer
composed of statesmen of repute, selected
because of administrative fitness, but of
staff officers, taken because they pleased
the Presidential fancy. The disposal of
p->4onage has been largely matter of per-
sonal preference. The party has passed into
the control of politicians who have shown
their appreciation of public responsibilities
by Credit Mobiler. Beck pay and other sus-
pected and dishonorable transactions. Gen.
eral Dix was burdened not merely by the
exigencies of party support from crippled
party, but he has not had the hearty support
OF the organization that nominated him. He
has had all the disadvantages of republican
ism and few OF the advantages. Above all he
has had to carry, in the third term idea, the





imposed upon a candidate. 1t was especially
cruel in this that whether he accepted or
rejected it, he was in q harsh position. II he
admitted the policy of third term he offended
the popular sense of the integrity of repub-
lican ins.itutions. II he rejected it he offended
the President and his followers.


There were elements of strength in the
Al l.
alone possessed He had proved himself an
admirable Governor. For longer period
than is allotted to many men he had been in
active public life in many offices of trust and
honor, and his record was honorable and
stainless If the people did not regard him
as great man they turned to him with
kind of instinct as leader thoroughly good
and brave. The country knew that "Centen-
niar' Dix, as he is tondly called, could not
do mean or weak or dishonest act He
had taken early and bold ground against in
fation. When the President himself was so
uncertain what to do that he wrote mes
sage for the purpose of clearing his ideas
Centennial Dix wrote a vehement and elo-
quent protest against imitation. His course
on the third term, although tardy, was effec-
tive He was as inf1exible as fate in stamping
out crime He would not even wink at dis
honesty in legislation. When to this was
added his long life, his illustrious career, his
honorable service in two wars, his resolute
course at the outset of the rebellion, his in
cessant, unpausing loyalty, we can under
stand how it is that he has proved himself
stronger than his party, how the canvass has
been, if not the victory he expected, certainly
not a canvass of dishonor, and how he has
broken the wave of what would have been
measureless disaster.


| Mr. Tilden' success shows not merely the