Democratic Sentinel, Volume 6, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 April 1882 — The Spring Elections. [ARTICLE]

The Spring Elections.

The recent elections ui the Western States show something of a reaction against the Republican party. In Ohio and in Indiana the license question lost the Republicans the German vote. Indeed, this secession bids fair to be permanent, unless the Democrats blunder even worse then usual. Constant meddling with personal rights and privileges has alienated from the Republicans in several Western States a large following that hitherto had been faithful to the party, even to the sacrifice of material interests. Many of the prominent German leaders in the West have openly declared that their last vote has been given to the Republicans. This determination is the result, not of momentary passion, but of a belief forced by long experience that intolerance, arbitrary methods, and offensive theories, contrary to the spirit and the intention of free government, underlie the political action of that party. Any concerted movement among the Germans would determine the votes of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin at the next Presidential election, to say nothing of its influence in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Events may come'to pass in the next two years to prevent this concert, but, at present, the indications point to a bitter and irreconcilable feud between the German voters and the Republican organization.— New York Sun.