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Show t ELECTION THOUGHTS. In forty states of the union two great parties are contesting today for the mastery mas-tery in the national house of representatives. represen-tatives. The result may affect the most vital interests of the nation, for if the democrats win they will cripple the policy of the republican party by refusing refus-ing all but the most penurious appropriations appro-priations for public works and improvements; improve-ments; for pensions and defences; and finally, by unsettling so much as in their power lies, the business of the country through a b'erce attack upon the tariff law before the McKinley bill is fairly tried. Bo&Jdes this, the election today, while it cannot change the political complexion complex-ion of the sanate, may work important changes in that body. Then there is an army of state officers, from governors, and judges down to the lowest positions, posi-tions, to be ebosen and in one state the question of prohibition or high license to be settled. Yet with all these momentous issues and interests at stake, after a free and full and often emphatic discussion of the questions involved, perhaps ten millions mil-lions of free citizens march peacefully to the polls and with the most powerful power-ful weapon yet invented, with the American manhood ballot, decide the fate of parties, candidates and principles. princi-ples. There may bo enthusiasm, but no excitement; there may be agitation, but no bloodshed. And above all, whatever party wins the beaten minority minor-ity will submit without a murmur, trying try-ing its fortunes anew the next time. Is there another spectacle like this witnessed wit-nessed on earth? This is indeed a great country! 1 - |