faithful and honorable class of "War Democrats," who in the time of the
Nation's peril stood for the flag and for the integrity of their
country. There were many of that type, who allowed no political
differences to restrain them from doing their full share towards the
preservation of the Union; and no duty is more grateful than that of
recognizing their loyal services. General Hancock was at their head,
and no partisan distinctions or subsequent political differences can
diminish the respect in which he is deservedly held by every loyal
lover of the Union of the States.

The campaign did not open altogether auspiciously for the Republicans.
The September election for Governor and members of the Legislature in
Maine had resulted adversely. The Republican party in that State,
owing to a large defection on the greenback issue and a coalition of
all its opponents, had been defeated in 1878 by more than 13,000
majority. In 1879 the lost ground was in large part regained, but the
party, while electing the Legislature, was again outnumbered on the
popular vote. In 1880 the re-action in favor of the Republicans had
not begun in any State as early as September. The issue on the
Protective tariff had not yet been debated, and Maine, though giving
a majority of 6,000 in the Presidential election, lost the Governorship
in September by 164 votes. As a victory had been confidently expected
by the country at large, the failure to secure it had a depressing
effect upon the Republican party.

The discouragement however was but for a day. Re-action speedily came,
and the party was spurred to greater efforts. There was also a change
in the issues presented, and from that time the industrial question
monopolized public attention. The necessity of special exertion in
the October States led to a very earnest and spirited canvass in Ohio
and Indiana. The Democratic declaration in favor of a tariff for
revenue only was turned with tremendous force against that party. A
marked feature of what may be termed the October campaign was the visit
of General Grant to Ohio and Indiana, accompanied by Senator Conkling.
The speeches of the two undoubtedly exerted a strong influence, and
aided in large part to carry those States for the Republicans.

From this day forward the contest was regarded as very close, but with
the chances inclining in favor of the Republicans. In the hope of
counteracting the effect of the argument for a Protecti