rowing and spreading
with amazing rapidity, that in his southern policy he has opened
the means of order, safety, peace and security in all the southern
states.

"Now, when it is demonstrated that the difficulties in the way of
resumption were myths conjured up by the fantasies of demagogues,
when our notes are worth within three per cent. of gold, when
Providence has favored us with boundless crops, and prosperity is
again coming upon us after a dreary time of distress and trial
caused by inflated paper money, why is it that we cannot see all
these things and avail ourselves of the advantage they give us in
our political contest? It seems to me that we ought to carry the
state by an overwhelming majority, and if we do so we will establish
the beneficial principles of our party beyond danger of overthrow
by reaction, and we will secure the peaceful and orderly development
of industry without a parallel in our previous history.

"I wish it were in my power to impress every Republican in Ohio
with my earnest conviction about this matter, but here, constantly
occupied by official duties, I can only remain watching and waiting
in anxious suspense lest the great advantages we possess shall be
frittered away or lost by inaction or mistakes.

"I know you will do your utmost for success, and only write you
this to show you how earnestly I sympathize with you in your
efforts."

The election in Ohio, in October, resulted in the defeat of William
H. West, Republican, for governor, mainly on account of his position
as to labor unions, but no doubt also because of a feeling of
opposition against the resumption of specie payments. Richard M.
Bishop, Democrat, was elected governor, with a Democratic legislature
in both branches, which subsequently elected George H. Pendleton
as United States Senator.

The following letter expresses my view of the election, and the
causes which led to our defeat:

"Washington, October 17, 1877.
"Dear Sir:--Your letter of the 13th inst. is received.

"Your statement of the causes of our defeat in Ohio seems to me
reasonable, though probably I would not agree with you in many
points stated.

"It is not worth while now to bother ourselves about what we cannot
help. All we can do is to inquire how far we have been right, and
to that extent pursue the right, whether victory or defeat is the
result. No party can administer a government, that will not take
the risk of temporary defeat when