PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1629, 26 October 1916, Page 4

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

“As Maine goes, so Avill go the juation,” Avas (he text of many newspaper comments on tho victory of the Republican Parry in the Ncav England State at the beginning of last, month. Tho ret urn of Republicans for State Governor, lavo United Senators and four members of jCongress Avith a majority in the State Legislature, Avas declared hy the party to he a prediction of victory for Mr Hughes next mont h. The Democratic GoA'ernor avus defeated f)\ a majority of about 31,000 A 7 otes, and to Mr Wilson’s friends this Avas *‘a most jneA'itahle indication that the sentiment of the nation is still democratic and that President ilson will haA r e the vote of most of those aa’lio supported him in 1912,” their argument being that the defeat avas due not to a “landslide” but ,solely to a split in the progressive vote. Although jubilant, (ho Republicans admitted that the victory was not so decisive as they had anticipated. The election Avas the climax to a most spectacular campaign. Several members gf the President’s .(Cabinet campaign in the State, and niore than 50 orators of national prominence in both parties actively participated in the contest. The peace issue Avas kept in the foreground hy the Democrats. It Avas the belief of the Democratic managers that the Maine election would show Avhether or not Hie people believe the President should he re-ol-jeeted because he kept the country out of Avar. On the other hand, the Republicans kept the tariff: Aveli to the front, in all their campaigning. They promised that the Republican Party avouUl make protection one of their chief accomplishments if placed in national power.