The Portland Daily Press

"Boss Bayard."

"Blaineism" in Maine, "Conklingism" in New York, "Cameronism" in Pennsylvania, have, Democratic papers and their guerilla allies assure us, brought the Republican party in those States into some straits. The leaders above mentioned have "frittered away" large Republican majorities, "driven the best men out of the party," "shamelessly abused patronage," built "machines," and cut up other didoes. For these sins they are called "bosses." The chief mark of a "boss," the one unmistakable sign, is the dwindling or extinction of his party majority in his own State. By this sign the Democratic papers and their allies, open or covert, recognize him.

Following this reasoning let us see what "Bayardism" has done for Delaware. Delaware is a Democratic State—has been for years—but indications are strong that it is going over to the Republican column. The oppression of Senator Bayard's "machine" has "driven the best men out of the party," and his "shameless use of patronage," his promotion of one faction and attempt to degrade the other, has resulted in "frittering away" the Democratic majority until it is now less than seven hundred. See to what Bayard's rule has brought the Democracy! Tilden's majority in Delaware in 1876, was 2629; Hancock's in 1880 but 1033—a loss of over fifty per cent, owing of course, to "Bayardism." Again: In 1878 the Democratic candidate for Governor had a majority of 7895; in 1880 a majority of but 630. How "Bayardism" has squandered that splendid majority of four years ago!

In view of these facts and in the spirit of their own logic the Democratic papers should call the eminent Senator from Delaware "Boss Bayard."