Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-10-14
a Political NoreItr.

A new thing in politics is announced in Satur-
days New York papers in the shape of a board
of advisers as to Legislative nominations. The
gentlemen who offer their services to the public
in this novel capacity are four lawyers: Charles
O'Conor, James Emote, Wheeler H. Peckham
and Joseph H. Choate. Three of them, with
Mr. Evarts were selected last year by the at
torney general of the state to assist him in the
prosecution of the Tammany thieves. Mr..
EYarts being now absent his partner and friend,
Mr. Choate, has been associated with the others.
In their address to the public they say that the
movement last autumn for municipal reform,
though it accomplished great good, did not reach
the root of the existing evil, which is in the
legislature, and must be attacked there. The
so-called "reform Legislature" of last year had
no right to the name; its members were not
chosen on that issue, and were not, in
fact, superior TO the average of their pre-
decessors in personal integrity. Regarding
the selection of upright and incorruptibe
men for the legislature as of the first impor-
lance, and recognizing the fact that the exciting
incidents of presidential election are diverting
from this subject the attention of those persons
who are in the habit Of guiding the electors in
their choice, these gentlemen offer themselves as
advisers in regard to the choice of members of
the assembly. They assure all honest contend
ing partisans that their action will be governed
by no faVoritism to men, parties or special polit-
ical ideas, and that no resolves will be announced
except those in which they are all agreed. They
say also that, while they have the most diverse
views in relation to political questions and in
relation TO the prominent candidates for high
Office, each has entire confidence in the fairness
and good faith of the others.
This announcement is accompanied with the
first instalment of advice and statement of
the manner in which they propose to exercise
the functions they have assumed. The advice is
that in districts where the republicans have a
decided majority, if an Objectionable candidate
Of that party is put in nomination, the honest
democrats should refuse to nominate, and offer
their whole support to any trustworthy republi-
can who may be put forward by the honest men
of his own party; and in like manner in demo-
cratic districts honest republicans should add
their strength TO the democrats who are willing
to support an honest candidate. For the future
this advisory board proposes TO meet daily until
election, examine the position of every candi-
date for the assembly throughout the state
and, as promptly as possible, make pub
lie declarations Of the result Where all
the candidates in district arc NOR
ally unexceptionable they will make no obsery-
alton. Where some only are Objectionable they
will recommend those who seem worthy of sup
port, and where all are Objectionable they will
recommend TO the electors of the district to
select and bring into the canvass another candi-
date, not Of course indicating any particular
person, but continuing to urge a further selec-
ton until reliable candidate is provided.
Written communications are invited, and it is
suggested that the electors of each district
SHOULD appoint at meeting TO be held for legis-
latve reform two persons from the class who
neither mold nor seek Office, one democrat and
one republican, 70 communicate copddentiallv
by letter with the board in New York
There is nothing in the address ~ ir,irno,.
that the conception Of this novel service ala no,
originate with these gentlemen, or that ,her
have sought for the advice or approval Of an
one before oieringit to the public. The idea Il
probably Mr. o'Conors; it bears the STAMP Of
his independence, originality and freedom ftom
self consciousness Very few men whose ad.
vice in such matters deserved any attention
would have the courage to offer it 10 this whole
sale way. Modesty would restrain some; feal
OF being charged with presumption, self asser
non and demagoguism would deter others
Mr., 0Conor knows that he and his as.