New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-01-23
THE PHILADELPHIA ELECTION.

Both political parties in Philadelphia seem
determined to undo a. far as possible the good
work accomplished by the Reform movement
which swept the city and State in the adOp-
ton of the new Constitution. The evils aris-
ing from holding the municipal and State cleo
tons on the same day were so patent that
the provision of the Constitution which sep
arated them was universally approved. The
object sought was clearly enough to take
the municipal government out OF the
hands of partisan politicians and consti-
tute it in the interests of all citizens,
rather than of one or the other political
marty. or of a corrupt Ring of both parties.
Tine administration of municipal affairs has
ONLY the remOtest relation with national
politjcs and there is no earthly reason why
parties organized upon the issues OF national
politics should act cOncertedly as parties In
the choice of Mayor and other municipal
officers. But it is notorious that In Phlla-
delphia, for many years, corrupt Ring OF
Republican politicians have used the Organiza-
ton and machinery of the party to keep them
selves in power and perpetuate the rule OF
fraud.
1t was hoped that by separating the elections
things might be stopped; that party ties
would be relaxed or entirely disregarded, and
the friends of Reform and of good govern
ment be enabled to come together out of both
parties and select men for office who were
honest, capable, and faithful, rather than those
whose only claims for distinction were party
services. But the Ring dies hard. It's mem
bers having control of the caucus machinery
of both parties have managed to put two
tickets in the field for the approaching
election, representing the Republican and
Democratic organizations, and asking support
on the ground of party connections
instead of that of fitness. Each de-
| ponds of course upon the strength of
party ties with the people, and the
Ring counts upon defeating Reform by hold
| ing the rank and file of both organizations to
| the support OF regular nominations. The Re-
| publicans have renOminated the present Mayor,
Mr.. Stokley, and the Democrats have put in
nomination against him Capt. James 5. Blddle.
There are serious objections to Mayor StOk-
ley in the minds of the friends of reform,
arising from his completely in some of the
stupendous election frauds which have dis
| graced the city during the past two or three
years, and from his having used the whole
machinery of the municipal government for
partisan purposes. Capt. Biddle is spoken of
as citizen of unblemished reputation and
approved business ability. Complete tickets
| for the other city offices falling vacant have
been nominated on both sides.
| 1t is remarked that both parties in their
| nominations for the Councils have with singu-
lar unanimty Of purpose thrown overheard
all who have held their duty to the public
above party obligations, and have renomi-
mated invariably those who were shown by
the record to have voted for the measures OF
the Ring. But even if the candidates were
unobectionable. the action of the two parties
in making nominations upon party basis
would be an occasion for regret, as it defeats
the object aimed ut by the separation OF the
! elections. which was tho removal OF the