New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-09-08
MIR ADAMSS NOMINATION.
tial Empire

Does the nomination of Mr.. Adams IN any
respect change the character OF tho Demo-
cratic party9 If not, it is cheat. That Domi-
nation has been made solely for the purpose OF
persuading independent voters in other States
that the Democratic party deserves their sup
port. Victory in Massachusetts, is not expected.
The object is to convince independent voters
that their aims and beliefs are also the aims
and beliefs of the Democratic party. Yet the
constituent elements of that party are not
changed. The same men who shouted, Give
"us a Democrat and nominated Horatio Sey-
lnOur are still the true representatives OF the
controlling element in that party IN this
State; the same men who voted for Allen and
Cary are still its voters in Ohio; the same
men who supported Hendricks, and reputation
in Indiana are still the men who are trying to
win victory for 1ildenE and reputation.
That is their purpose. Can independent voters
afford to help them9
Mr.. Adams would doubtless disclaim any
such purpose Yet it Is true that his nomina-
tion so far as it is thought to give more hope OF
the success of Mr.. Tilden, is hailed with joy by
all the regulators at the West. Are they de-
ceiyed in their belief that Democratic victory
means their victory Or has Mr.. Adams de-
ceiyed himself, and thus consented to lend his
name to an attempt to deceive the country
The question is answered by the Demo-
cratic record in Congress Mr.. Adams,
whether as Governor of Massachusetts or
in any other position conceivable, grossly
mistakes if he suppoSes that he would
have moro influence with the Democratic
party than Mr.. Kerr, Mr.. Hewitt, and other
hard-money Democrats in Congress possessed.
They were utterly powerless. The party ran
over them, soothing at every appeal or warn
ing. More than three-fOurths of the Demo-
cratic members of the House voted for I'M
maliGed reputation. Does Mr.. Adams fancy
that his aid to the Democratic party will
enable him to restrain its repudiating tcnden-
Rcies 4? If he INDUCES that delusion, those who
have looked upon him as an able man are
greatly deceived.
Nor is it possible to believe that he expects,
by any influence which he can exert. to change
the lifelong habits of the Democratic party in
respect to the public service. 1t believes that
patronage ought to be used to build up the
party in power. For half century it has
acted upon the maxim, "To the victors be-
"long the spoils" When President Adams
IefuSeU 10 remove u COlIctVOl VI tuotpiho ~
this city because he favored JacksOn's cleo
ton, the Democrats looked with contempt
upon the President whose cOnscientiousness
gave them aid in their struggle for the spolls.
Does Mr.. Adams not know that the Demo
Gratis of this day look with the same
contempt upon the convictions which he holds
Does he not know that they laugh in their
sleeves when they STE that, of all men living,
An Adams consents to aid the triumph of their
spoils-hunting campaign
Mr.. Adams is deceived. The Democratic
party has not yet changed. 1t does not ac-
cepted his beliefs, scorns his convictions, and
accep aid from him only IN the hope that 1t
may get opportunity to trample upon the ideas
which have made the name of Adams honor
able. That his sef-deception will result in
deception of the independent voters we do not
oDprahap1