The New York herald., 1878-12-15

mitee they please If this preliminary point could
be gained then the proposition could be made to
change the OF the organization to separate the
society entirely from amy connection with the
General Committee. TO throw open the build
ing for the assembagc of any political party or
body OF citizens that wished to hire it, to do away
with amy particular head OF the organization, and
permit the district leaders to have almost absolute
control OF their different organizations and be re-
sponsbe for their management. The primaries too,
would be surrounded with every safeguard, in view
OF the evils which now exist Ii has also been pro-
posed that stringent laws should be enacted by the
Legislature prescribing penalties for frauds at
the primaries. Under such arrangements II IL con-
sdered that far better class OF officials would be Sc
lected and the great mass of the people have voice
i'll their nomination as well as their election
With view OF getting at the bottom OF the SIX I'M
portant questions suggested leading members OF the
il to viewed. They catechsed as to the outlook
in city, State and nation from their particular stand
point. Among those who gave opinions freely upon
su n views Congressnan-elcct James O'Brien.
Comptroller John Kelly. Tammany Sachem Edward
kearney and others.
VIEWS or THE POLITICAL LEADERS.
The victory of Mr.. James O'Bren in his Congress
sional race in the Tenth district o. b. Potter
decisive Tammany exhausted every effort in this
her banner district to defeat him. The gentleman
proposes to take prominent part III the reor-
sanzaton of the democratic party in city and state
what will he the effect of the recent election
upon Tammany Hall as a political powery he was
first asked.
IF Mr. Cooper takes a firm stand and removes all
OF Kelly's allies who hold positions the course
is very clear. Should they be retained, however
every obstacle will be thrown in the way OF the new
Mayor. How he carry out the principles under
which he elected it he does not get rid of these
men? Tammany will try to block Mr.; Cooper in
every way. Let the confederates and associates
of John Kelly be made TO walk the plank as soon as
possible.
of the democratic party in this city 2?
THE people should reap the benefit of their vic
tory. This can only be attained by the manner |
have suggested. Turn out all the heads OF depart
ments and Tammany will 90 to the wall. Charges can
easily be substantiated against all of them. Believe
that instead of these sticking to Kelly they
will give him the cold shoulder the Maine farmer
gave TO the tramp, so that he might not go away
hungry
Il would put high toned independent democrats
who would be useful to their party.
'-Do you find much evidence OF dissatisfaction in
1amnany Hall at present as the result OF the late
bitter contest?"
"a good deal Reputable and independent demo-
decidedly dissatisfied with the present
dition Of affairs. II, say, the heads OF certain
departments removed these gentlemen would
soon flop over and join any sterling organization.
How do You account tor this dissatisfaction?
"Smply because man of ali independent nature
ing in Tammany Hall. However great mans tai
may be there is poor opportunity for their dis
play in connection with Tammany. 10 make way i'll
that organization man must be a toady and surreu
der his manhood
o'BRIEN AFTER TAMMANy scALps.
.Do You think that Mayor Cooper can do much to-
ward strengthening and reor9anlzlng his party III
..He certainly can The only way our new Mayor
can realize the expectations of those who elected
him is by striking out of his path such men as John
Kelly Now. it is plain 70 be seen that Mr.. Kelly is
not representative democrat; he is simply in an
organization that pretends to dictate the doctrines OF
its party. OF course great many people vote for
TaInmany Hall candidates not because John Kelly is
the head of it, but because it is recognized the
regular organization. ANY other man would have
the same power as Kelly, though he might be q
stranger. Mr.. Kelly has no personal popularity eA
cept with those among whom he distributes the oaves
and fishes. Take these away and they become de-
moraiZed-a mob.
..what other changes would you suggestr
"well. the name Of Tammany has a bad effect
through the State and in fact throughout the entire
country; that is beyond dispute. change III that
respect would be very beneficial
what about the Tammany Society,"
1T is III Mr. Coopers power to capture that society
and place it in the hands of his friends The major
ity Of members of the society ice-holders-at
least majority OF those who control its council in
the interest of the present machine. Take away the
patronage of these people and they at once become
subservient to "the powers that be-" Then 1t will
be time enough TO talk Of introducing reforms III the
society and abolishng its dark lantern and other
abuses.
present methods OF Tammany-a change OF name.
measures and nen?'
Certainly. The doors of the organization should
be freely thrown open TO all democrats OF influence
and standing. and the present small clique OF oce-
holders and tmeservers sent to earn an honest hye
hood somewhere else, IL they can hnd anybody fool
ish enough to trust them.
ssTEe secrecy surrounding the deliberations of Tam
many are injurious in your opinion?"
..Yes. People do not like to have man at the head
OF their party who belongs to secret organization
contrary to the tenets of democratic principle. IL
Mr. Kelly constituted Boss by the voice of the
people there would be objection but he possesses
the combination key to the Tammany building and
nobody get in unless he condesccnds to open the
door"
.'Do you think Mr.. Coopers administration will be
successfully"
Il have no doubt of it. if he will act determinedly
in the manner have pointed out. There are great
many obsia les in the way. but think he will
government. The Mayor is directly responsible to
the people tor the conduct OF public affairs the heads
departments shonld be directly under his control
Let him act with yigor turn out bad men and put in
good Successors and he will be supported by GOV
ernor Robinson and upheld by the sentiments Of
the $1,000 voters who placed him In the Mayoralty
char"
How do yon explain the crushing defeat of the
democratic party in the state at the Last eection?
1T l. due to Tammany. That organization ran the
state Committee and conducted the campaign. Every
interest made subordinate to the local ticket
Kelly and the Canal Ring struck hands in the fight
and Independent democrats became disgustcd"
'what il the present outlook in the state as far as
you know"
The defeat will have good effect upon the
future of the party II will bring all independent.
influential aud honest democrats to the front in har
mony and with determination 70 retrieve the severe
losses OF last Noyembory
COMPTROLLER RELLYs REVIEW or The srTuATfoS
Comptroller Kelly gave his views Yesterday at the
Finance Department on pending political issues with
good deal of freedom.
s.what do you think will be the policy Of your
party in the future in the state and what caused the
last defeat = he wa asked.
Il believe il is admitted all sides that the defeat
AZ the last election Wa- attrioutaDe 10 the disf9ai-
zstion in ranks. caused by the labor and green
back movements. The evidence H. clear enough that
the adyocates Of both and the great majority OF their
supporters drawn from the democratic party.
These issues will not again enter into politics. GER
fany not Tor many years The finances Of the coun-
try will be established permanent basis by the
resumption OF specie pay ments, close at
hand, and the necessity tor the greenback organiza-
ton viii pass away"
How AZ to the financial issue in your party ~
Whatever differences Of opinion ma exist ON the
financial questions among dcInoe rats there IL now no
reason tor continuing their agitation The party is
Just sound the finances oi the country Ia the
days OF General Jackson
s'Then N to the labor movement n
II think the leaders In that movement have never
hal any cause IT, complain of the democratic party.
We have been always in full sympathy with the
working classes. The legislation shaped and con
irolcd by the democratic party has been IN Their
and for their benefit. II has always been the
party of the people The laboring men. the bone and
sincw of the country, would rather remain In the
democratic party than 20 to the republicans.
~. ther.. lala.L lartN trnIu IN. lrns.