The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-03-24

Tildcn FIRST last. and all the time. He has vio-
lnted his high trust that troublesome faction
scntatives into Offices to which the people had
elected other and better men. The D"moerats
Of this State were willing to judge Lucius Rob
inson fairly and even leniently. But he has
utterly forfeited their confidence. and he must
90. Even 7 hc should force big reorganization
on the next Convention. he would he defeated at
the polls. If hOting Is the order of the day.
TammHny can bolt when occasion requires"
After listening to this vigorous criticism OF
the Governor and his uOllcies, | sought out y
stradfast friend of Lucius Robinson. and asked
for his views OF the political situation. He re-
spOndcd promptly. and in substance us follows {:
The key to Gov. RobnsOns character ~
courage. His whole public life has been illled
with acts which. viewed from tho low level OF
partisan selflshness. were calculated To- ruin his
prospects Az far back rs 1854 when the North
surrendered to the South IN Congress on NO
slavery question. he denounced the net Tor
what il was-shumcess cOwnrdice. He was
then "A years old ambitious OF prefcrmcnt, and
attached to the Democratic party by lifelong
devotion. II he had only consented to hold his
peace on the one disturbing issue, he would
have had hOnOrs thrust upon him. But ne re-
pudiated his party when il was in the Hush Of
It's power because he believed it had proved
false TO its faith. That was courage. Ten years
later. in 1864. when the Republicans had
elected him Comptroller. and were looking y
him as their candidate for Governor, he told
them he was unalerably opposed 10 their pol
icy Of paying the Interest on tho state debt in
deprecated paper. and that he looked on those
who favored 1t as regulators. II is attitude on
this question drove him out OF the party. aud
lie accepted his fate. glad Of the chance to vim
dictate his principles at the expense OF his ad-
vnncemcnt. Tint was courage,
When Mr.. Tildcn began his war against the
Canal Ring. Iucius Robinson was living in re-
trement in Emira HIS personal allilial9 Pr
Canal Ring men were royal good follows and
some Of them were his neighbgrs and friendsl.
while his sense Of duty carried him the other
way. He did not hesitate long. He parted
company with the politicians Of the southern
elected n md entered
duties with boundlcss energy. While he was in
general accord with Tllden's policy he never
low. Flirchild. and others passed half their time
in Tilden's presence. but Rob- nson attended 70
was nominated rs Tilden's successor hecause
h. was the loHst sui servicnt Of Tildens friends.
lie has governed his executive career. not by
Iildcn's wishes, or by the wishes OF anybody
else. but hy "a clear. courageous idea OF duty.
He has made record that is simply inVulner-
able. The peoplp believe i'm HIM II all the
politicians were TO combine to defeat him. pub
lie opinion would assert itself, aud he would DO
rcnOminated and reelected. Perhaps his indH-
pcndence is offensive TO The other leaders. He
does not ask permission from Seymour or kcr-
nan or Church To mako his appointments; He
acts on HIS own Judgment as they probably
would II they were in his place.
Gov. Roblnson's removal OF Gumbeton Will
stand as the best act Of nm administration which
Is filled with good acts. Gumbleton was an
officer sworn to support the law who WAS VIC
latinR the law every day Of his life. and lining
his pockets with money flched from the tax
payers Of the city. When he was called to nc
count for his shameless conduct he fell back
on mis- reserved rights ms a Tammany brave.
and declared that he would take the Governor ;
scalp II the Governor touched him. Under the
circumstances II Robinson hadn't kicked Gum
bletOn out the people would have kicked Robin
son out AT the first opportunity. The difference
between Gumbrtons ease and LOews is very
marked. Gumblcton deiied the law. and vir-
tually announced that II he was retained he
should continue 10 disohey It, Loew checked
the abuses Of his department MS soon rs he dis
covered them. and instituted the desired re-
forms himself Both men were elected by Tam
many. and there Is not q particle Of evidence TO
show that the politics OF either had anything 10
de- with the decision OF his case.
" What troubles the malcontcnts Is. that GOV.
Robinson does right regardless OF partisansh p.
H. made a mistake in appointing Smyth 10 the
Insurance Department. hut IL was mistake
into which any man might have fallen. The
Republican Senators promised 70 confirm his
Democratic appointments II he would per.
nit them TO name the Superintendent OF
Insurance. They named Smyth. and after
confirming him they backed out from their
agreement. That Is all there was OF
that case. All his other nets will bear
the closest inspection. Lucius Robinson IL
not Tilden's man. but the peoples man. and
with the hold that he has on the popular henrt,
he can afford to smile al the frantic efforts OF his
enemies 10 destroy him.
II viii De- seen tiiat IN the question Of Gov. Rob-
! insOn's availability rs n candidate Tor rec4rc-
! ton. u hopeless difference OF opinion exists.
HIS friends and enemies We're never wider
nsunder than they are to-day. The promised
morning of reconcilation has not dawned. The
| Democratic outlook Is black. But perhaps a
! thunder storm will clear the air.