The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-08-14
Bitter Struggle for Control Of the
State Committee.
NIAGARA FALLS GATHERING
Chairman Purcell on the Latest
Aspects of the Fight.
DOES TILDEN CONTROL THE COMMITTEE

Next to New York city Rochester IL just now per-
hotbed Of political excitement State issues
on Friday next the Democratic State Committee as
sembles at the international Hotel. Niagara Falls
comparatively short ride from this locality. Inc
near approach of this important gathering has lent
additional interest the wirepulling of Rochester
politicians. In travelling to the session of Friday
considered it advisable to stop over here a short
time in order survey the struggle for control OF
the committee and CLEAN the most reliable intelii-
gence TO its present complexion. one OF the
main reasons why Information to the status of the
committee be ascertained here is the fact that
Mr.. William Purcell. its chairman for the past
two years resides in Rochester. where he publishes
democratic journal-the Union and Advertiser. The
gentleman is strong anti-Tildenite. very pro-
nounced in his political opinions. and has long
waged efectual against the Tilden- Robinson
dispensation in State and national politics.
CHAIRMAN PURCELL RETIcENT.
I found Mr.. Purcell in his editorial sanctum,
busily engaged in the duties Of his profession.
"How stands the State Committee?" asked.
II have nothing TO say" smiiingiy responded the
editor.
"Why not? The people OF the State would like to
hear from the chairman of the Democratic Commit
tee."
That is just it. don't think it would be proper
for to say anything just yet in view of my official
position"
''Will Robinson be renominatedf"
"If he is he won't be elected. There are thousands
OF democrats throughout the State. well in
New York city, who will not vote for him."
"Will Mr.. Kelly be supported in his position by
the democrats of the State:"
Here Mr.. Purcell again smiled. 'You must not
draw, into an interview" he said. 1.-THE de-
mccracy in New York have many grievances to COM
plain OF at the hands OF Governor Robinson"
Il cannot say anything just now"
Would Allen c. Beach make q strong candidate p
The same negative smile.
How to Clarkson N. Potter?'
Mr.. Purcell continued in his reticent mood. and
after snort conversation on general TOPICS the
respondent and editor parted.
WHERE THx COMMITTEE LAST STOOD.
In order TO fully understand the present impor
tant struggle for control OF the committee it is
necessary to 90 back little in the political history
Of the State The battle in the last State Convention
sSyracuse was simply the precursor Of the present
controversy. The gathering was held in septem-
Der. Everybody will recollect with what interest it
watched by politicians in all parts Of the coun-
try. One candidate only to be nominated-a
Judge OF the Court Of Appeals. Little attention was
paid to this branch OF the proceedings. The real.
Intrinsic contest fought over the COM
plexiSon Of the State Committee for 1879
gates in the convention itself. Tammany Hall
and her allies throughout the State controlled the
temporary and permanent organizations of that Con-
vention She succeeded in placing ex-senator A. +.
Lanjng, strong anti Iildente. the chair
porary presiding officer. The State Committee
elected in 1877 at Albany by similar coalition had
thus agreed upon Laning. This gentleman carried
his faction through the syracuse Convention of 1873
with amazing pluck and adroitness such tactics
We're not used in order to tho nomination of
this candidate or that for Judge of the Court of APP
peals All the political ammunition OF the hour was
liked by both sides for the purpose OF obtain
ing control Of the committee; that this powerful
engine OF warfare might be used in nominating a
gubernatorial candidate in 1879. and perchance a
Presidential candidate in 1880. When that
Convention adjourned dee o rumor went out that
Tammany and her anti-Tilden allies had lost the
committee although controlling the organization Of
the Convention. This was an unexpected bomb
she'll Noses counted and the forces found to
be exceedingly close. No could tell exactly how
things stood. 1t was deemed hazardous both
sides to force vote the organization Of the
mittee. William Purcell. Of Rochester. UNDER
stood to be the candidate OF the anti Tildenites for
chairman, and Lester B. Faulkener, of Livingstone,
carried the Tiiden banner. What followed? A drawn
battle announced and the committee adjourned
meet at the Aston House in New York OH October
s. 1878. The result OF this meeting gave the commit
again to the anti-Tildenites by a close vote At
that date and up to a month since the committee was
Clearly understood to stand a. follows