The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-10-27

The Last Ditch.
Governor Robinson, in conversation
with a correspondent of the HERALD, which
will command eager and universal atten-
ton, styles the project of the joint with
drawal of himself and Mr.. Kelly and tho
consequent concentration Of the whole
democratic vote upon one candidate for
Governor, an ''absurd policy" He will Lot
tolerate it. He scarcely listens to the sug-
gestion of it with patience. He is in the
field and will stay in it. He is the repre-
sentative of public virtue and economy and
Mr. Kelly is the leader Of the marshalled
forces of corruption and peculation. This
representative position he did not seek.
It has been forced upon him by
Mr.. Kelly and Mr.. Kelly's follow
ers. He cannot abdicate it without
dishonor. Election day is kind of Ar
mageddon, in which he is bound to do final
battle for the welfare of the whole human
race, or at least such portion of il as dwells
in the State. of New York, and he is conf
dent of victory. The whole interview is
framed upon the theory which the Gov
ernor early advanced and has obstinately
maintained. that nothing save questions
of State policy are at stake in this can
vass. He repels Indignantly the dispersion
that he is identified with Mr. Tilden's polit-
ical fortunes. The original suggestion of
his candidacy three years ago came from
Mr.. Tilden, to be sure; but no measure of
his administration has been originated
upon Mr.. Tilden's suggestion, and ne has
not met that gentleman during the last six
months.
Accepting the Governors theory Of the
limitation Of the canvass to State questions,
he deserves credit for the sturdy courage he
displays in the interview. But the HERALD
has repeatedly pointed out the impossible
ity Of that limitation. The result Of the
New York election in 1879 inevitably must
affect the fortunes of the Presidential can
vnss in 1880, and nine hundred and ninety
week will be influenced by that considera-
ton. The refusal of the Governor to con-
cede that the chances of the election
of Mr.. Cornell and of the consequent
ascendancy of Senator Conkling in
national politics are increased by the
breach of the democratic party between
himself and Mr.. Kelly is characteristic of
the sublime tenacity with which he always
clings to his convictions. It is significant
of quality of mind which may be source
of great strength or great weakness, accord
ing to circumstances. 1t is always "mag-
nlticent," but it may not be ''war."
The total failure Of all the efforts for an
immediate reconciliation of the democratic
factions in this State, which is proclaimed
by this very interesting conversation with
Governor Robinson, will disappoint most
severely those Southern and Western
democratic politicians who have been active
agents in the undertaking without fully
comprehending its difficulty. 1t will
strain their patience to read the Governors
asseverations that the last New York cam
vass preceding any Presidential election
relates to State questions only. There is
this to be said. however, that even if Gov
ernor Robinson were willing to sacrifice
and national expediency, there are excel
lent reasons to believe that Mr.. Kelly is so
firmly bound to the leading local republic
can politicians that he could not, even
if he would climb the same altar and suffer
simultaneous immolation. The HERALD
has stated some of the facts and arguments
in another article to-day, which warrant q
belief that there is ''bargain and sale" be-
Tammany Hall and the republican wire
nnllers in the city of New York