New-York tribune., 1880-01-14
1lR- n.C0N0E,S IILNS.

Nr. Charles O'ConOr has written Il very
long ont interesting letter on puoiic affairs,
which Was printed IN yesterdays u Iorid. 1t
viii give more satisfaction 10 Republicans than
to Democrats Being invited TO address
Democratic club he refuses. with reasons.
He state., in substance that he does not care
a pinch of snuff which panty prevails, but
feel, certain that the Democratic party will
not. His reasons are peculiar, and well worth
attention. The next Presidential election, he
holds, depends absolutely upon the vote OF
New-York. But be declares that the Republi-
cans have an absolute legal and moral right
to secure the vote OF this State for the Re
publican candidate by appointing the cleo
tors Dy the Legislature. rs the Constitu-
ton directs. He is strong in the be-
lief that the Republicans will not mrs
so good an opportunity. unless they are
absolut " certain of success by other means,
and points ont most forcibly, that the fraudu-
lent and Ineffective attempt of Democrats to
steal the vote of Maine gives al desired ex-
cusc and opportunity to the Republican lead
eIs. Hence he counts il certainty that the
present Legislature viii appoint Republican
electors before it adjourns, and that the Demo-
cratic party has not one chance in ten thou
sand TO elect its candidate.
Other portions of this suggestive letter are
interesting because of the opinion expressed
by Mr.. OCOnor az to lIr. Tldcn and other
Democratic candidates. 1t is his opinion that
not one of them will venture to contest IL
the Republicans secure majority Of the
Electoral Colleges by the method indi-
Gated. and therein Mr. O'Conor is nm
II - al. Ill l..
Moreover, Mr.. O'COnOr thinks that the Dem
ocratic party has no right to exist, since it
has f0rsaken the principles which gave II
birth, and thar the Republican party, though
certain to eject the next President. is moi bet
ter.
Probably this Will he regarded 10y Demo
Gratis as the grOwl OF a dissatisfied and dis
contentcd man. But the reasoning of Mr..
OConor is singulary clear and strong. If
bis party has any reason whatever for con-
tinuing to exist, it Is one that has escaped his
eve. With great frankness, he conlesses that,
as between an indefinitely prolonged Presi-
dency of General Grant and the election of
any Democrat by any means now deemed
feasible by him, he prefers the Republican
success.
Many Republicans are asking what will the
New-York Legislature do The Democrats
have tried to steal the electoral vote of Maine,
and there is no doubt that they will capture
other electoral votes by methods not more
honorable, If they can. But the Republicans
of New-YoIk, a. M O'ConOr shows, have 1t
in their power TO decide the matter. He mis-
takes, 1t is true, IN supposng that the sclec-
ton of Republican electors by this State
would be III favor of Grant, and nobody
else. 1t IS not possible that electors
should be chosen at all, 10y majority
of the Legislature, unless with the definite
pledge or instruction that thcr vCle should be
cast Tor the Republican candidate whether one
man or another. But the reasoning in other
respects is very conclusive, and the question
remains, "What will the Democrats do about
it 2" They have thrown away their only
chance of protesting with dccency, by at
tempting to steal the electoral vote of Maine
If this State sees fit to appoint Republican
electors, the Democrats, at least, will have no
right to complain.