New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-10-21

BILE to try and to condemn these classes, as
they are so numerous; all that can be or has
been done under past Republican administrations
has been TO restrain them. That has been
done under the present administration more eff
fectually than ever before. But reckless parti-
san in the District-Attorney's Office, or
reckless party behind him, may usc
this position as spur to the act
i've political cooperation of these classes.
ANY one whose memory extends back decade
can remember what Broadway was a lew years
ago with its hundreds of dives and waiter
girl saloons. Under the later Democratic ad-
mnistrations the number of the liquor dealers
increased at rapid ratio. Under the recent
Republican administrations they have been re-
duced in number and kept under restraint In q
marked degree. Every citizen of observation
will bear testimony to this. The simple reason
was that the Democrats used the liquor dealers
for political purposes and had to give them
license. The Republicans nave not so used
them and have, therefore, been able to restrain
them.
What assurance is there that new Demo
cratic administration of this Office will not re-
sort to the same uses Of this class as formerly,
and be compelled in consequence to permit
them the same gross license None whatever.
1t is now probably al impossible thing to de-
feat this combination of the Democrats by any
straight Republican ticket. The natural
majority of the Democrats in the county
is so great that, in view of the small rcgistra-
ton. they can hardly fail to elect the District
Attorney The Republican nominee whoever
he may be, will have to run for the honor OF
the nomination. There is little in this state of
affairs to induce the party 10 spend money to
elect n Dis,rict-Attorney or to invite the pres
ent incumbent to make hopeless race in which
his splendid vote of last year, 900 greater
than that of General Garfcld-could be unfa
vorably c0ntrasted with the small vote which
the small registration gives promise of.
But the opportunity offered by the split be-
tween the Democratic factions on the rest Of
their ticket ought not to be thrown away by
the Republicans. The factions have chosen, or,
rather, been forced, to test their local strength
on the minor Offices. Each faction must make
every effort to demonstrate 10 the State Com
mittee, and to the next State Couven-
ton, its strength "a n local organization.
They are. as 1t were, on trial Of forces be-
fore the tribunal winch meets next year 20 fix
their places. Consequently. each viii make its
greatest effort. The race must be o. the
chief Office next to that of the District-Attor-
ncyship on which they have united; namely, that
of Surrogate; aud il is not difficult to per
ceive that - between the two, Tammany and
Irving Halls combined and the County
Democracy, the race will b. close And herein
lies the opportunity Of the Republicans to
snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Good
nominations for the minor places can bring
this success, and these we hope to see made
by the Republicans next Tuesday. But
there is little chance of taking adyan-
tagc Of this opportunity, if the Republicans
do not register. The apparent hopclcSSnesS OF
the struggle for Dstrict-Attorncy has led
many 10 stay away from the registering places.
This il all wrong it is giving up the fight
beforehand. They can, by promptly register
ing during tie next two days set aside for
that purpose, bring ont vote ample enough to
beat either faction of the Democracy for the
minor positions. The registration figures
and other significant facts Indicate that
the Republicans are not registering as
they should do. and that those citizens
who vote on local issues irrespective of pollt-
zeal bias are Indifferent to- the result of this
election. This il u sad mistake. IL Is q mat
ter oil grave Importance to secure good men
for such positions "a those of Surrogate and
Marine Court Judges and Civil Justices.
good Republican, with the full yote OF his
parry and tic help of the large class ot dlSat-
fcctcd Democrats. can beat them both. That
j.. if the good citizens vote. And IN order TO
vote they must register.