New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-08-16
THE .TJINTSTOCK DEMOCRACY.

1t is not improbable that the proposed union of
Tammany and Irving Halls for the campaign
tins year has for its ultimate object Il cOmbna-
ton of all the several Democratic organizations
OF this city. The necessity of such union was
clearly demonstrated ut the last election, when
the power of the united and harmonious Repub-
leans was made manifest in the great reduction
OF the Democratic majority in the State and the
well nigh complete success of the Republican
local ticket The State Committee of the De-
mocracy has clearly the need of such
action, and the suggestion of union of all the
local organizations has come from that body, as
well as the proposition to bring about such an
end through that body.
While the matter has not, as yet, taken formal
shape, it is sugge sted that some such general
plan as the following be adopted: The State
Committee is to be called to meet soon for the
purpose of naming day for holding the State
Convention 1t is proposed that, Tammany
and Irving Halls nitedy taking The first step,
the various Democratic organizations, big and
little, shall send delegates to confer with the
State Committee as to the proper recognition
of each in the coming Convention Every fac
ton and everything like a personal Organiza-
ton, from that of Oswald Ottendorfcr or Andrew
II. Green up to Tammany Hall, shall send del
egatcS to represent and advocate its claims to n
voice in the Convention and share in the local
patronage. The State Committee IS to decide
upon these claims and allot to each representa-
ton i'll such proportions as may seem best
adapted to produce harmony and unite the
Democratic vote.
lhlS scheme has been seriously considered by
prominent men i'll Tammany Hall Last year
the public scandal Of division of the spoils by
lntt
honest men of the party were thoroughly dis
gustcd by the shamelessncss of the proceedings
But is the proposed scheme, by which the lot
terry is supplanted by "A sort of ioint-stock
company, any the less offensive and scandal
Gus The one was "A ridiculous as well as
shameless Subterfugc of local politicians for
local unity III the face of Threatened defeat A.;
while the new scheme, if carried out. must have
the countenancc of what the party considers
the wiSest well as best statesmen of the
whole Commonwealth. Mcssrs. Kelly and
Thompson, with their right hands clasped
across plug hat in which their left hands were
thrust in search Of prizes of Office and patron
age, did not furnish an inspiring emblem for
the campaign last year. Mr. Lester b. Faux
ncr and his associates, gathered about "A table,
possibly covered by green cloth, allot-
ting to 1ammany and Irving Halls the
"Ccnturies, and the dozen or score of other
minor organizations, the number of shares each
shall have in a Limited Liability and Unlimited
Assurance Political Company. hardly supply a
persuasive picture tn present to the public at
the opening OF a close State campaign Yet
this Is nothing more nor less than what il pro-
posed to be done as preliminary to the true and
perfect unity of the demoralized and conflicting
Democracy of this city and State. One member
OF Iammany not absolutely opposed to the plan
was candid enough to admit that he feared il
would make many Republicans" Precisely ::
and with their genius for laundering the Demo
Gratis will go right on and do this or something
equally foolish.