Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-10-14
Factfous Rahuked-

The New York Democracy TOOK step
at the State Convention on Wednesday
that should have been taken long ago,
in their refusal to permit Tammany and
Irving Halls to carry their destructive
rivalry into the gathering. The adher-
ents of both had ample opportunity at
the primaries, which the regular Demo
Gratis carried, to manifest their strength
and secure delegations. They chose
otherwise and have themselves to blame
for being ignored.
In its palmy days Tammany Hall has
rendered great service to the National
Democracy. But then its esprit de corps
was quite different from that that has
characterized it in recent years. Its sym
pathy with Tweed's gang brought odium
upon it, and Mr. Kelly's regime has not
helped to bring it into better odor.
Mr.. Kelly stands charged with assist
ing materially in the defeat of Hancock
last fall, and it will take many years of
service on his part to regain the conf
dence of the party at large. He can
elect to render such service, in which, if
he has the strength he claims, he can
reap reward at the hands of his friends,
hut his weight in the councils of the
party is gone, and fortunate it is for the
party that it has.
Irving Hall is equally prejudicial to
the prospects of Democratic supremacy.
With far less strength than Tammsny,
it claimed like recognition. and at the
bidding of Mr.. Tilden became party to
the "divvy" of 1879, by which Augustus
Schell was defeated by Mr.. Tilden's
choice, Cooper, and the Republicans OBJ
tanned several local offices, which they
could not have gained otherwise. The
moral effect of this "divvy" was felt in
the State to such an extent that the Demo
Gratis lost several Congressman. Mr.. Til
den did great service to the Democracy
of his State, but he also had great re-
wards, and in giving his countenance to
Irving Hall he forced Kelly to defend
himself and fed his revenge.
If the Democracy of New York would
count as factors in the party's success,
they must bury the past with its bicker-
ings and selfishness. When they shall have
done so, and shall have served notice
upon Kelly, Tilden and the rest, whose
selfshness has cost the party so dear, the
National Democracy can cease to class
New York as doubtful State, and rest
in the assurance that the nominees of
their conventions will receive the cordial
support of the great army of Democrats
that dwell within its borders.
Our flag went down in defeat last fall
through the dissensions of factions. The
disturbers must be silenced or dismissed.
Mr.. Tilden's reputation will not suffer
if he devotes the evening of his life to
the promotion of harmony in his party.
and Mr.. Kelly, since he can no longer be
boss, would do well to try his hand at
the same task. Now, more than ever, is
harmony needed. There is enough of
conservatism in the country to welcome
the return of Democracy to power, but
every local dissension is preiudicial to
national success, and, if Democracy is
to triumph. every quarrel must be hush
ed and an unbroken line presented to the
foe. The New York Democrats have
set good example in rebuking disturb
ers. Wherever it can be applied the
sooner it is followed the better.