New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-10-07
VIEWS OF THURLOW WEED.

THE RESULTS GRATIFYING WITH THE EXCEPTION
OF THE FAILURE TO REoRGANIzE THE AssoClA-
TIONs IN THIS CITY,
The Judgment Of Thurlow Weed on the work OF
the Convent on was asked by a TRIBUNE reporter
Yesterday. Mr. Weed said: " The Convention ac-
compshed results which were very gratifying ana
nothing is to be regretted in connection with IL ex
cept the refusal to relieve the great majority of the
Republican party in this city of the oppression ana
Injustice of machine rule. 1t is great pity that
when so much was done this old sore was not
healed. 1t may be found to be disturbing
element in elections, when it comes to making the
county nominations. The independent electors VINO
are excluded from participating III the primaries
may make separate nominations ms would DC
very injurious and hope 1t will not be done; but
if there should be dissensiOns and conflicts over
nominations in the future it will result from the
Conventions refusal to set things right. The spirit
which prevailed at the Convention was what ex-
pected and was, of course very gratifying. The
whole proceedings were in very good temper
and. with the exception which | have men
toned. were calculated to harmonic and
strengthen the party. The ticket, on the whole,
is very acceptable, though it is to some extent
compromise both sections being regarded IN It's con-
struction. 1t is calculated TO unite the party
throughout the State. Now if in the spirit which
governed the Convention the managers Of the asso-
ciatIons would reform Them open them-thats what
is wanted-put all Republican electors on an equai-
tv. all would be satisfactory This can be done If
the leaders in the associations are disposed to end
the difficulties in tho city as they have been ended
in the State"
"Is it not possible that something can be done IN
the associations themselves to reform the abuses
that have grown up in them9'
Personally have very little knowledge OF their
internal workings. All that know is that at the
last primaries such man as General McCook was
excluded and that is very bad. 1t viii not he toler-
ated much longer that combinations of politicians
shall exclude independent men who do not want
Office. 1t has been borne till the people
are worn out. Now Just take this the
With Assembly District, for instance.
have lived here fourteen years II is not only one
of the wealthiest but one of the most Intelligent
and independent and strongest Republican, districts
in the city. Yet virtually the political power of
the district is welded by two or three men
Three-fourths of the Republican voters are
shut out from saying anything. They are
busv men who can't look after politics
ali the year and 30 are shut out of the association.
while this close political corporation makes the
nominations and looks out for the interests OF ITS
managers Losing and Van Cott, who are in com
manG here are my friends and respect them, but
do not approve their methods. lam tired of them
tired of them because at the election in Albany for
successors to ConkIing and Platt though four ont
of five of the voters were opposed to their return,
our Assemblyman persisted IN voting for them.
The men went to him and talked to him about it,
but he said No, can't do anything about IL ;
YOU must see Mr. Van COtt' Now, don't like that"
MIR. Weed, you talked with President Arthur
two days before the Convention. From what he
said to YOU, do you think he is satisfied with the
work of the Convention !"
'The general result will he extremely gratifying
10 the President Judge 80 from his conversation
the other day. 1t has resulted about a. he wished II
would and think he will be extremely gratihcd.
believe he did great deal TO bring about the state
of things that prevailed at the Convention"