New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-01-27
4 Proposed REprBLICIY CLUE.

II is reported that new force in politics,
which made itself so signaly felt in the recent
election in Brooklyn, may soon be introduced
in this city. The organization i'll Brooklyn was
known as the Young Republican Club, and was
composed exclusively of Republicans anxious
for good government and indifferent to Office;
indeed, all members were pledged not 10 accept
Office. The selection of members was made
with the utmost precaution, care beng specially
directed to get young men with positive
opinions, and yet without ambition to be other
than coed private citizens. The organization
was intended to supplement the Republican
General Committee of Kings County but to
SUPPORT it only i'll nominations and measures
which the Young Republican Club fully APP
proved. It's enrolment at the last election
footed up about $500, but the personal intu
cnce and the activity at the polls of this num-
Der Of young men gave 1t much larger voting
power. The circumstances Of the last election
were such as TO show by the returns Of the
comparative vote for Secretary OF State and for
MAYOR the exact force of this organization III
each of the wards. The total city vote for
Secretary of State was i2,9ll Democratic and
l9.3l9 Republican, while for Mayor the Demo-
Gratis polcd only 4O,969, and the Republicans
1921. The difference OF nearly 5000
votes in favor of the Republican local cand
date fairly represents the influence Of the
organization in Brooklyn The fact that it was
enabled to compel the nomination Of good men
by the Republicans for almost every position is
another proof of its wholesome influence.
The organization of just such body Of Re
publicans rs a supplement to and Il check upon
the machine in this city is cnlincntly dcSir-
abe especially in view of the failure to re-
organize it and the recent election of Mr.. John
j. O'Bricn as its chairman. Such a selection
of a mere ward manager instead OF a man Of
the highest character commanding the conf
dcncc Of the whole party is OF itself proof of
the need of such a check. The selection was
accepted by many Of the more independent Re
publiCans as, under the circum, tanccs, in the
nature of a defiance and notice that the ma
chine is to he run, as heretofore, i'll open dis
regard OF the party true interests. But to be
effective in Ncw-York City such body must
be Organized with great discretion. 1t must
take in a wider range OF men than found adj
mi ,sion to the Brooklyn club. To the element
ci active young men who favor good govern
meat on principle and without ambition to par
ticipate in its administration must be added
representatives of that large class Of heavy tax
payers whose interests make them anxious to
elect only the best men. Such an organization
in this city might properly include men-and
large number of them, tOo-whO are Indifferent
10 the politics of their candidates, 50 long as
they are satisfied that they are able aud honest.
But one condition essential To the success of
such AL organization is that it shall be based
upon the resolution ana pledge of each and
every member to accept no Office whatever.
That was the secret of the power of the Brook
Ign Club over nominating conventions OF the
party. 1t was by its independence enabled 10
force good nominations. As a general rule an
organization OF the kind to be- strong must be
ayowcdly both independent of and supplements
any to the regular organization. 1t can in no
other way influence the machine to careful and
conscientious nominations. When once it has
compelled these it can support the candidates
with enthusiasm and bring 10 their support not
merely its own numerical strength but tina
which comes from the conviction Of Others that
honest administration is aimed at. 1t will not