New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-12-20
4 REFORM MOVENENr QUICKLY CRUSHED.

The expiring thrOes of the Republican Cen
tra Committee for 1882 last night made somewhat
proracted and painful by the action OF few members
who attempted pave the way for abolition of the
pledge OF membership in the constitution Of
bly, district associations The meeting was held Re
publican Hall at No 50 West Thirty third-st John j.
oBreD occupied the chair. solon B. Smith secre-
tary and directed the campaign the part OF the
chine element 1t was very brief The question came
up after the disposition of routine incud
ing the adoption of the report OF the Executive Commit
tee the appeal Of William H. Clark, who had been
expelled from the XXIIId District Association The Ex-
@cutive Committee recommended that the decision be
reversed The secretary read communication from the
With District Association informing the Central Commit
tee that IL had adopted amendment to article of
the constitution by striking out the words and to hon
orably sustain all nominations made by the Repub-
ucan party through its legally constituted conventions
called recognized by the Central Committee and that
he and Will not become me.nber OF any commit
tee body which does not recognize the authority OF the
association" and Inserting in lieu these words And
that no will hOnoraOy cooperate with the association to
promote and maintain the welfare OF the Republican
party" The secretary said similar memorials had been
received from the lid, Xth XIIth, XXth and XXIst
district associations motion to adopt the amend
the OF the committee was made but aco on
npped Ia the bud by point Of order raised by scion
b. smith that under the constitution the adoption of
amendment by two-thirds Of the district associations
carried the amendment without aC ton by the cnttoe
Joel W. Mason thereupon offered the following:
Whereas, Amendments to the constitution OF the dis
tric associations under the Jurisdiction OF this
been adopted by and cOnsidera-
ton by others relating to the pledge OF membership
which mo lines or substantially abOshes the sae there
fore,
ResoiDed That 1t is the opinion OF this committee that
while some amendments could be wisely made any
amendment sbOlshng materially changing such
pledge wOlld be injurious 10 the welfare RepuD
hcan part. impair It's usefulness and be detrimental to
the interests VI the citizens generally.
Under cover OF this resolution. Commissioner Mason
talked for ha hour suggesting and discussing differ
ent amendment to tue constitution until half dozen
voices suggested that he would better lump the matter
and abolish the entire constitution. Finally he defended
the old membership pledge. William A Darling said 1t
not necessary menace a the threshold OF
the associations with ersOn his personal integ
MY ana called attention "a the tact that the pledge
introduced at lime wheu the Republican party
the htnds OF tue Tweed ring George II. Knox wanted
the chAhgo IN the interest OF harmony. Charles N.
lhlnlOr supported the amendment und said IL the
duy OF political party TO formulate it, constitution
a. 10 attract rather than repe ctiZens SoOn b. smith
SAID thht the discussion out order the
lay win Tine as50cintions aud subject
on the table. The motion carried.
RESOLUTIONS were adopted in reference OF
Abraham Lent George Hill then moved that commit
toe Of three be appointed 10 suggest leeded
10 the constitution but the resolution was promptly
tabled on the motion OF Hugh Gardner.