New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-08-16
DEMORALIzED MARYLAND DEMOCRATS.

The crisis long impending in the Democracy
of Maryland has been precipitated by the man
ifesto of Governor Hamilton. There have been
many premonitions of the coming storm, ana lts
arrival will cause little surprise among those
who have carefully observed the drift OF things
in that State. The Democracy has been grad
ually but surely travelling toward its present
demoralized condition. 1t is split into three or
four factions at the head of each of which Is
boss intent upon his own political preferment.
The war between these factions has been
waged with unrelenting bitterness and with
total disregard of the interests OF the people OF
the State. The State patronage has been used
i'm the most reckless manner to further the po-
litical fortunes of the bosses. United states
Senator German is at the head OF one faction.
Another acknowledges ex-senator Whyte' now
MAYOR of Baltimore. as its leader. Still other
factions are headed by bosses OF only local
reputation. To these has been added within
wear past the Hamilton faction, composed OF the
most respectable element in the Democracy
and led by the Governor of the State. 1t will
TINS be seen that the Democratic party III Mary
land ia one of the most boss-ridden political
organizations in the country, and in its con-
dition and methods resembles in a striking
manner the same party in Ncw-fork City
Governor Hamilton, whose severe criticism
of the acts Of the Democratic Legislatures mas
inst been published, was elected In 1879 with
the expectation that he would serve as re-
spectable cloak behind which the bosses could
carry on their nefarious schemes. He soon
gave lntimations however, that he proposed
70 set ND for himself" The first proof of this
came when he vetoed some acts passed by his
marty in the Legislature and refused to follow
implicitly the advice of the bosses in appoint
ing men to Office. The latter OWNED at once
that they had new antagonist to deal wlth'
and the only point upon which they have since
agreed is in a determination to crush hamilton.
The first thing to he done was to defeat his
denomination. If this could bs accomplished
and subservient tool elevated to the Govern
or's chair the fighting for Office and the stealing
could 60 on un1isturbed. With this end In
view, the primaries throughout the State have
been attended to by the bosses, and Governor
Hamilton would doubtless have been ruth
lessly slaughtered at the coming convention.
He has probably forcseen this, ana hence his
address issued to the voters of the State expos
ing Democratic populations and sham efforts AT
reform. To uncover the cOrTuptions in his own
marty IS an objectionable sin in Democrat,
and of course after Governor HamiltUns bold
step there can be no longer placs for him In
the Democratic ranks. 1t is uncertain as yet
how large following lie will have III his re-
wilt. but it is sure to comprise the better ele-
ent among the Maryland Democrats.
The question which interests Republicans
most ia what advantage can the party gain
from the divided aud demOralized condition OF
the Democrats. 1t is TO be regretted that the
state of things existing in the Republican party
of Maryland for some time past does not make
it certain that they can use to its full advantage
the present opportunity. There has, however,
been some improv ement of late in this respect.
The gains made in the Congressional elections
of last wear showed clearly what united party
could accomplish. 1t should be sufficiently
evident to the Maryland Republicans that this
is not the time for petty quarrels over Federal
offices. The wisdom they show In the present
crisis may determine their standing in the
marty and their share ia its future triumphs.
By forgetting their differences and uniting on
strong and worthy ticket they have excellent
prospects of defeating the divided Democracy
and of !,acing themselves in IL strong position
for the greater battle of next year. 1t would
appear also to he an opportune occasion for
the party elsewhere 70 extend proper aid ana
assistance TO the Maryland Republicans In their
fight against the corrupt Democracy.