New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-04-07

faction of Eastern Democrats, not large In pro-
portion to the entire party, but strong enough
to render its defeat absolutely certain in New
York, Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, Connecticut
and perhaps some other States.
Knowing the interests and wishes OF these
men, Mr.. Randall finds his account in being
their most conspicuous representative. With
out them. Democratic success in certain essen
tial States is impossible ; they know 1t, and MIR.
Randall knows it. To ostracize him, or to deny
him place and prominence as leader, is to de-
prive the party of votes that it absolutely needs
in certain States and to abandon all rational
hope of carrying those States. 1t does not
matter what Mr. Randall's personal convictions
may be. His stiffness renders the inquiry as
difficult az it is Improbable. 1t is enough that
he finds himself stronger within the Democratic
party, as a representative of faction that is
openly at war with nine-tenths of its members
on an important question, than he would be it
obliged to compete directly with such men as
Messrs Beck, Carlisle, and Mcdonald tor the IA
vor of free-trade Democrats. When that party
feels able to get along without any electoral
votes from New York, Pennsylvania, New-Jer-
sey or Connecticut, 1t can afford to quarrel with
Mr. Randall, but not until then.
1t happens that the Western and Southern
members of the party, to whom Democracy
means the old flag and an appropriation" are
also very indignant because MIR. Randall has
been illiberal" in such matters. These people
are quite as unhappy, in reality, because they
do not find it easy to vote themselves million
or two EACH under guise of public works or in
ternal improvements, as they are because West
ern and Southern notions about the tariff do
not prevail But it is not convenient to speak
quite as plainly about "the big divide" and
other schemes Of plumber as about the tariff.
Hence these people attack Mr. Randall upon
various pre.exts, and would Kill him OIL II
they could. But in this matter, again, no is to
some extent q representative. The old-fash-
toned Democrats who oppose internal improve
ments generally and the more sa9acious or
patriotic men who do not believe in voting
away d million or two of public money Tor ev-
cry Democratic State or district, are very much
in earnest in opposing lavish appropriations
Mr.. Randall apparently considers that the
party cannot succeed if it does not make show
of economy. But if he were killed Oh, there are
others who would be quite az resolute and per-
haps more sincere in opposing what some
Western and Southern Democrats call lib
eral" policy.
Mt much can he gained by cutting Mr.. Ran
dalls political throat. He is of consequence
only because he manages to represent voters
whose support is necessary to Democratic sue
cess. II not represented by him, they would
have somebody else to speak for them. The
real trouble is that the so-called Democratic
party is not properly party at all; it is not
held together by any common opinion or pur-
pose on several important questions. Its MEM
beers have one point of agreement. They want
office and power. Most Of them arc willing TO
maze almost any sort of profession or promise
in order to get power. But they cannot agree
at all abont what they will do with it if they
ever get it.