New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-02-04
OIL AND WATER.

Mr.. Cleveland has shown some shrcwdness In
summOning both Mr.. Randall and MIR. Carlisle
for consultation at Albany. While nothing Is
known definitely "a to the opinion expressed by
either, there can be little doubt that both gave
the Presldent-elect to understand that they pre-
ferred to remain in tho House, did not desire
any position in the Cabinet, and were anxious
to do oil that they could to promote the success
of the Democratic party and OF the coming
Administration. So much may BIO Inferred as
matter of course But in talking about men
and measures, 1t Is quite certain that the OK
pressons of Mr.. Randall and Mr.. Carlisle
differed widely. BY comparing the two, If Mr..
Cleveland has the requisite sagaclty. he can
arrive at pretty clear idea Of the obstacles
which threaten the harmony Of the Democratic
party and of his Administration. Mr.. Carlisle
correctly represents one element in the party
and Mr.. Randall as correctly another, and the
third element, the body of men who have no
convictions at all. but only appetites. do not
need to be represented. IL Mr.. Cleveland has
common sense he understands them and their
wishes sufficiently.
Whatever Mr. Cleveland may intend to do, 1t
was shrewd policy to extend q formal invita-
tlOU w buc VI OppoS"S S'''h""''' -
order to appear, at least to have given fair con-
sderation to the views OF both sides. But there
"a much reason TO believe that Mr.. Clevelands
course was due, not so much to desire to I'M
press other people with IN idea OF his fairness
of intention, as to a belief In his own mind that,
by understanding thoroughly what the oppos-
ing factions want. he might be able to satisfy
both. A great deal of the talk about the Cab
met has pointed to an effort by Mr. Cleveland
to please all sides. to harmonic conflicting
views, to give everybody share and voice,
and SD to create compromise Administration
and policy This would be the natural course
for well-meanng man, ignorant OF the nature
of differences between Democratic elements,
and hence inclined to believe that the utterly
irreconcilable could somehow be recOnciled
This Is probably Mr.. Clevelands mental atti-
tude. He does not yet know that oil and water
will not mix, and has an idea that by getting
better acquainted with oil and with water he
can somehow make the two come together in
harmony. lie will know more, after he has
tried IL awhile.
On this rock, probably. Mr.. Cleveland will
strike, and his Administration go to pieces. A
moro sagacious man would begin by recognizing
the fact that the antagonism Of elements Is IT.
reconcilable. lie would set himself to decide
at the outset which of the two elements ought
to control the party and the policy OF the Ad-
ministration. and then would construct a Cab
met with deliberate intent to give full. har-
monious, well-rounded and complete express
sion To the views of that element alone. The
necessary antagonism would come at once, Of
course. and the rupture In the party which,
under any circumstances, Is inevitable. but
tho resulting party wonld be infinitely more
coherent and vigorous than that which Is likely
to result from a policy of brainless compromise
and aimless drifting.