New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-08-05
A SHORT CANVASS IA VORED.
HAMILTON FIsH's VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT
THE QUESTION OF CANDIDATES.. PLATFORM AND
PARTY METHODS CONSIDERED.


rur QUESTION OF CANDIDATES. PLATFORM AND
PARTY METHODS CONSIDERED.
Hamilton Fish, r was getting ready to start for
No,rocansett Pier when TRIBUNE reporter called
an him Yesterday to get an expression of opinion
trop him on the Republican outlook in the State
concerning the question of when the convention
shonld be held avd the proposition to enlarge The
representation. Mr.. Fish said:
aIt,sa matter of small moment whether we hold
onr convention before after the Democratic Con-
veution ours should be called for the last week in
Septemher aud thus by short. sharp. ag 1ressive
campaign keep I'D the enthusiasm until election
day. As to Senator Mlers plans for increasing the
renresentat,on in the State Convention I am not
sufficiently familiar with the details to express
definite opinion but approve the principle of hav-
ing the convention representative of the people
as possible The great depression in business, the
widespread distress among tho laboring masses,
and the dlssensiOns in the ranks of the Democratic
marty combine to render the prospect of Republican
success in this State this fall most promising Ii
depends, however, to a great degree upon the
character of the nominations. The candidates
should be not only men of unquestioned devotion
TO the principles of the Republican party. but they
should also have high reputation and attachments
that could successfully appeal for the sufrages OF
any one who has been in sympathy with the
party 1t shonld be the policy Of our party to re-
Gain the confidence of that arce body of Republi-
cans who last year broke loose from their party
allegiance and at the same time 10 retain that
numerous class which, PRINCIPALLY account of
the Democratic position the tariff, sustained the
candidates of the Republican party. While the
National Administration has not as yet formulated
any policy upon the tariff, its general tendency,
rs evinced in the treatment OF John Roach ana
the refusal of the Post Office Department to en-
courage the carrying of the mails in vessels sailing
under our flag has not been in such direction as
to recall them to the Democratic party
Have Won choice as to candidates y
"On that matter it is too early to predict the ont
come of the convention. Personally have no de-
cided preference; Ira Davenport James w. Wads-
worth and Andrew d. White among the mex
ceptionable men prominently mentioned Senator
Eyarts wonll prove a formidable candidate were
he inclined to accept the nomination, and within
day or two have heard that the name of General
BENJAMIN +. Tracy, man of high attachments and
strong following. would he presented. On the
Democratic side, Governor Hill appears to be maxi
inc vigorous and successful efforts to secure the
nomination. Apparently he is not reluctant to take
advantage of the growing discomfort in his own
party with the National Administration by I'M
pressing upon his hearers that he is not the elect
of the authorities at Washington and he is more
the old-fashioned order of things than the latter
day' Democracy. He certainly fails {, show any
dispostion to conciliate the Mugwump clement
aWhat suggestions have you to make concerning
the platform 7"
.Our platform should in the main relate to State
issues; although owing to the important industrial
interests OF our State which now endangered by
Democratic Administration and House OF
REPRESENTATIVES. the most emptatic stand must
fif.p 70 nm nd str RE
A grave peril menaces the country as long as the
Bland Silver bill remains unmOdiied or unrepealed
and such National legislation should be demanded
as will remedy tA existing evil Upon the question
of Civil Service Reform, the convention should be
true to Republican traditions IL was enacted
under Republican Administration it came to
remain, it has wrought great good, and although
the system is by no means perfect, yet we should
aim to defend il from all attacks and 10 extend us
scope in National State and municipal govern
ments And while on the subject LET me remark
that the United States Senators from this State
have grave responsibility resting upon them Be-
fore consentng to the confirmation of those nom
mated to fill vacancies caused by removals, tney
shonld serutnze carefully such removals. making
digent inquiries not only as 10 the causes for
removal but also to the antecedents and present
actions of those named TO hll the places. In TINS
manner onr Senator's can eiiecSuany npholn inc
caase of Civil Service Reform. Too little attention
has hitherto been paid 10 mmnlclpa dao ere
redress The Over-burdened taxpayers OF the CIV
of New-York look TO the Republican party for
relief the Republican party must take III hand
the task OF reducing the enormous salary list
departments shonld be consolidated, the Numbers
of high saiaried officials lessened, and great saw
ing should he effected in the salary list. but not
at the expense Of the policemen an iremen.'
"What would You advise in regard TO the
importance question r. "
sIf any plank on the liquor question is adopted.
let it be Of high license discriminating IN favor
of the beer interest INST the whlskey interest
Should Governor Hill be nominated his veto OF the
census legislation will be matter for approval or
disapprOval at the polls"
ain your experience as member OF the Legs
lature did YOU not perceive great need OF reform
in legislative mehOd,f .
ayes and something must lie done concerning 1t.
an clad to see that InE TRIBE l. has called
attention TO the necessity of improving the
character of the State Legislature While there
were manv high-mnded men at Albany last winter,
there were many of acommercial turn of mind whose
career and attachments would grace penltentlary
more 6ttingy than a legislative ball. and neither
of the great political parties is free from this STAN
"Do Won think the loss of patronage will have
any effect on the Republican canvassT
sIt will be beneficial rather than otherwise.
Some Of the Democratic papers appear to be oil the
opinion that the Republican party Is handicapped
on account of such loss of patronage. am not at
all inclined to share that opinion. All OF the as
sepsions i'm our ranks be traced directly or di
rectIy 10 division of the spOils and we are today
stronger and more ready to wage successful night
for PRINCIPLES sake than when we had offices TO be-
stow and the time has not yet come when IL can ID
said that the party of Lincoln and Of Grant has won
its last victory"