The Washington critic., 1886-10-18
WASHINGTON, OCTOBER is, 1886.
THE ISSUES IN NEW YORK.

Mr.. Hewitt, the Democratic candi.
date for Mayor of New York, has ac-
cepted his nomination in long and
well-written letter. which Is mainly dc.
voted to an exposition of what he con-
ceives TO be the vital issue Of the pend
ing municipal campaign. Mr.. Hewitt
is in favor of all labor organizations
that have for their object the good of
the working classes. lie believes that
they serve an excellent purpose in facili
tating the remedy of grievances and
aiding in the procurement Of ncedful
legislation, but he stouily protests
against abuses of the power thus con.
Centrated. He holds that there Is no
antagonism between capital ana labor,
but that they are natural and insepa-
rable allies. He has found 1t 50 in
his own experience, as the history Of
the iron and steel works with which he
has been so long associated demon
strates. He is opposed to violent aud
revolutionary methods for the adjust
ment of wrongs which readily admit of
peaceful and lawful settlement. The
issues as he sums them up are these:
On both sides It ia coutended and con
Ceded that reform anti progress are desir-
able and necessary. The question In diff
ference is solely US to the methods TO be
pursued In order to Gocure the needed So
clal amelioration. On the side of the Dem
ocratic party, which has placed me in nom
ination, II is believed that our system OF
.1.1 l,,, h., ,,sf,.
who have ever dealt with political problems,
is not only adequate for the proper dspo-
sition Of every social question, but affords
the best possible machinery for carrying
into effect the will Of the people
The other side proposes a radical de.
parture from the existing methods of free
government by political parties composed
OF citizens In every walk of life, and asks
IFS to substitute not merely new ideas as to
the nature of property, but new modes OF
government through the organization of
special classes OF the community. The issue
is thus between the democratic Idea of the
founders Of the Republic and the soclalstic
views of mere theorists who have never had
any experience IN the practical business Of
life, generated in an atmosphere foreign to
our habits and modes of thought and based
largely upon grievances which have no
existence under our form Of government.
Mr.. Roosevelt letter of acceptance is
shorter, and is directed mainly against
the evils and abuses with which the
political system of the metropolis is
permeated. He says:
Our city government has been made a
tender to National aud state party govern
ment. The city is governed for the benefit
of parties instead ot parties being governed
for the benefit of the city. We are practl.
cally hlackmalcd to the extent Of millions
of dollars annually by host OF snecurists,
whose return is rendered not iu service To
us, but IN protection aud support TO certain
political leaders. candidates aud factions.
Sooner or later the people of New York will
realize that II Is not sufficient merely 10
have at the head Of their government n man
OF high purpose and character, but that
they must have one wlo shall also be en-
tirely free from political anglement with
the henellciaries of the present abuses.
Mr. Roosevelt is a reformer, pare
and simple, He wants corruption elm
mated and pledges himself to do all
that be can 10 see that the government
of the city is purified. With reference
10 TIE labor question he has nothing tc
say.