New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-07-01
LOCAL POLITICAL BOOMS.
A GLANCE AT THE PRESENT SITUATION AND TIE
PROBABLE ISSUE.

LOOlH 4 pHAAAN-AH DND-N~
A GLANCE AT THE PRESENT SITUATION AND TIE
PROBABLE ISSUE.
That an earnest and sincere effort may be expected
on the part Of tho two local Democratic factions for
a union municipal ticket this fall no longer admits
of doubt Had the action Of the Republicans at Chi
caeo been less wise than It was the Democratic fac
tional leaders might been left to their own de-
vices. They would probably have experienced no
outside pressure, and II harmony was found 10 be
difficult they would have been permitted to disagree
without much disdpproval from Washington. But
there IS sort Of doubt that the Administration IS
alarmed. The strength Of General Harrisons can,li-
dacy Is already recognized The strongly favorable
press comments and the individual expressions Of
qualification which it has called forth all over the
country the tremendous furOr Of enthusiasm which t
has created throughout Indiana. have caused tho
Cleveland managers evident uneasiness The Cen
erals record has been subjected to A most painful
scrutiny and the result Is anything but reassurng TO
the Democrats They find II full OF acts that Will DO
sure to arouse popular enthusiasm as tho campaign
proceeds. They find it to be a record Of remarkable
common sense and good judgment, showing Harrison
to be man Of depth, sincerity and hardheaded
sagacty. They find themselves utterly AZ loss for
something upon which To attack him, and the convc-
ton is gradually being forced upon them that they
will have to stand up TO campaign Of argument, a
conclusion most dlstasteiul to their palate.
But the National Democratic managers not
such fools as they used 70 be. Their wits havo been
tempered In he fire and water Of adversely, and they
not going to take any chances. The message has
already been transmitted from the White House to the
local bosses hero that there be nonsense this
fall but that a union must BIO effected. Cleveland :
grip the local Democracy never firm as
now. Both factions committed 10 him unre-
servcdly. and are vyng with each other In exhibitions
OF devotion They will not dsoboy him, especially
since he left them entirely free hand as to
the nature and personnel Of their combination, merely
Insisting that thoy must combine. can state II
fact which no authoritatively dispute that
Cleveland has dropped ex-Mayor Grace The way no
manipulated and used the usually crafty and astuto
Grace shows that the President has greatly improved
in the arts and devices Of the politician. When he
found himself threatened by Hll last winter, he took
up Grace and played him OH against Hill with
remarkable adrolnc,s. lie did not shirk fight with
the Governor. but went at him savagcly the rather,
and proved as he felt confident he would the better
rlan. lie 81 owed Hill his weakness, and. not
resting with that no deliberately set 70 work in the
STATE Convention to humNafc him. He gave Hill to
understand that II It was fight he wanted then fight
he should have and enough Of Il 10 settle him as a
political factor for all time It became evident
that Hi had such following would enable hi:
successfully TO resist the Administration. Ito had 40
give In and to submit to a painful drubbinS as well
lie shut his eyes and his tooth TO speak, and
took It with as good a grace he could command
He was treated Just like big bad boy-spanked
adorned with the fools cap, AMI ordered TO stand IN
the corner with his face to the wall. He was mol
allowed. to go to the National Convention, and was
made understand that If he secured denomination
at ALL It would only be by the forgving grace Of the
great man at whom he had dared to make faces.
But there the Administration stopped. It had gone
as far as it thought It prudent to go. Hill was not
strong in the organization, but his following in Che
mnng, Erie and elsewhere was numerous enough to
play hob with Cleveland in November he was treated
with too much indsnity There was a limit to hi.
endurance, and the Administration wisely concluded
that tho limit was reached Nothing moro was to be
gained moreover, by continuing the fight. OF course
it would tickle tho Mugwumps to have Hin bounced
entirely and Grace nominated in his place. But the
President understands the Mugwnmp5 He knows
he has them fast enough, no matter what he does
They are accustomed TO be kicked about from post &c
1illar and have become used to their diet OF crow
lie wasted no time, therefore, bothorlng about the
poor Mugwumps. Having used Grace as the CUR
with which to reduce Hill, and having accomps he'd
lis purpose, he tossed the gun carelcssly away and
babe the humblcI Hi to 90 and sin no more 1t
now definitely settled that the Governor is to be re-
nominated. Not that the Administration loves hin
a bit better than It did when it was Furnishing him
and at the polls each may be expected TO take care
of himself and get in sig lick at the other when and
where he can. But the surface all must be har-
mony and love.
Grace finds himself In rather a pitiabe plight
Not only Is he deserted IN his Gubernatorial asplra
lions, but his late protector and champion VIII moi
even assist him TO secure the Mayoraity II has
been definitely agreed between the factonal bosses
and the Administration that Interference shall be
attempted in tho interest OF anybody for municipal
Office Cleveland requires union, but he docs not
profess to care upon whom the concentration shall be
Effected. The withdrawal of his support places MI
Grace at a .,ea] disadvantage Personally, he IS
thoroughly unpopular in both the organizations. No
one has fewer real friends Here and there he has some
protece upon whom no relies In for past favors
but not even of these is he at all confident Fsvors
nat do gorge our dogs make them drowsy, dull
h. the scents What they arc looking for favors
10 come. friend Joseph and well the exMayor knows
IT, Ills old trick Of getting up Citizens' move
nrcuts has been TOO much ridlculcd during the last
few months as the result OF Maurice b. Flynn's can
did exposures 70 render thas method of booming him
self longer available.
The most promising candidate in this situation IS j.
Edward simmons. Mr. Hewitt is scarcely thought Oh
He has not pleased tho bosses and the bhoys sherl
Grant SAYS he doesn't want it, though the politicians
generally close ono eye and lay their foreiingers
craftily on their noses hcn this statement Is made
10 them Joseph J. O'DonOhue does want It, and
takes himself quite seriously as candidate, but tho
bosses only smile when his is mentioned. But
Mr. slmmons's boom Is in good order. He has
bar' and he anxious to get the place, so anxious
that he Will be likely 10 consent beforehand TO a
satisfactory division of the spols without which pre-
Imlnary arrangement, of course, no candidate car
expect to be considered.
THE FORCE OF HABIT ILLUSTRATED.