The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1888-03-04
A Lively Question in New York Politics.

A Lively Question In New York Politics.
It Ii manifest that the choice Of tho
Democratic National Convention. which isto
meet In st. Louie on Juno 8. win be lnflu-
enced by the composition Of the delegation
from tho State OF New York.
In 1876, In 1880. and In 1884 the New York rep
resentatives wero divided In their views Of
party policy. ~propristy, and need. The unit
rule assured sslidity. but It did not stine ar
gument or abate prejudice. As between the
position In New York before tho Chicago
Convention Of 1884 and at present, no paral-
lei exists. The friends Of CLEVELAND had
ut that tlmo the singular advantage OF so
sage, solid. and far-sesing q leader as DAM
lei MANNING, now deceased. The op-
ponents Of CLEVELAND suffered unde
the difficulty OF having no New York
candidate Of their own to champion.
their strength being scattered among
half q dozsn nor Of no particular popularity
In New York At the present time, on the
contrary, the friends of the representative
New York Democracy do not need to cross
their borders for n candidate, having In the
person OF the popular Chief Executive Of tho
State the first choice Of Now York Demo-
Gratis generally.
1t Is a matter which admits now Of very
little doubt that the opposition OF Tammany
Hall In 1876 and 1880 tended to solidily the
country delegates In favor OF the candidates
opposed by tho city Democracy. But with
Tammany Hall loyal and answering,
with its bolt Of 1879 forgotten and its
position rehabiltated, the Democratic
delegates from tho interior are once
more its friends. No corresponding gain
has appeared on the side of the County
Democracy. That influential and justly ac-
credited body Of New York Democrats has
never been fortunate In State affairs, and
what little success 1t has enjoyed in such
contests was due to the advantage OF an
alliance with Mr.. MANNING and his friends.
Organized In 1881, the County Democracy
has participated In two Governors Conven-
lions. In 1882, when Tammany favored the
nomination Of CLEVELAND, the County De-
mocracy adhered to the candidacy Of ALLAN
CAMPBELL without reason and seemingly
against the inevitable. In 1886. when Tam
many Hall supported DAVID o. HILL with
vigor and enthusiasm, the County Democ-
racy delegates, blind to the almost universal
demand for Hills nomination, held out
hopelessly for ABRAM 3. HEWITT.
OF the seventy delegates which the De-
noorsoy Of New York will send to tho Ma
honal Convention in st. Louis, tfty-tour will
DO selected from districts outside Of New
York, and sixteen from the city. These six
teen, acting together, would probably detor-
mine tho result under the unit rule. The
point at issue this year does not concern a
probable bolt or protest. but Is q nero qucs-
ton Of political generslship n battle Of or
CARNATIONS, q contest OF leaders. q test OF
discipline and resources, and, following II
I'll, the cheering prospect OF a vigorous,
hearty. and spirited support OF the candi.
dates Of the United Democracy.
The two individuals likely to be most
prominent In this readjustment are Judge NJ.
]. PowER, leader OF the County Democracy,
and COMMISSIONS RICHARD CROKER, the
skilful and experienced political head OF
Tammany Hall. 1t will not be the first time
that these two men have met. either rs polit-
ical antagonists, or as allies, when the in.
forests Of the Democracy were at stake
But those who remember their cordial joint
support Of ADRIAN 8. HEWITT In 1886. and OF
john r. FELLOWS In 1887. need not bs re-
forred IN any earlier achie vsments.
Judge POWER. who has hsep an influential
Democrat Tor the past seventeen years, Is
less well known than many an Alderman
whose connection with the party OF with.
drawal from it would DO OF no moment OF
Importance whatever. This fact constitutes
indeed, one OF the penalties Of all those who
nold appoinuve positions, that never having
THAR qualifications subjected to tho ordea
q . popular test. the abilities which their i'm
mediate friends know them 10 possess are no