New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-01-04
FURNISHING PARTY TKEACHERY.

The Republican County Committee acted
wisely last night in adopting, with a few
unimpOrtant amendments, the resolutions
proposed by its special committee, recently
appointed to investigate the charges of treach-
cry in the With Assembly District. The
committees report showed careful and con-
scientious work. 1t conducted the inquiry in
thoroughly impartial spirit. and, in common
with all other Republicans, those composing
this committee would have been only too glad
TO be able to report that the charges were
groundless. But, unfortunately, the evidence
was overwhelming that course Of deliberate
and systematic trcachery to regularly nOmi-
mated candidates of the party had been pursued,
and the committee was left with no alternative
but to find verdict of guilty and to propose
the abolition of the present district Organiza-
ton.
So powerful, indeed. was the evidence that
the accused persons attempted no defence. Thcil
silence was properly interpreted as confession.
Had they been able to refutc the facts arraycd
against them. there can be no doubt but that
they would quickly have done so. They ap-
preached the election disgrunted and in tho
humor to kick over the traces. Men who
spite and animosity are not to be trusted in the
control of an organization the primal purpose
Of which is the service of the party. Obedience
is the first duty of those who are intrusted
with the performance of this work. If they
cannot bow to the will of the nominating con-
vcntions they have the remedy. They can get
out. If they stay in and turn rebel. they must
be put out This is an act of self-rcspect and
elf-prcservation. In no other way can the
organization retain the confidence of the party.
1t does not appear that Mr.. Brodsky took an
active part in the conduct which has brought
his district machine into disgrace but he is
none the less open to censurc. He occupies
the huml;ating position of the tool of " Barney
Rourke. He was president of the organization
only in name Rourke was in actual command
and upon him must fall the heaviest share of
blame and disgrace. He must be placed where
he can do the party no further harm. 1t IS
but a step from the Democratic service into
the Democratic fold. That is where such
political morals as his are held in consideration
and esteem. That is where the best price is
maid for such acts as he seems fitted to perform.
The time has come for turning traitors out,
and inasmuch as they are more harmful In than
out, it requires no great courage to show them
the door.
Tho committees recommendation that the
Legislature be requested to pass a law making
the printing and distribution of ballots in this
city public expense, should be acted upon
cuergetically. 1t would be in the interest OF
electoral purity in every sense were such a
reform accomplished not only for this city but
| Il, hi, M nj FIN nicl
guarantee against "trading,' but it would
reduce the assessment evil to minimum, and
leave much less excuse than can now be
pleaded for the existence of campaign corrup-
ton funds. The Legislature should address
itself to consideration Of this question as
early in the session as possible.