New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-11-07
THE ELECrIoY FOR GOVERNOR.

1t has been apparent from the outset Of the
campaign that the local issue In this State was
surrounded with peculiar difficulties. Governor
Hill had, by his course upon excise legislation,
made it clear that it would be money in tho
pockets of the $4,000 saloon-keepers of the
State to re-elect him, even If 1t cost heavy
price to do it. An organised movement began
to bring this about many months before the
Democratic Convention met The successive
stages of the conspiracy have been truthfully
detailed in THE TRIBUNE. and we need not
recount them now. This brought into being
great political force. In ordinary years every
saloon is political centre but its activity was
bound to be multiplied many times when the
question at stake was one, literally,
of dollars and cents to the saloon
keeper. In opposition to this new
power, ramifying into every village in the
State, there was, outside Of the Republican
party organization only the sentiment of such
Democrats as could separate themselves from
their party, that the State should not be ruled
by its worst classes. There Is reason to be-
leve that the number Of these citizens was con-
siderable, and the demonstrations on the part
of the clergy were without precedent.
But the clergymen did not buy votes for
Miller. The churches did not assess themselves
large sums for his campaign expenses. There
was no despotic organization at Mr.. Miller's
back commanding the services and pocket
books of well-drilled army of $4,000 politi
cal workers who would stop at nothing to gain
their ends Thus Governor Hill had the ad
vantage from the start. Then, too. he was
fortunate in being able to hide behind the
Presidential issue. After allowance has been
made for all the dissidents, the fact remains
that Governor Hill received the support of the
bulk Of his party, and was enabled by the Pc
culiar influences at work for him to run ahead
Of his ticket Many thousands of Demo-
Gratis voted for him simply because he was the
Democratic candidate, who would be ashamed
to do as he has done. 1t is new illustration
of the familiar truth that there cannot be a
Democratic candidate so unworthy that the
Democratic party will not support him.
At the hour Of writing the indications are
Of close vote upon Governor, and the result
is not yet clear. Whatever the result may be,
the Republican party will have nothing in its
course to look back upon with regret. 1t took
its stand upon principle which it will not
abandon, and it fought brave and honorable
fight. Warner Miller, its leader in this con-
test, energies from it with National reputa-
ton for courage, ability, and straightforward
manliness. He aroused the conscience Of the
State. His arguments were met only with
brides. The relations Of his canvass to the
National ticket in this State were most impor-
tant. There can be no doubt that his course
in making Temperance the leading State issue
brought many Prohibition voters back to the
Republican party, and SO helped the National
ticket.
Whatever the result may be, he will always
carry with him something which his competitor
will never enjoy, either in office or out, the
respect Of those citizens of the State Of New
York whose respect is worth having.
II a. m.-Since the above was put in type
later returns seem to leave little hope Of Mr.
Nliller's election.