New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-10-16
TIE CITIZENS MOVEMENT.

II is evident that Citizens ticket is to be
put in nomination for the purpose OF giving
practical expression to the uneasiness with
which the selfish growth and rule OF Tammany
Hall are regarded by all voters who do not be-
long to that organization. The proper way and
the only effective way for such hostility TO
make itself felt is to offer to voters hSt OF
candidates for local offices upon whom all ele-
ments of opposition to the existing dynasty may
honorably and hopefully unite. The TRIBUNE
has always advocated a non partisan admn-
istration of local affairs, though 1t has not
seldom been compelled to disavoW ana oppose
absurd and dishonest manoeuvres purp0rllng
to be inspired by that principle. Some OF the
most unworthy political adventures OF recent
wears have assumed the name of Citizens move
ments. and in that disguise have misled ana
ultimately brought to confusion many excellent
men. If we could detect any signs that the
movement now attracting attention and sup
mort was of that description we should offer
a prompt warning. But thus far an exception
ally sincere and sagaciouS spirit seems to nave
been directing it. 1t will deserve close watch
ing, either for exposure or commentator, as
events may determine.
There ought to be no question in any I'M
biased mind that the organization, discipline
and purpose of Tammany Hall are hostile to
the best interests Of this city. 1t is the inten-
ton of it's leaders to make its present supremacy
absolutely as fast as possible, so that not
single branch of the local government shall re-
main Independent of its authority. such a
condition would menace the public welfare,
even if Tammany were exclusively made up of
MIR. Hewitt's famous CANCELS" since angels
whose wings have not yet sprouted are con-
stantly liable TO rapid and deplorable degen-
Grafton. But, taking the organization as 1t
actually is composed, the present situation is
burdensome and the future will prove intol-
cradle. THE TRIBUNE has often cordially
thanked Mayor Grant for timely and courageous
action in emergencies, and he will never lack
our appreciation and support when he deserves
them. More than once it has been the duty OF
good citizens to forget for the time being his
mistakes and to unite in sustaining him. Such
obligations may recur, and should not be lg-
nored so long as he remains in Office but when
the general policy and purposes OF the organ
ization of which he is the nominal leader, and
not specific acts of administration, are under
review there is every reason for proclaiming
the necessity of shaking off the grip which
Tammany has already fastened upon the city
and is unscrupulously 9ndeavoring by every
artifice to tighten.
If the leaders of the Citizens movement now
under way should procure the nomination OF {
ticket in which every honest voter might fee
absolute confidence, and should thereafter
demonstrate their own determined loyalty tC
it, an unusual opportunity would be presented
to good men Of all parties Such ticket coulC
be triumphantly elected by the citizens BY
whom the domination of Tammany is regarded
as an affront, a present calamity and a con
stantly increasing menace. That a combined
opposition might be expected to produce sal
utary results, even if it were not completely
successful, is already indicated by the trepida
ton which the first published appeal has caused
in the Wigwam.