New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-09-10
4 PLACE FOR 4 GOOD FIGHT

n
The most promising battle-ground OF the
Republicans in this years campaign IN onlS
State is Brooklyn. The municipal and county
elections are of the first importance, ana there
are opportunities for accomplishing great re-
suits in that quarter. The Democrats are
virtually committed to the policy OF rnohr
mating candidates for Mayor, DlStr1ct-Attor-
ney and Supervisor at-Large, who have losS
prestige and influence during their Official
terms. The Republicans have an eXceheht
chance of defeating these incumbents, every
one of whom is weaker candidate IMAM he
was when elected to office. Not only are ltS
candidates less formidable than they were DuV
the Democratic party itself in Kings County
is ring-governed and gang-ndden, and has loSt
the sympathy and respect of all partisan
friends Of municipal reform. Wheh Mayor
Chaplin was elected the party had credlU Ior
bringing forward an able and Independent lead
or. who would be his own master and serve the
highest interests of the city. Two years Oh
McLaughlin's supremacy and OF Shevhmzed
administration have stripped off the DISCUSSES
from candidate and party. The people Oh
BROOKLYN now know to their cost that the hon
orabIe reputation which was won under Tour
years of Republican municipal administration
has been sQuandered. Brooklyn fous years ago
was a. city set on hill, the fame Of whose non
partisan and buSiness-hke administration ShOns
out far and wide. Under two Democratic
MAYORS it has resumed its former character as
McLaughlinville Good citizens are aware OF
the complete transformation wrought In the
spirit and methods of municipal administration.
They will welcome an opportunity for restor-
ing high minded party to power.
The important fact to be borne in mind by
the nominating conventions is that in town
where there is a normal Democratic majority
of l 900 the Republican party can only hope
for success by making the campaign one Of
high principles and by choosing candidates
who are committed to a larger policy than that
Of Strengthening the party by judicious dis
tribution of patronage. There is a knot Of
meddlesome politicians and partisan zealOts
whose energies have been devoted since the
last general election to intrigueS and compacts
for obtaining Federal appointments. They
have acted upon the assumption that the high.
est end secured by the successful canvass of the
Republicans in Kings County last year was the
appOrtiOnment of a few Offices among horde
of politicians. If the municipal canvass is to
be conducted on the same low plane of action,
the Republicans cannot offer to the people OF
Brooklyn an administration that will be much
better than the present one, with Mclaughlin
supreme and Shevlin armed with practical
veto upon executive appointments.
The Republicans must drum the Office
mongerS and patrOnage-brobers out of camp
and intrench themselves on the high ground
Of efficient, nOn-partiSan administration. The
leaders whom they place in nomination must
be men Of the highest character and of proggeS-
Sive ideas. With such principles and leader,
the Republicans Of Brooklyn can win a crown
ing triumph in November. With low pin-
cipleS and hack politicians as candidates. they
will be inevitably defeated. viii they use OF
abuse their opportunity?