The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1890-07-12

ton OF Mr.. FITZGERALD, and one con-
sequence thereof was that upon this
genuine Democratic platform he had moro
majority in the district than all his oppo-
nents collectively had votes
In tho absurd and utterly futile movement
started In this town in 1888 against the
reelection Of DAVID BENNETT HILL for Gov
ernor Mr.. PEcKHAM took q prominent, II
not the most prominent, part. His admoni-
lions to the Democrats OF the State were
wisely not needed. Had they been, 1t is about
as certain as anything in politics can be that
the elected Governor would have been Re-
publican. Again, In 1889 Mr.. PEoKHAM was at
the head OF Ballot Reform League. He was
its Chairman, and he advocated with great
vigor and ignorance tho Introduction Of the
Australian system OF cross-marks, now gone
but not forgotten
When accosted by q reporter on Thurs
day, Mr.. PECKHAM was on his way to the
seaside grlpsack in hand. Being asked how
the Citizens were progressing, he said In
encouraging but indefinite words:
"very well, thank you. We are not blowing trum.
pets Just now but doing great deal of quiet
work No; will not tell you the nature OF the work"
Then Mr.. PEcKHAM went OFF to ascertain
what the wild waves were saying.
There ia n good deal OF talk among citi-
zens, both clerical and lay, about political
work and machine politics. The first they
propose to do without; the second, to do
away with. But it Is matter OF common
experience and observation that there Is no
field Of human endeavor where results can
be obtained without constant and contin-
uous effort, intelligently directed. A citi-
zens' committed made up Of persons who
profess themselves adverse to work In
political channels, cannot be expected to
accomplish much in the political arena. A
citizens committee chosen chiefly from
three OF the twenty-four districts OF the
town. may to some extent represent
the voters Of those districts, but 1t can
not be expected to represent the other
districts. Neither can the candidates
such n committee puts up expect much
support in those other districts; and as
the electors of three districts cannot
outvote the electors Of the remaining
twenty-one, it is clearly waste Of time
and OF strength for these gentlemen who
have evoked the applause OF the unthinking,
to expect to accomplish anything this year,
or any other year, except on paper
The case Of Mr.. PECKHAM is substantially
that OF every other member OF the Citizens
Committee OF Seventy-five who has been
active hitherto in public affairs. or a frequent
participant in movements Of this character.
Appointed by Mr. CLEVELAND on Nov. 80,
1883, to be District Attorney Of this county,
in place OF JOHN MCkEoN, deceased,
Mr.. PECKHAM had an opportunity of
carrying his views into effect and
establishing officially the reforms which, as
an individual, he had advocated. He did
not establish any REFORMS, or in any wise
justify mis- appointment, for within ten days
he resigned, and deprived the voters Of his
distinguished services.
But it will not do to despair. The Clerical
Citizens are started. seventy-five abreast, to
say nothing Of the parsons detachment. not
included by Mr.. PECKHAM. The leader may go
to the seaside for rest and relaxation, but
there is fun in those he leaves behind.