New-York tribune., 1890-06-18
II LIE IlTEST CITLZENN MOTEMENT.

HE LATEST CIJI/ENS MO' E"|-'
The unhappy history of numerous polluca.
manocuvres in this city which have concealed
their origin or destiny, or both, under the name
Citizens Movement is so fresh III the pubhc
mind that the most sanguine observer OF cur
rent events is justified in reservinS his ludG-
ment as to the prospects of every successive
undertaking which assumes that gmSc ana
title. In some instances politicians have de-
vised the operation. while in Others they nave
merely appropriated il. sometimes the laorc
of citizens party has suddenly collapsed at
the polls and sometimes 1t has gidduailN us
integrated during the campaign, quIc N ac-
cordance with the plans OF the initiated anu
70 the bewildorment of innocent and trustiui
souls. OF recent wears the part OF Little JACK
Horner sitting in the corner, and ready TO put
in his thumb and pull out plum at the APP
pointed time, has frequently been played ny
our worshipful ex-Mayor, the Hon. William
r. Grace. There is nothing quite so dear to
the heart of Mr. Grace as a Citizens move
mcnt. provided that he has Tree access 10 'he
works. So long as he can keep his hand on
the lever he loves TO see the wheels go rouhd.
\oyt 70 that he likes 70 give the designated
sicnal a sort of Peruvian bark, As it were and
sec them come to predestned stop.
These reflections are inevitably suggested
bv rho sudden announcement that new en-
terpriSe under the old appcllaton has been
undertaken in behalf of honest and eillccnt
local government. That the men VINO nave
sicncd their names TO the call for meeting OF
citizens next week are altogether sincere ana
unseltish no man in his senses has the least
doubt. Further than this, everything that We
hear about the movement is 10 IFS credit. II
is the outgrOwth of a determination on the
mart OF few individuals to put Ii practice the
ideas suggested by recent sermons OF the he''
DR.. Heber Newton, and the eminent preacher
himself is the nucleus Of it. We are unable 70
ascertain that any person recognized as tunda-
mentally 4 politician has had anything 10 do
with il hitherto. or is now lurking i'll the back
or,und. Above all. il should he said, in JUS
tice 10 the movement and 10 Mr.. Grace, that
they do not appear TO know each other Inc
plan of a>socating exchanges, labor unions
and professional bodies with the undertaking.
by requesting them to send delegates TO the
meeting for ORGANIZATION, Is novel and saga
cous. If success does not crown such a be-
ginning it will not he because a false start was
made.
At the same time, we cannot forget tnat
several East endeavors in the same field have
had the benefit Of equally unScliish patronage
at the outset have seemed Il be not less Spon-
tancous and hopeful, and yet have left no trace
whatever in the practical administration OF
municipal affairs; while others have helped
to fortify the very evils which they were IN
tended to remove, by leaving the worst elc-
monts in triumphant possession of the political
machine. That a reSolutc combination OF all the
voters who are hostile to Tammany Hall could
free the city from the grasp OF that ignorant
>lothful and corrupt oligarchy Is conclusVcly
.hown by the records Of past elections. That
such a combination can be formed and kept
together until November remains to be proved.
The movement which is just starting has be-
GUN well in beginning early and under IRE
proachable auspices Those to whom its man
acement is confidcd will make great mistake
if they permit the fortunes OF any individual
70 become involved in it on the one hand, or on
the other. any evidence or suspicion OF mystery
10 cling to it, They must make their campaign
absolutely frank and fearless, and transparent
ly disinterested. so that the whole community
NAV ransacl it in vain for an unworthy motive
We do not believe that New-YOr is incapable
of redemption by such process.