The morning call., 1890-08-10

criminal carelessness, indifference and ne
glect of the intelligent voters. To the
same Indifference we are indebted for the
present domination OF TammaDy in this
city.
New York City contains large mass of
machine voters-men who have neither the
independence nor the inclination to favor
clean, honest government. They follow the
Tammany organization blindly whittier it
liSteth. and never ask any questions. Sc
riously doubt If Tammany should renOmi-
nate the present Mayor whether there
would be any material dimnution of this
machine VOTE Certain it is that there
would be no cutting of the candidate
among the rank and file on moral grounds.
The supremacy of Tammany in city aud
State can but be regarded as national dis
grace There has never been time in the
history of the metropolis when it was not
possible for the united elements of opposi-
ton to carry this city. They now have 1t
in their power to demolish and overthrow
the corrupt Tammany ring.
Past experience has shown, however,
that large percentage of the conservative
people do not interest themselves in the
practical business of politics as they ought.
Perhaps the very men who complain the
loudest against the domination of Tam
many and corruption in high places do not
exercise the election franchise more than
half the time, and rarely, if ever, attend
primary. Take. for instance, the example
of the Twenty-first Assembly District,
which is in some respects the representa-
tive Republican district in this clty-out OF
the 5000 or 1000 Republican voters who are
registered in that district not more than
1900 have taken the trouble to identity
themselves with the Republican organiza-
tiOn. In other words, the work OF selecting
party leaders and nominating candidates Is
left to a very small minority OF The party.
have no patience with the stay-at-homes
who rail at tile selection of unfit men, but
do nothing to remedy the evils.
The Importance of young man COM
mencing early to take an active part in pol
tiles is obvious Men are largely creatures
Of habit Let the habit once he formed of
ignoring their political duty, and the
chances are that it will stick to them
through life; but if on the other hand they
start right by identifying themselves with
some political organization they VIII be-
come good and useful citizens.
My advice to all young men is, take up
the study of politics as early as possible
and familiariZe yourself with all important
public questions. Do not stop there.
Make up your mind to which party your
| convictions lead you and then do all you
can to strengthen the hands of that organi-
| zatOn. l should not advise -aliffS man to
! join the Democratic or~ReDu6lican parties
simply Decausefie had been reared in that
| partlculaCtaitb. Let him decide the ques-
tleE-5i mis- political manhood for himself.
I Traditions are all very well, but every man
is surer of him self who makes his own in
| dependent inv estigation and forms his own
| opinions.
Naturally, as a Republican from conYc-
ton, believe that careful study of the
| political conditions of the day by an intelli-
| gent man will lead him directly into the
ranks OF tue Republican party; but recog-
nize the right of intelligent men to honestly
| differ on political as well as other questions.
| II a law could be passed compelling every
| one to give part of his time to the conSid-
Grafton of political matters. or at least to
| exercise his privilege of franchise, we
should have better and more efficient gov
| ernment of our local affairs, as we'll as in
| the State or nation.
| The young men are the main reliance of
the country. Upon their shoulders rests
the responsibility for the maintenance of
our republican form of government. About
| the strongest argument that can be ad-
| vanced in candidates favor before a po-
| litical convention is that he is popular with
the young men. just why this is so is not
difficult of solution. The young men are
| more active and enthusiastic than the old
stagers. The saying, " Y Dung men for ac-
ton, old men for counsel" is true in poll
! tics, but no party can hope to succeed in
tie future without the support of the young
| men.
The young man land when l say young
do not mean necessarily a youth just
! emerging from his teens, but men in the
prime OF life will continue TO occupy Il
prominent place in our politics. The ten
| dency will be to Increase his Importance
| rather than diminish II. This element will
| probably decide the next Presidential con-
| test.
| During the last few years there has been
q gratifying indication that the young men
of the country are beginning to appreciate
| their political responsibilities and impor-
lance more keenly. The formation Of
] young mems clubs in both parties all over
the country is q very healthy sign. These
| clubs should be increased in number and
| their membership doubled. Every man
under the age of fifty should become per-
| sonally Identified with political organ
ization. The study of politics is the most
neglected branch of young Americans
education. l hope to see the time when it
Will be the exception to find a young man
| who does not take an active interest in
the political affairs of the country. When
! that time comes we shall have less scandals
| IN pubic Office and better and cleaner ad-
miniStration OF the Government in all its
branches from the top to the bottom.
| ms Is an excellent time for the Young
men oil the. country to organize and equip
| themselves for the next great political bat
tie. 1t promises to be as exciting and as
| holly contested as any in the history of the
country. The party that can command the
| support of the live men will surely win.
| Every politician recognizes that fact Years
! ago it used to be the policy of political lead
| ers TO keep the young men in the back
| ground. That was serious mistake.
| The man who neglects his political obi
| cations is not good citizen in the highest
| sense of the word Where can we Ionk for