New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-01-20
THE SEN1TORSHIP.


David Bennett Hi accepts the United states
Scnatorship and smith VI. Weed accepts-thc
inevitable. The Governor doubtless views the
result with complaccncy, not to say eXultation.
Mr. Weeds feelings of course, are those Of
confdng soul who realizes that owing TO the
uncertainty OF the white Democratic politician
he has been betrayed III the house of his friends
by the boss Of the house. The fact that the
Governor waited uni just As the caucus was
about to be called before stating what he pro-
posed to do obviously adds bitterness to Mr..
Weeds disappointment. Had Mr.. Hill frankly
declared in November aS soon aS the outcome
of the Assembly elections was announced, that
he himself was 4 candidate for the Senator
ship, Mr. Weed could and most likely would
have retired gracefully from the canvass IN
spite OF that foolish letter of his asserting that
he was bound to win the big prize. But Mr..
Hill not Only declined to admit that he was
seeking the Sena,OIShip, he gave it to be
understood through his personal organ " The
Albany Times that he purpOScd to seek an
other denomination next fail for Governor. True.
when his annual message appeared it was dis
covered tina, he had 10 intention OF running
again, but hat document was not published
UUll TIC OtH VI hHNIi 'l4D ''Nii'''iA"'
canvass was about over.
Assuming that the action Of the Democratic
caucus is to be ratified by the Legislature. the
question is in order What will he do with it
what will Hill do with the NenatorShip? VIII
it help or hur, his Presidential boom? That he
will use the place to which he goes Is he has
used The place which he leaves primarily 10
promote his own selfish political schemes is
inevitable. The leopard does not change It's
skin by Transferring its field of labor from Al
bany to Washington. But il is clear that Hill
the Senator will lack The opportunities to adj
vance his political fortunes which were pos
Scs>cd by I'LL the Governor The Chief TX
ccutivc of Ncw-lOH has AT his disposal direct
~ and indirectly a large amount of patronage.
Hill has steadily gone on the theory that all
this patronage was one of his personal per
uusitas and has used il accordingly USED II
no. in the interest of all the people but OF
Hill. and of the Democrats who acknowledge
him as their leader. it is notorious that SO
thoroughly does he believe in the power of
patronage that he actually vetoed a bill called
for By an express mandate of the Constitution
providing for an enumeration OF the Inha btIntS
of this State. because he was afraid that it
leans. But when Hill goes from Albany he
viii leave behind him the patronage Of the
Governors Office, and therefore may be eX-
pectcd 10 shrink v>ibly in power and influence.
Now that he controls the Democratic machine
and is 50 situated that he can readily direct
all It's energies he cuts big figure, and prac-
tically has things all his own way in Demo
cratic politics. But it is not probable that he
will be able TO boss things successfully
at long range. from the District of Columbia.
Mr. Hill would seem 10 realize all this, and 50
be determined to hold on to the GOvcrnor>hip
Us long as possible after being elected 70 the
>cnatOrShp. il is reported that he may remain
where he is until near the close OF his term, that
is. until near the close Of 1N91-thc Democratic
National Convention meeting in the spring OF
1892. If ne adopt, thai policy the chances are
that he will niure whatever Presidential "pr0S-
poets he E0w possesses. His parry will be apt
70 resent high dual oflicchodng by one man.
The Democracy contains a large number of
patriots with big appctitoS for Spoil> who are
enthusiastic advocates OF the doctrine of a fair
divide.
Whether or not Mr.. Hill will take to law
making remains to be seen. True. he his al
ready served TWO terms rs lc3I>ldIoi' hd'lhE
twice represented Chemung County in the As
Scmbll. But that was as far back rs ls11-T2,
and if the record which he made as an Assem-
blyman not promising it is only fair per
hapS, TO remember that he was then yrng and
inexperienced. As Senator he may prove
capable and efficient. There is no question
about his ability; but unless he turns over
new leaf his record at Washington will be that
of narrow, INSCRIPTIONS partisan. The last
time the Democrats elected Senator they chose
Francis Herman. The descent from Herman TO
Hill may not be one of intellect but it is GER
tainly one Of character.