New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-09-20
suA11 CORRUPTION RULE'


Once more comes the old question for con-
scjentious men, "ls there really no difference
between the two political organizations and the
two tickets presented for public support IN tnlS
State?" The citizen who acknowledges that his
citizenship and suffrage are sacred trusts, when
he is bound to use for the best interests OF the
country. will feel that he has no right to dismiss
the matter with the customary silpshod assump
ton that one party is as bad as another. he
knows that unworthy men and vicious influences
are to be found in every party that ever has eH-
isted. But he is bound to determine, II ne
can. and with unhesitating fidelity to his con-
victims. whether the influences and tendencies
on either side constitute such menace to the
public good that he ought to oppose them
There is one influence peculiarly prominent
this wear which good citizens of both parties
always sincerely deplOre. 1t is the power Oh
money and corruption. The nomination OF
candidate who has nothing to explain his Sc
lection for the highest trusts excepting that ne
has great wealth. and is in the habit OF expend-
ing it freely through a peculiarly corrupt or
ganizaton, is a fact which challenges the at
tention of every conscientious voter Inc Per
Sonal opinions of such a candidate may be put
aside for the moment. 1t is of less consequence
what he believes thar how he makes his lnilu-
ence felt i'm public affairs. There are legitimate
uses for wealth in connection with pontlcai
effort. The employment and expenses OF an
army of speakers, the printing OF documents
and tracts by the millions, help to enlighten
the voters and require large sums. But all know
that it is never in such processes as these tndV
the vast sums collected by Tammany Hall are
chiefly expended A rich man, employing inches
lavishly through the agency OF that orgallza-
ton, must of necessity know that much OF his
money is corruptly used.
The organization itself exists by corrupt and
demoralizng agencies. it is in effect con-
spiracy of those who have gained fat Offices ana
contracts in this city to perpetuate their contfol
by the corrupt use of part OF Their pluhder'
Because the people have heavy burdens TO Dear
because the city is badly governed ana out
rageorlSly plundered. this organization Yields
enormous power. and has come to control one
great party throughout the State Were there
nothing else to be considered in the political
contest this wear, the threatened power and
growing preponderance of an organization so
corruptine and 50 shamelessly indifferent to the
wishes and interests of the people would be
| enough 10 JUSTLY dIo'Vi' vi S00' 'i 9
| it.
No political party is ever wholly spotless or
bameless. The conscientious Republican Will
not pretend that he sees nothing to regret IN the
history or conduct of his party. But ne may
say with all candOr and sincerity that there
never has been tolerated within that organiza-
ton conspiracy of public plundererS like Tam
many Hall. 50 openly and unblushingly employ
ing corrupt and debasing methods and 80 deS-
politically defying the wishes and regardless OF
the interests of the people. No such organlza-
ton exists anywhere except in control or
the Democratic party of this city. Its already
| enormous power, unless broken by an uprising
Of good citizens, will be used within another
wear 70 dictate a nomination for the Presidency
and to put up that high office at shameless
| auction to the man who can personally or
through interested friends place the largest
amount of money to be employed in debauching
the suffrage. The opportunities for corrupt use
of money are nowhere greater than in this State
It's debasng power can nowhere be exerted with
q chance of controlling so. many electoral votes
as in this State
Other questions at issue men Of opposing po
ltical opinions will debate as usual. But it is
difficult to see how conscientious citizens can
differ in respect to the danger which the pres
ent attitude of Tammany Hall involves That
menace to popular freedom and to the purity Of
elections every honest man must deplore
whether he finds it his duty this year to resent
and resist it or not. But could there ever bl
better time to teach politicians Of all parties
that the dictation of a band of public plunderer
will not be tolerated?