New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-09-14
DEMOCRATS AND THEIR DICTATOR.

DEMOCRATS AND IHbh DICIAiN"'
The Democrats are expected to nominate Mr.
Flower for Governor, though the shrewdest leau-
ers see that the contrast between him and MI
Fassett will be unpleasant and trying. A young
man of courage, popularity and brains who has
been identified with some CT the most useiui
work done in the Legislature, thoroughly &C
ouainted with public questions, and particularly
with those which most concern the people OF
this State. would indeed contrast sharply WIN
a rich Wall Street Croker, who has spent his
life as the associate and helper of railroad mag
mates and spectators. The estimate OF Lieu
tenant Governor Jones, as to the opinion OF the
farmers and laboring people of the state ABOUT
the two candidates and their merits is likely TO
prove more accurate than Democrats Wish 10
have it.
But Mr.. Flower has been selected by the
power that dictates to the party in this State
and the principal function of the Democratic
convention is to register the edicts of Governor
Hll-So long at least as he retains control OF the
machine Its conceivable that the shifty Cover
nor may change his mind at the last moment, ana
if he does the convention will have TO change
its mind Also But Mr.. Flower has resources, ana
as matters stand ample resources are essential
for the Democratic campaign. In Buffalo ana
in other parts of the State the Governors trl-
umph is so complete that Mr.. Cleveland's friends
cannot conceal some disheartenment 1t would
he no easy thing for them, in the face OF the
success Mr.. Cfevelands opponents have Won' TO
secure a delegation for him from this State
unless it be as the result of a barter with Gov
ernor Hill.
But what can they offer that he would valueP
Il would 20 hard with them to be obliged to
surrender the control of patronage in this state
70 an enemy like Mr.. Hill, even If that would
secure his favor. And even though Mr.. Cleve-
land and his friends should explicitly promise
this. Governor Hill would probably consider the
promise as worth extremely little. There are
some bargains that can never be enforced, from
their very nature When italian brigands have
4 rich traveller in their clutches they do not let
him 90 on his promise to pay a large ransom
for they know that he viii be apt to consider a
pledge to such men, made under such circum-
stances. as no pledge at all. No mode Of mort
gazing the Presidency or its appointing power,
for the benefit of political highwayman, has
yet been discovered.
If Governor Hill wants the Presidential nomi-
nation for himself, that Is to him strong reason
for wishing to see his party defeated In New
York this year In that event he would be able
10 saw. 81 alone can carry the State and It's
thirty-six electoral votes" His conduct for
months past, has not been that of a leader who
desired a harmonious and triumphant party in
New-York for the coming contest. II he had
deliberately set himself to make Democratic
success impossible, to render the party odlous
and offensive and at the same time to get its
control for future use absolutely into his Own
hands, he could hardly have done better. II
he had looked for Republican victory this year
as a peculiar bit OF private good fortune Tor
him, increasing greatly his hold upon the Demo
cratic National party and his power to dictate
terms to it, he could not well have manoeuyred
more shrewdy than he has done.
Il is tho idea of some Republicans that Gov
ernor Hill intends at the last moment to get
himself nominated for Governor and then to
save his party, as he will claim by unrvalled
skill and matchless effort. But that would put
him within fire exactly where his enemies would
have the best possible chance to extinguish him
and his schemes and political ambition at once
Mr.. Flower would have something to say, and
MIR. Jones. and the men who were kept out Of
the United States Senate, and Mr.. Cleveland
with his friends 1t would be nuts and cheese
for these to have a shot this year at Governor
Hill as a candidate before the people. As the
Governor is quite aware of that fact, he will
probably prefer to have some other DEMOCRAT
defeated this year.