New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-11-01
VHICH WY DUTY POINTS.

The State campaign has virtually ended. Inc
arguments and facts have been submitted, the
work of preparation and registration has been
done, and nine tenths OF the voters know now
thew are going to vote. minority, not neces-
sarily the least conscientious or intelligent may
vet decide after the sober thought for which
day of rest gives welcome opportunity. Inc
men of that stamp will not be Influenced by the
cheap and frivolous claptrap of demagogues, but
will earnestly try to see where their duty les
There is always some difference between par
ties. In their tone, tendency, and general IN
fluence the two great parties are not ordinarily
on an equality. But this year there are peculiar
differences That portion OF the Democratic
party which has by its conduct deserved TO be
called the worst has this year thrust itself to the
front. dictated the nominations, and taken the
control into its own hands. On behalf OF the
Republicans candidates have been nominated
who represent in an unusual degree the upright,
progressive and reformatory elements Of the
party. These differences are made obvious by
the conduct of independent journals. and by the
refusal of many Democrats of high character and
reputation to support the ticket OF their own
party.
Is the worst end of the Democratic party more
deserving of confidence and trust than the best
of the Republican party? The vote for the
Democratic ticket this year must in fairness be
INTERPRETED as a decision that it is Ii con-
scientiously and intelgently given, 1t means
that the voter would rather intrust the govern
ment of his State and his country to the most
corrupt and unscrupulous of the Democrats than
to the men who fairly represent what is cleanest
and best in the Republican party. But can IN
teiligent citizens conscentously reach that con-
clusion?
1t is no news to the people of this state that
Tammany Hall controlled the Democratic state
Convention, for the first time in many yean
caused the rejection of every opposing delega-
ton, dictated the candidates and seized the Or
papization. Mr.. Flower, the candidate for Gov
ernor, has been supported by Tammany Hall in
several elec ions, and has poured out his money
lavish. u. Oh Tammany managers. 1t would
insult ri, u 81 ronce to assume that he did not
know tu,-. funds were spent corruptly. lie
knows only 90 Uel how drinking sal ms in this
CITY. les # ill-fame, gambling-hells and cor
rupt CONT ,ors have been forced by Official
mower and threats to contribute to the election
fund which this same organization is now dls-
tributius for the debauchment of the suffrage.
There are some men who would refuse to stand
as the candidates of such body, or to put their
own money side by side with the money thus
corrlptly drawn from vicious and criminal
sources Mr. Flower, on the contrary, besought
a nomination from the managers OF Tammany
Hall. and was so far complaisant that they gave
it, What he paid, what he promised, how far
he retained the ownership of himself or will pos
sess the official power which he seeks, no man
can tell. But the conscientious citizen can scarce
" desire further proof than the bare fact that
he pleases Tammany Hall and has secured its
favor
II is against this worst end of the Democratic
party that an appeal is made this year 20 the
virtue and the intelligence OF the State. Out OF
half million Democrats in this State, most OF
whom are decent and honest men, the party has
this wear picked out small band OF its most
corrupt and desperate rascals, ard to them has in
trusted responsibility and power. 1t is no longer
| a question whether all that is good in the party
| deserves confidence and should prevail. but
whether the people shall trust all that is bad in
the party, and clothe that with their sovereignty
| In deciding such an issue conscientious voters
surely ought to have no hesitation.