New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-09-26
MR. HALE on THE POLITICAL SITUATIoN

MR. Hale on THE POLiIICAL SfIChAio"'
Ex-senator Matthew Hale, of Albany, has
written letter announcing his intention OF sup
pof1ing the Republican State ticket, ana pre-
senting the NasOns which have led him to that
decision. Mr.. Hale is generally recognized as
tbe leading Independent OF this State north
of the metropolis man of the highest char
acter. a close student Of our politics, puplic-
snirted citizen who does his own thinking ana
has the courage Of his convictions, his views OF
public men and OF political parties always com
mand the attention even Of those who dissent
from him.
Why does he purpose to cast his vote for Mr.
Fa.sett? First promising that state OFFICIALS
have nothing to d. with National questions ana
eIuldiating some of the plankS OF the Kepuo-
lican platform, Mr.. Hale proceeds to answer the
all-important inquiry, "WhOSe election to the
State offices viii best subserve the interests OF
the State of New-York?" lie decides in favor
of Mr.. Fassett in view Of number OF welghty
considerations. First he points out that MI
Fassett has had great experience in state affairs,
while Mr.. Flower has had no public position
which would tend to make him familiar at all
with State legislation or with the duties OF the
Mr. Fassett OH the score of superior fitness Tor
the important duties of the Executive Char.
In the second place he contends, while qualify
ing his praise Of the Republican party, that " so
far as New-York State is concerned It's record
is far better than that OF the Democratic party
In the third place assuming that ballot reform
the perfecting of the Imperfect measure now
ON the statute books-will be the leading sub
iect of legislation next winter, and holding that
the records demonstrate that the Republican
party is and the Democracy is not the party OF
ballot REFORM he naturally prefers Mr.. FasSett
TO Mr. Flower. In the fourth place, he abom-
mates Tie rule of Tammany. On this point he
trenchantly says:
The Democratic party in this state organized,
seems 10 cc under the absolute control Of Tammany
Hall. No New-York City Democrat not wearing the
Tammany COLLAR was admitted 10 lle saIdtoSa Con
ventiOn Are not the bosses Of Tammany Han quite
| as dangerous leaders Governor llug This year
believe that Governor Hin and Tammany Hall are in
entire accord II Mr. Flower is elected, he VIII be
almost necessarily under their control lie will be
bound TO veto any bill that the Legislature may enact
amending the present Ballot law of tins state In ac-
cordance with the wishes OF those who desire genuine
| Ballot Reform.
| Mr. Hale adds that the reasons which lead him
10 support Mr.. Fassett lead him also to support
| Mr.. Vrooman as against Mr.. Shechan for Lieu
tenant Governor "The Democratic candidate
| for this office has shown himself to be WHY
and devoted follower Of Governor Hill. The
Lieutenant-G overnor as was demonstrated when
Governor Hill held that position, can do much
to influence the action Of the Senate. The In
terests of State reform would be much safer, in
my Judgment, in the hands of Mr.. Vrooman, who
as Clerk OF the Senate has become familiar with
parliamentary law and with the rules of the
Senate, and who is not only an honest man, but
friend of honest legislation, than with Mi.
| Sheehan."
Such is the gist of Mr.. Hale's frank and candid
letter so far as it bears upon our State canvass.
| 1t will be seen that the reasons WHICH he gives
for standing by Fassett and Vrooman are rea-
sons which cannot be successfully combated,
are reasons which appeal to patriotic citizens
bent upon serving the State by their November
vote. We suspect that most Of the lndepend-
ents will take their stand with Mr.. Hale. In
deed it is impossible to understand how any
reputable voter whose brain is clear and whose
moral sense is unimpaired can take any other
| cfand