New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-09-15
4 PARTY UNWORTHY or CONFIDENCE.

A PARTY UNWORTHY OF CONFIDENCE.
The Democratic party of New-York, whose
representatives will assemble at Saratoga to-
day. is unworthy of the confidence OF the voters
to whom it will appeal. Possibly, bat not like
ly, it may place an excellent ticket in the field
possibly, but not likely, it may stand its can
didates upon sound conservative platform.
But neither ticket nor platform, whatever It's
merits, can render the party worthy OF the sup
port of level-headed men. That proposition is
incontestable For such men are aware that
the great stumbling block in the path Of reform
and progress in this State is and long has been
the political organization which Acknowledges
Hill as its leader The Democracy of course
contains many excellent public-spirited citizens.
But they are utterly without influence in Its
councils 1t is controlled by its worst elements
by its corrupt and selfish bosses who are in
politics simply for what they can make out OF IL.
Look at our excise laws. 1t is generally con-
coded that they stand badly in need Of amend
ment and revision and they would long ago
have been thoroughly overhaued and improved
except for the Democratic party. 1t has de-
liberately chosen year after year, through It's
representatives in the Legislature and the TX
eoutive Chamber, to serve the rum power at
the expense of our taxpayers, of our homes, OF
public morality. Its course touching the ballot
box has been equally discreditable. Session
after session al Albany Governor Hill and Dem
ocratc Senators and Assemblymen resisted all
the attempts made by the Republicans to pre-
vent bribery and corruption at the polls, and, by
putting an end to the assessment OF candidaIeS'
to enable a poor man to run for ONCE Inc
Democracy, interpreting its attitude by inc
course pursued by its accredited representatives
at Albany, preferred to perpetuate the rule OF
the bosses rather than to allow the masses the
boon of an honest ballot. Going back no fur-
Their than the session Of 1891 we find this same
corrupt and reckless party making desperate
and prolonged fight for the protection OF he
rotten canal ring. The Republicans under the
bold and capable leadership of Senator FaSsett
endeavored 10 secure the passage of resolu-
tion calling for a much-needed canal inveStga-
ton. Tho facts which had been submitted con-
WINGED every candid man that the Canal De-
partment was largely administered by rascahty
and in4niciency. All the same, Governor Hill
and Democratic lawmakers, realizing that If the
investigation was ordered Democratic office
holders and therefore the Democratic organiza-
ton would get badly damaged, fought it tooth
and nail.
These chapters of the Democratic record are
typi,al, and they demonstrate that the party
cannot be trusted. in the circumstances, Of
course, it will endeavor to win, not by any APP
peal to the impress which it has made upon
public affairs, but by raising false issues-and
a big corruption fund. The Republican can
didate for Governor in recent speech exhorted
his hearers carefully to examine the achieve
ments of both parties and then to vote in ac-
cordance with their enlightened sense of duty
Republicans generally would welcome such
test. but not sagaciOus Democrats. For Hill
and his followers understand perfectly well that
they cannot afford to have the lights turned on.