New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-12-02
WHAT THEM

Suppose David Is. Hill carries out the purpose
to which he has been bending all his energies
ever since public announcement was made that
the Republicans had carried by small majorities
both branches of the Legislature. Suppose that
by the use of such instrumentaties as he has
put in operation, by tampering with Returning
Boards, holding out inducements for classifying
returns, by promises Of immunity to the Offend
es, br0wbeating judges and interfering with the
regular processes of the courts, he succeeds in
reversing the verdict Of the people at the polls
and establishes Democratic majority in both
branches of the Legislature. What then?
A great many Democrats who ut heart are Jaw
abiding and honest, and who, if the question
were left to them would unhesitatingly refuse
TO countenance such proceedings notwithstand-
ing the apparent partisan advantage resulting
from them, are either looking on and saying
nothing or looking the other way and ignoring
the whole business. They would feel and act
differently, no doubt, if it were a case i'll which
a Republican official was actively engaged in an
attempt to count out fairly chosen Democratic
Legislature. In that case their Indignation would
be positive and outspoken; their zeal for the
maintenance of justice and enforcement OF the
laws would find ready expression Why NOT
now? Is it because they are not unwilling that
their party shall profit by dishonest transactions
so long as they have no hand in them and are
not responsible? Are they Of the sort who
would not themselves play false and yet would
wrongly win? Or do they palliate and half
Justify the crime by reference TO some former
occasion when they pretend that their opponents
were guilty of similar offences In any case
they are proceeding upon the assumption that
there will be some party advantage gained II
Hill succeeds They are taking that for granted.
But will there be any such advantage? wiz
it be profitable scheme from party point OF
view if successful? Suppose they stop moment
and consider what the Democratic party will
gain by it. The immediate result will be that
the Democratic party will be able to carry
through certain legislative measures by which
they will put themselves in absolute control OF
the State. They may put themselves in posi-
ton to take the electoral vote next fall But
does that actually mean the Democratic party?
Or does it mean David B. Hill? When David
B. Hill has put the State in his pocket by the
instrumentalities now in operation which re-
spectacle Democrats let pass unheeded or wink
at, what becomes of the respectable portion of
InS DculOCIduC party w haV ID thS" 'hO DNii
ocratic party of NewYork? What has it
gained? And who, in fact, are the gamers?
What great principle advocated by the Demo
cratic party will have been promoted? What
principle does David b. Hill stand for except
the spoils of Office, Or what policy except self
seeking? No, gentlemen, when this great crime
is consummated, if it shall be, you will find too
late that the Democratic party will get no adj
vantage from it. The disgrace and shame Of
it will be a source of weakness everywhere out
side the State, even if it does not impair its
strength at home while the effect here will be
simply to put the State in the hands of set of
men who are as destitute of principle as OF
patriotism, and who only use the name and the
machinery of the party for purposes of plumber.
Years ago honest, law-abiding Democrats stood
by and saw Tweed and his gang carry things
with high hand, much as David B. Hill is
doing now, and made no protest because they
thought it would hurt the party to interfere with
his plans. 1t was a great, sad mistake. They
saw it later Not even yet has the party en-
tirely recovered from its effects. Is it worth
while to let it be done again?