New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-12-21
IN THE POLITICAL FIELD.

IN THE POLITICAL FIELD.
Reference made in this column last week to the
election OF Police Justice Scion j. Smith execu-
tive member for the XXth District in direct vio-
ation OF the constitution of the Republican County
Committee. IL was suggested by way OF explanation
that the Judge simply wanted to demonstrate his
power. One OF his intimate friends confirms this
theory and says in addition Mr.. Goode is respon-
sible for the Judges election perhaps. more than
anyone else He had become somewhat tired of leader
ship. The worry, loss Of time. and money, and all
the other burdens connected with It, had made him
feel like retiring. He told Judge Smith so frankly.
He also told him that he Smith, getting $4,000
year he could better afford to act as leader than
anybody else who available. Furthermore, lie
argued that, according to current ruihOr, Judge
Taintor, Judge Meade, Police Commissioner McClave
and all the other Republicans holding Democratic ap
pointments, were going back into the committee, or
going to try to back, and that Judge Smith might
as well 20 along with them. In hn ofhand way the
Judge replied "Well, all right go ahead and elect
me-. But he really does not care particularly about
he elected. or to have the constitution amended
as TO enable MIN 70 represent the district Will 80
put in his place. and will represent the XXth in the
committee another year
Discussion Of this subject has led to the consdera-
ton of still broader and more important question grow
ing out of it. namely, the desirability OF making the
County Committee more representative body than
1t is at present No viii assert that the organza
ton does not contain able. clear headed leaders
and host of excellent, devoted workers. but at the
same time it must be admitted that host Of the
leading Republicans Of this city-lawyers, physicians
merchants and business men-are not identified with
the committee or active In party politics. How TO
change all this is useful subject OF thought. Here
is the way one of the most successful leaders In the
party talked the other evening about the matter :
"Our County Committee" said he, should consist OF
the strongest men I'm the party. Every prominent
man. particularly ofcehoders, such the Collector
the Postmaster and Surveyor, Dstrlct Attorney, tne
Appraiser, the Commissioner OF Immigration ana taS
heads of all important departments should belong 10
the organization and be present at every meeung 70
answer questions that constantly arising IN resa
and prevent lot of unjust criticism of the Admins
aton by the rank and ME OF ne se parry o usonass
and the like. These men might be made e1 omcio
members Of the committee
"Another change that would suggest would be the
appointment Of advisory committee, made UP OF the
leading Republicans of the city, such men as Cornehus
y misc Cnlonel w L. Strong II. o. Armour lie Grand
r. Cannon Captain Cheney, Eihu Root, Colonel Crueer
ex-senator Platt ex-senator Warner Miller, Theodore
Roosevelt and others equally we'll known' Ihese men
ought really to be elected members OF the organza'o
but so long as the absurd rule requiring residence III
the district as requisite qualification for membership
II
suppose The rule mention served purpose at one
time but at present IL is barrier 10 many good men,
and am glad to that Of the more progressive
district leaders broken 1t this year by sending men
to the committee who do mot ye dre s IN this
advisory committee would also put Repu6lsa I %no
missioner McCisve Judge TaintOr and Judge Meade are
good politicians, and the party organization ought 70
ance. Myfvews may not be the best that can be pro-
pounded, but 1 give them to You for what they are
worth. Let us have the subject discussed. Let us get
out Of the rut BY all means"
Chairman Brooifield, Of the Republican State Com
mittee who has been IN Washington since Saturday
will return this afternoon to preside at the meeting OF
the committee tomorrow. fun attendance Is ex-
pected at this meeting, 1t is going 70 be an i'm
portant one. HIPS outrageous attempt to steal the
State the proposed amendments to tile Election Law
plans for party work In the winter In anticipation OF
the great campaign next fall and conventions to elect
delegates to 60 to the National Convention are among
the subjects TO be discussed Representatives of the
Peoples Municipal League, including Mr.. Schwab and
Mr. Delafeld Will appear before the committee ana ex
plain the blanket ballot and the various features OF
the proposed law that they have been at work on for
some time Mr.. saAton may be here also and pos
siby Mr. Fassett, who takes deep interest In ballot
reform.
BENJAMIN warford, familiarity known IN political
circles as "Od warh horse" the veteran chairman Of
the Richmond County Republican Committee. talks OF
retiring from that position, which he has held with
honor for upwards of a dozen years. His business
affairs claim his attention more and more each year,
and 1t is said that his determination to get out OF
active politics is fixed II he declines reelection
II is understood that Lester A. Scofeld chief engineer
of the Mallory Line, viii take his place. Mr. scofeld
is vicepresdene Of the committee now and an effective
worker His Republicanism is OF the most intense
character His favorite doctrine is that Republicans
should not patronize Democratic newspapers. He
practices what he breaches TOO, for IL he can't buy a
Mr.. Fassett has been somewhat In retirement OF
late that has caused the report that he Is cast
down over his defeat for Governor OF course there
is no truth in the rumor. The ex-senator TOOK his
medicine like man, and is not bit soured over It,
He is simply devotng himself to his private business
and irving TO catch up with work In which he has
been behindhand for q long time.