New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-11-13
PITT THE BLAME WHERE 1T belongs.

PITT THE BLAME WHERE 1T BELONdS.
The disposition manifested in certain quar-
ters TO hold Mr.. Plat personally and solely re-
snonsible for the late Republican disaster in this
State is not only unwise, it is manlfestly I'M
inst. as will appear from a brief review OF the
situation preceding the late campaign.
When discussion of the Republican candidates
for Governor began last spring attenuoh was
naturally directed first to MIR. Depew. III haa
been announced previously III oehall Oh MI
Miller that he would not be candidate undef
any circumstances, business arrangements re-
ouirng his retirement from active politics. Party
sentiment was crystallizing rapidly in favor OF
the Central's popular president, when the pubic
was informed that he could not be the standard
boarer. Soon afterward he sailed for Europe.
| This action was great disappointment to Repub-
leans. since it was generally felt that with Mr.
Depew success was assured. But, though dis
apponted the party leaders were not cast down.
A strong candidate remained in Cornelius ~
Bliss. whose name had been under consldera-
tion with that of Mr.. Depew. 1t was understood
that Mr. Bliss, who was heartily favored by Mr..
patt. was not averse to being candidate and
the question of his nomination was looked upon
rs practically settled, when, after considering
the matter for month or more, he suddenly in
letter to personal friend, took himself out OF
tbe field. and also started for Europe Mr..
Bliss reasons for declining were entirely salts
factory to the party managers, but nevertheless
his Withdrawal had demoralizing effect. The
most enthusiastic Republicans became dscour-
aged. And when Mr.. Starin and MIR. Schroeder
also declined in turn TO be considered aspirants
for the office it began to look as if the party
would be unable to place any ticket in the field
except one made up of fgureheads, against whom
the Democrats could pile up as large majority
as they desired, carrying the Legislature and
everything else.
This was the situation that confronted Mr..
Platt and the other leaders who were ON this
side the Atlantic when the State Committee
met to issue the call for the convention 1t was
one of the goOmieSt meetings ever held by the
organization The outlook was most unfayor-
able. No one could tell where a suitable can
didate could be found. Andrew ID. Whites
name had been mentioned but it was not known
whether he would or would not accept the office
and even if he were willing, the wisdom of his
nomination was seriously questioned. How
ever. as he was apparently the most available
candidate, the office was rendered him, so far as
the organization could tender it, In reply, act
ing upon the advice of his physicians, Mr.. White
decided not to undertake the labors of a cam
paign. He afterward reconsidered his deter
mination. and but for the opposition, based upon
his writings, manifested against him at Rcch-
ester, he would undoubtedly have been the can
didate for Governor instead of Mr.. Fassett.
1t is unnecessary to recall the incidents con-
nected with Mr.. Fassetts nomination. Every
one knows that he was the choice of an over
wheming majority of the delegates at Rochester
that his nomination was received with remark
able enthusiasm and that his campaign was con-
Quoted with brilancy and energy that made
many dispaSsiOnate observers believe he would
win despite al the odds against him. That such
feeling could be aroused, that it was possible
so to change the situation from its former de-
plorable condition to one that was full of hope
and encouragement is no small tribute TO the
untiring labors of Mr. Plat and those associated
with him in the party management. True, the
ticket was not elected. True, it was beaten by
sweeping majority, but it should be remem-
bered that this majority is not within $4,000
as great as that given against the party in the
Congress elections last year on the tariff issue
ana also, that T1Snl nere III NOW ih' 'no VIA
del of the Democrats, the enemy's vote was cut
down in the most decisive way.
Thes election was lost in the rural districts.
1t was lost because Republicans there failed to
come out and vote, for what appears to be, in
thousands of instances the most disgraceful of
all reasons. On these the blame must fall, not
upon the leaders, who, despite all mistakes that
may have been made, did their best to redeem
the State from Democratic sway.