New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-12-28
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FLOWER COOLLY IGNORED
HILL TO MAKE HIS MAN BUSH SPEAKER.
CLEVELAND MEN SURPRISED AT THE GOVERNOR
ELECTS IGNoBLE sUBsERvIENCY TO THE
DEMOCRATIC STATE BOSS.
,Br TELEGRAPH TO THE TkIBUNE.I


,sr TELEGRAPH TO THE TkIBUNEI
Albany, Dec Ex-Governor Hill, previous 70
his departure for Washington has kindly selected
a Speaker of the Assembly for the Democratic
party, and to prevent any misunderstanding that
it is his act, has taken a man from his own
county of Chemung, namely, DR.. Robert Z. Bush.
When, therefore, the Assembly gets under way, 10
will grind out a grst of Hill committees and Hill
legislative acts; just in the same disreputabh
manner that it did the present year under the
leade rship of the other Hill Speaker, William
F. Shechan. 1t need not be said that David Is.
Hill thus makes his administration overlap that
of his successor, Roswell F. Flower, from motives
which are altogether personal and selfish. Mr..
Hill is candidate for President, and thinks that
he will have the support Of the New-York Demo-
Gratis. But he cannot take any risks: every
position OF political power which he now pos
sesses, like that of the Speakership of the As
sembly, must be retained. He therefore puts
Dr. Bush in Mr.. Sbeehans place, and the great
powers Of the Speaker over proposed legislation
which affects every county in the State will he
used, with other like political influences. 10 bring
about the election of delegation from New York
to the Democratic National Convention unanimous
for David b. Hill for President. 1t may be added
that since William F. Sheehan is Lieutenant-
the coming session of the Legislature the presd-
ing officers of both of its houses, Senate and As
sembly The Legislature therefore will be q
Hill Legislature, so far as the Democratic mem-
bers are concerned.
The Cleveland Democrats Of the State arc
rapidly coming TO the conclusion that Roswell p.
Flower is an ingrate. They say that they first
suggested his nomination, and labored for him
and finally forced Hill to take him. 1t is true
that they acknowledged that they did so with
the secret hope that Mr. Flower would have the
ambition TO be President himself, and would
quarrel with Hill, and that then Grover Cleve-
land could slip in between his two rivals and
regain the support for himself of the State Of
New-York. But Notwithstanding their selfish
tivcs they think Mr. Flower is treating them un-
gratefully when he permits Hill TO increase SO
greatly his political srreneth IN the State. az he
is now doing. They could not look without dis
tress Of mind upon Mr., Flowers acceptance from
Mr. Hill of the latters private secretary, Colonel
r. 5. Williams, ardent Hill Democrat. Then
Mr. Flower took as his military staff nearly all
of the members Of Governor Hills military stah,
with Mr.. Hills own Adjutant-General Follow
ing this rumOrs that Mr.. Flower had
promised to reappOint Edward Hannah, the Hill
Democrat who has charge of that mountain OF
political patronage the Canal Department of the
State. Then, it is added, Mr.. Flower will reap
point Charles NJ Preston, the Hill Superintendent
Of the Banking Department. Now, last OF all tho
Cleveland Democrats see Mr.. Hill. without pro-
test from Mr. Flower, select Hill Democrat as
Sneaker of the Assembly. Speaking about this
last significant illustration of Mr.. Flowers sub
serviency to Mr.. Hill, prominent Cleveland Demo-
crat said tonight.
1t begins 20 look to me as if Flower, in return
for the Goyernorship, had promised Hill everything
else even support for the Presidency | had
thought thai Flower would be a candidate for
President himself if he were elected Governor;
but he is surrendering much political patronage
10 Hill now that IL will he impossible for him
TO make any headway against the latter for the
Presidency, although he might decide to be n can
didate. one of the most remarkable features of
this selection of DR.. Bush for Speaker of the AS
scpbly is that he will be supported by the Kings
County Assemblymcn, under orders from Hugh
Mclaughlin Why, the kings County Democrats,
when Alfred c. Chaplin did not receive Hills sup
port for Governor, bitterly denounced the latter
and vociferously said Mr.. Cleveland ought TO be
nominated for President. What has happened ~
induce Mclaughlin 10 support a Hill Democrat for
Speaker suspect that Mclaughlin thinks that
after the defeat OF Mr.. Clevelands attempt to
make Mills the Speaker of the House of Repre-
sentatives there is chance of Mr.. Cleveand's
nomination for President, and that therefore he,
Mclaughlin, had better support IIi who is likely
to have the New-lcrli delegation to the Demo-
cratic National Convention. Mclaughlin l. a
pretty Spry politician and always likes TO he upon
The winning side Thinking that Hill is ahead, he
would flop TO him without moments hesitation"
Mr. Hills selection OF DR. K. 7. Bush Speaker
Of the Assembly Is not only manifestation of tho
Govcrnor-Senators political power, but is also
Il silent expression of his contempt for the Demo-
cratic party; because the candidate selected has
never exhibited any of the traits of the men
usually selected for Speaker DIR. Bush was never
dcbater in the Assembly, was never prominent
man, except as IL man holding prominent conn
mitee position is eminent by virtue of that office.
His nature has always seemed torpid one, dis
inclining him 10 active parliamentary life.
What has been thought of him was that he was
good lieutenant for David Il. Hill upon the floor
of the Assembly Chamber, reticent and secretive
and to I've depended upon TO obey orders
Doubtless he can be depended upon TO follow Mr..
Hills guidance from Washington rather than
chat of Mr.. Flower in Albany. In conducting the
Eill will favor Albany with his presence about
every saturday while the Legislature is in session.
Naturally Mr. Hill is desirous of keep
ing his hands constantly upon the direct
ing machinery of the Democratic party
in New York. DR. Bush was chairman OF the
Committee on Railroads and member of the
Committee on Ways and Means this year These
are places of power in the Assembly. but never
any Legislative measure at the last session, nor
in any year of his six years as an Assemblyman.
Nor as Il presiding Oihcer has he ever shown any
talent. His elevation therefore, to The Speaker
ship can only mean fiat David b. Hill desires
lieutenant of his own at the head Of the Demo-
cratic Assembly. and cares little about his
qualities for the place a legislator.
Dr. BushS election is conceded by all tho
Democratic AsSemblymen who have been here.
Indeed, they naivey confess that they have re-
ceivcd their orders from David b. Hill Edward
Murphy ir, of Troy. the chairman of the Demo-
cratic State Committee: Richard Croker. of New
York, and Hugh Mclaughlin. of Brooklyn. 1hess
"
they intend 10 obey them. But how much
Of political factor has Roswell T. Flower been
in this selection of DR.. BuSh as Speaker? Some
Democrats appear 10 think that Mr.. Flower is
hninW trrntPl COninmntunuslX