The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1891-08-19
Combating Delegations at Saratoga.

In response to the call OF tho Democratic
6tate Committee for the election OF deleg gates
to tho Saratoga Convention. the various or.
gsnizations in town, big and little, high and
low, growing and declining, those having q
largo following, those having a small fol-
lowing, and those having no following at
all, are making arrangements to choose
representatives. The number allotted to the
county Of New York Ia three for each Assem-
bly, district. or sevcnty-two in ALL From
present indications there will go to Saratoga
three or four complete sets Of aspiring dele
gates, from as many local organizations.
Upon the State Committee will fall the diff
cult duty OF adjusting the claims OF these
contestants, by the admission of some and
tho exclusion Of others.
In the other counties Of the State no such
Difficulty arises The Democratic voters
select their representatives at the district
primaries. and those bearing tho credentials
of the properly constituted party officers are
accredited as regular. II there he any a!le-
cation OF force. fraud. Or ille9allty. the con-
testapts supply what evidence they can
adduce In support OF 1t, and the Convention
passes upon their claim, seating the deIega-
ton which it deems most deserving of recog-
milton. This is a business-like and Demo-
cratic method. and in the counties outside OF
New York no other has ever existed
The reason why the county OF New York
constitutes an exception to what Is the rule
in the other ffty-nine counties, is traceable
to the fact that for many years it has
been the rule Of the Tammany Hall Demo-
Gratis 70 elect their delegates in open public
la ~ ,tnn to- Il.
trict, whereas the rule elsewhere has been
for t4e,. Democratic voters In each voting
division to choose delegates to nominating
convention, and for the delegates SO chosen
to elect. in turn. representatives to the State
Convention. The difference OF method is
not vital. although in theory the latter plan,
which has the sanction of the other counties,
is probably the more Democratic For New
York city. however, 1t is not feasible.
In the year 1880. the so-called Committee
OF Ono Hundred, made up of representative
Democrats. agreed upon and recommended
tho adoption OF the rural plan in New York
city. The succeeding State Convention
recognized the delegates thus elected as
regular, and excluded all others. THUS Tam
many, which adhered to its own plan, had
no representation In 1881, q fact which did
not affect Its loyal support of the whole
Democratic ticket In 1889 compromise
was effected between the delegates chosen
at Assembly conventions. without the for
mality OF the district primary. and those
chosen by an Assembly convention after
such district primaries had been held.
The distinction between the two plans
never vital and never important, las become
less marked each year, until now there is no
pretenco on the part OF any one that tile
rule which prevails in the other counties OF
tho State is followed by any Democratic
organization here, or can be. Choice by
town meeting gatherings is impracticabe in
Now York. To conform with the provisions
OF tho State law the holding Of such cleo
lions would involve an expense OF certainly
not less than $40, 900 for one days primary
voting, besides requiring The service and at
tendance OF three or four thousand persons.
Nor Is there any assurance that better re-
suits would DO obtained by this cumbrous,
primitive. and unpopular system, than by the
ordinary Now York plan. Such being. by gem
eral consent and acknowledgement the state
of the case, the State Committee Will have
this year no real question of difference be-
tween New York Democrats to decide. and
the opportunity Is excellent ror TIE adjust
ment in advance and here Of every occasion
of factional difference. Instead OF taking
70 Saratoga their disputes, these might
better be adjusted in New York by the cleo
ton OF but one delegation to Saratoga.
This would DE in accord with the principle
OF home rule. Local differences woald be
settled right here at homo. besides rri"v-
ing the State Committee OF u duty Mhlr!i Is
not sought or desired by any %! It's members.
1t would pave the way for union OF Demo-
sraticforces in every doubtful district Of the