New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-01-14
TIE Union LEAGUE CLUE.

THE tNION IEHOCH CHCD'
The Union League Club is so different from
the other social clubs of this town; is so unique
in its origin and so special and peculiar IN IT'S
aims and il has withal 80 vide constituency
vastly wider than the mere roll-call OF Its man
ual-that it is in sense " sui generls' 1t may
be said TO have an unwritten. code of its own IN
stead of being governed by the written and I'M
written laws commonly recognized by similar
organizations. 1t is exclusive in the sense IN
which all clubs are exclusive; admission TO the
clubhouse is confined to members, ana, undcr
certain conditions their friends; and there IS a
tact understanding-the violation OF which has
been known to bring penaties-that the internal
administration of its affairs is not TO be mace the
subject of outside comment by It's members
That. it hardly need be said, is rule which goes
without enactment in any club composed OF
gentlemen. But in matter Of such importance
as the election of officers of club which by It's
origin, its history and its traditions IS 50 much
more than mere social organization; which
may indeed, almost be CALEB public lnstltl-
ton in whose affairs all citizens have an inter
est, it is not possible to oonfine the discussion
to the walls of the clubhouse or the members
who alone can vote. The Union League Club
exercises so large an influence upon public al
fairs in the whole country as well as IN this city
that interest in the election of its officers cannot
be confined to its membership or to the par
tic,llar locality IN which its existence is main
tanned The catholcity of view which prevails
among it's members on this point IS illustrated
by the fact that the current outside discussion
of the pending club election instead OF beng
objected to is looked upon only as natural ex-
pression of public interest in matter OF con-
siderable importance.
The situation in the club is considerably mixed.
Tho election of the Nominating Committee a
few weeks ago was the occasion OF an animated
canvass. This was due to the weli-grounded
conviction in the minds OF many members tha0
an effort was making to change the nSnhc'lVc
character of the organization, making It more
social and less political in its purposes and AIMS.
Tho lines were not by any means dlsthct4!
drawn ON that ISSUE but the result demonstrated
that the maiority-and it was much larger ma
iority than was apparent upon tho declaration oil
the vote-woud MT consent to any such change
II was settled then that the Union League CLUB
should continue to be what 1t had been from us
origin, a distinctvely Republican organization.
Tho committee elected at that time have per-
formed the duty assigned them, and reported
ticket the election Of which they unanimously
recommend. 1t is not the ticket that majority
of the club or majority Of the club members
who supported the Nominating Committee sup
posed would be submitted. Unquestionably the
general belief was that as Mr.. Depew had de-
clined a denomination, Mr.. Cornelius n Bliss.
next in succession after Mr. lie Grand Can
non. who refused to be candidate, would be
selected for president, this being the important
office. and the rest of minor consequence. relat-
ing only TO the details Of club management
The committee somewhat Unexpectedly found
themselves at a deadlock, and as the simplest
yay ont of il recommended the reelection OF
Mr.. Depcw with some changes Of small conSc-
ouence in the remainder OF the Offices. MI.
Depew had absolutely declined being candidate
for reelection No one who knows him can
have the slightest doubt Of his sincerity in it;
and no one who knows anything OF the relations
between him and Mr.. Bliss will harbOr the tus-
nicion that he ever entertained the thought OF
antagonizing him or his friends. Ii was I'M
fortunate. perhaps, that the committee did not
take more deliberate precaution before making
their report. but, however that may be, they de-
continue Mr. Depew in the presidency than to
make change at the present time Upon Their
representations Mr.. Dcpew consented to be a
candidate again. Mr.. Bliss, it should be said-it
hardly need be said TO anybody who knows him
never considered himself a candidate as against
Mr.. Depew, but Immediately on the publication
Of the committees report signifed his entire APP
proval of their action and his purpose to support
the ticket submitted. Nothing but his unfortu-
nate illness. which has confined him TO his house
during the discussion has prevented bls taking
a positive and outspOkcn attitude in IT'S support
Even now the opponents Of the regular ticket
have to admit that they are using his name, not
only without his consent, but in opposition to his
known and expressed wish
| In this state Of things the members OF the
| club have to meet at the election tonight, no;
| simnlv a question between two candidates on
| their personal merits, but q much larger one
which affects the prosperity and future useful
| ness Of the organization no less than the ono
raised few weeks ago touching its political char
| ac.cr. One thing. and that thing of no small
importance, was settled by the election Of the
Nominating Committee That fixed the char
acter of the club The question now is whether
the club shall confirm its action by vote OF
confidence in it's committee. There is no qucs-
ton of persons or candidates. 1t is simply
whether the club shall preserve its reputation
| for steadiness, for conservatism, for straghtfor-
ward devotion to the best things in politics with
out being turned from its purpose by any dis
sonance regarding minor matters among It's mem
| bers.