New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-01-25
TyfF UlNH4TT4N CLUE DANGER.

Tho Manhattan has been looked upon as one
Of the best expressions Of Democratic club-llfe
in this country. Its standard of membership
tbouob occasionally lowered by the admission OF
soiled statesmen and politicians has, on the whole
been fairly well maintained. 1t is not too much
IN say that a large number OF those on It's rolls
arc gentlemen of representative character, repre-
sentative not only as regards their party, but also
from the point of view of good citizenship The
citation of such names as ex-Justice Charles p
Daly Robert B. Roosevelt, Frederic r. Cou
dert. Eugene Kelly, Charles ). Fairchild, Edward
Cooper, William b. llornbower, Wheeler H.
peckham, Rastus :. Ransom, Henry Marquand,
George L. Putnam, d. Willis James j. Coleman
Drayton, William c. Whitney, Charles j. Canda
and George c. Barrett will illustrate this state
ment.
So conspicuous has been this element in the
clubs life and in the general direction OF ITS
policy that the organization has become, in the
popular mind, at least, the custodian OF what
over conscience and responsibility is possessed by
the Democratic party in this city and State.
Though not distinctly rcformaoly or particularly
progressive in the political Influences 1t eXer;s,
the Manhattan has always been considered con-
sentative dignied and invariably on the side OF
law and order. This reputation has been
maintained through many yeas; it has
been maintained through some trying periods
but it is in imminent danger OF being
irretricyably damaged by what the Tam
many contingent has succeeded IN gettln2
the club to proDoSc We refer, of course,
to the reception in honor OF David B. I'LL 10
morrow night. 1t would be more conventional,
perhapS to refer to this matter IN purely
partisan way, to touch upon 1t in lighter ycln'
TO dwell on its incongnItieS and amusing feat
urcS. for they abound. We are not disposed,
however. to do so. We look upon it as n sub
iect for serious thought and expression. When
a great organization claiming to represent the
best thought and tendencies of party, an organ
Zation including men OF honor and OF unques-
toned standing in the community, gives ltSel1 TO
do homage to one whose reputation rests upon
fraud and Chicancry who dlSlegaIds law, defldes
the courts opposes all refomatoy effort, holds
moral sentiment in contempt and whose crown
ing achievement was Il successful conspiracy
against the will Of the people as expressed AT
the polls. the matter assumes m Importance
that lifts il above mere partisan consideration.
Are the thoughtful members Of the Manhattan
plepar,d T. s sumo the responsibility Of this action
Of the club? DO the men who have gwen
strength and character to the organization realize
that in honoring this political consprator they are
committing the association to the side OF law
cs,ncss and all that is debaSng in political
life? Can they not see that they are intilcting
mon themselves and the club an injury OF no
small magnitude? Possibly they console them
selves with the thought that, despite his crimes
they are really paying homage to Presidential
possibility If they do they are sadly mistaken
for whoever may succeed President Harrison one
thing is certain--the American people will never
tolerate a man of Hills stamp in the White
House. And despite all the stir that he Is
creating We shall not be surprised if his own
party regulates him even as a candidate ior the
Chief Magi>tIacy.