The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-05-06
watterson's sel:-imposed Task.

Watterson's Sel:-imposed Task
Editor Wstterson seems TO regard II as
his duty 10 prevent the nomination of Mr..
Cleveland. He says that Senator Hill is no
longer considered as In the presidential con-
test, and that Mr.. Cleveland ought now to
withdraw from the contest for the reason
that he cannot carry New York. and,
hence, cannot be elected. Those who re-
member the open letter that Mr.. Wattsrson
addressed TO Senator Hill not very long
ago, In which he advised the senator TO get
out Of Mr.. Cleveland's way, doubtless think
that Mr.. Watterson's present Attitude with
respect TO Mr.. Cleveland rather remarkable.
There 10 no good reason why they should,
however. Mr.. Watterson's opinions undergo
very sudden changes without any sstisfac-
tory reason, and many who once placed
confidence in his judgment are now inclined
to doubt that he is much of political
prophet. What he says on political ques-
tions Is still read with interest, but it has
ceased to have much influence.
There is no doubt that Senator Hill is out
OF the presi lential race. In saying that he
is Mr.. Watterson does not give the public
any new Information. 1t would be interest,"
ing to know, however, what reasons he has
for thinking Mr. Cleveland cannot carry
New York which did not exist when he
said that Senator Hill ought to get out Of
Mr.. Cleveland's way. Mr.. Cleveland is just
as strong in New York now as he was
year ago. Indeed, there is ground for saying
he is stronger.
Does Mr.. Watterson mean to say that
there are thousands of democrats in New
York who will not vote for Mr.. Cleveland
IL be is nominatedl If he means to say that,
and is right in saying it, then there are
thousands of voters in New York
regarded as democrats who are not
democrats. The statement that Mr.. Cleve-
land has offended a great many democrats,
and they will not vote for him for that rea-
son can hardly be correct. Very few demo-
Gratis in New York have any reason to be
unfriendly TO Mr.. Cleveland, and it is
doubtful il there are many there who would
vote against him, unless there was con-
spiracy among democrats to defeat him, and
1t is difficult to see what any considerable
number of New York democrats would have
to gain by defeating him.
1t is admitted that there are many thou
sands Of independent voters in New York
who would vote for Mr.. Cleveland who
would not vote for any other presidential
candidate of the Democratic party. That
being the case he would stand better
chance for carrying that state than any other
democrat, provided his own party gave him
a hearty support.
What evidence has Mr.. Watterson that
there are Thousands of democrats in New
York who would not support him9 Has ne
any! Did not MIR. Croker, the Tammany
chief, say, some time ago, that Tammauy
would give Mr.. Cleveland an honest and
cordial support If he should be nominatedl
In view of the fact that Mr.. Watterson has
made thestatement that large section of the
Democratic party OF New York would not
support the Chicago nominee if the nominee
should be Mr.. Cleveland he should be moro
specific in pointing out the democrats who
purpose to bring about the defeat Of their
party if their wishes with respect to the
presidential nominee are not complied with.
Vague assertions like those Of Mr.. Waiter
son do not carry conviction, especially as
many months have not elapsed since be as
serted that Mr.. Cleveland was the man for
the democrats to nominate.
1t really looks as if Mr.. Watterson was not
quite we'll enough informed with regard to
the situation in New York to be the ad wiser
OF the national Democratic party, He is
practically western man. but the west is
paying no attention to his advice. Only
yesterday the dispatches contained the in
formation that Wisconsin and Michigan
had chosen Cleveland delegations to Chi
cago.