The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-02-25

Tho foremost five nations OF Continental
Europe are prosecuting II system OF army
mobilization under which the available
force OF each Is gradually increased. with q
corresponding advance in discipline and
efficiency. In other words, these nations
are put and kept on n veritable war footing.
and the advantages appear very great to
those who regard a heavy armament as a
nations surest pledge of peace. and surest
precaution against the successful assaults
Of hostile neighbors.
In a similar spirit. but for a far differ
ont purpose. the Democratic party OF New
York State during the eight years succeed
ing the Fourth Of March. 1885. has been put
on q political war footing. 1t is in splendid
condition. as Is attested by 1887 majority
for Mr.. FLOWER in 1891. and 1888 majority
for Mr.. CLEVELAND in 1892. with control OF
both branches OF the Legislature. all the
State offices. and most OF tho municipal
offices. Under qualified. faithful, and skill
full generalship. the condition OF the party
has been greatly improved. Its numbers
have been increased: its YEA points nave
been strengthened: It's disciplined support
for duly nominated candidates has been
perfected: and enlightened and progress
sive methods OF political contest have been
introduced and adhered to-. New York city.
always the vanguard Of tho Democratic at
lacking column. was never before in better
condition. A vigorous but manly warfare
has been prosecuted upon tho Republican
strongholds. At last. after twenty-five years
Of struggle. Erie county stands In the Demo-
cratic column along with New York.
Brooklyn. Albany. Troy. and other large
towns. The Republicans. kept on the de-
~fensive. nave been thrown into the
country districts. where the vote is
either stationary or decreasing: while the
victorious Democracy keeps increasing its
majorities in the rapidly growing cities.
The Republicans have lost their two United
States Senators. their power to intermeddle
from Albany with the fairs Of Democratic
municipalities. their power to retain hold
overs In State departments. and finally
their opportunities for colonization OF IL
legal voters on the Canada. Vermont, and
Pennsylvania borders. The new apportion-
ment has put an end to many abuses. preju-
dicial to the growth Of tho Democracy; and
the wise administration Of Democratic OIL
cials in Albany has appealed strongly to
the independent voters OF the State. from
whose ranks many willing and enthusiastic
recruits have been drawn.
Nor Is this all. The Democratic party IN
this State has been further strengthened
by the enforced retirement into tho ranks
OF incapable. untrustworthy. or unpopular
district commanders: by the promotion OF
those moro deserving: by absolute sever
ance OF all party relations with Mugwump
guerrillas: and by the inexorable enforce
ment OF the cardinal Democratic principle
OF majority rule.
Democratic majority In New York OF
5000 or 1900 is OF itself nothing remarka-
BILE. In the heyday of Republican success
elsewhere. Mr. TILDEN was elected Cover
nor In 1874 by a majority OF more than
$4,000; and W years later his majority for
President, over all corners, was %, 900.
Democratic victories In New York State
are not rare. but they AVE not usually
been successive and continuous as of
late. A big majority in one year was
usually followed by a diminished one
n the year succeeding. Yet such is the
present condition OF the Democracy in
this State. that Mr.. CLEvELAND's plural
ity for President in 1892 fell less thar $3.50
below that given for that vigllant Demo-
crat. Governor FLOWER. In 1891.
' The Democracy OF New York State is in
splendid condition; and il you want to he
sure OF 1t. consult the election returns.