New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-01-02
MR., CLEVELAND'S GUARDIANSHIP.

Doubtless Mr. Cleveland knew that he would
stir up hornets nest by his declaration against
Mr. Murphy. He is man of singular conf
dcnce in himself, his influence and his success,
and may possibly have believed that his dec
laration of hostility would put Mr.. Murphy out
of the race But even in that case he can
scarcely have supposed that the Hll-Coker-
Shcehan combination would be pleased about
it, or would fail to resent the blow at the earliest
convenient opportunity. If the combination
proves strong enough TO elect a Senator, in deli
ance of Mr.. Ceveland's declaration. its power to
make him trouble will be greatly increased.
The next Senate may possibly have bare ma
jority of Democrats with the casting vote OF
Vice-Presidcnt Stevenson, but in no case will
the majority be so large that an appointment
6y Mr.. Cleveland can be ratified against the
wishes of the Republicans, nor can measure
be passed in the Senate unless the Democratic
Senators are agreed. If Senator Hill and pos
sibly one or two other Democrats in that body
see fit to make trouble for the next President,
they will have a thousand opportunities. Add
Mr.. Murphy to Mr. Hill and the President will
indeed find difficulty in his path.
II is worth noticing that Mr.. Cleveland does
not put his interference against Mr.. Murphy on
the ground that the candidate from Troy Is
opposed to any principles or measures OF the
Democratic party. Had he declared that Mr..
Murphy was not in favor of tariff for revenue
only. or was opposed TO such tariff revision As
the Democratic party demands, the interference
of the President-el elect against such Senatorial
candidate would have had justification in the
minds of all ardent tariff icformers or Free
Traders But Mr.. Cleveland has not suggested
any such objection. II is the weak point IN
his declaration that he bases opposition to Mr..
Murphy entirely upon his personal judgment OF
the candidate. and does not endeayor TO show
that the principles of the party give any reason
for opposition to him. Now Mr. Murphy and
his associates had strong personal objections to
Mr. Cleveland. and yet they gave him such
earnest support that he was elected.
What Nh Cleveland does not say in this
matter is more important than what he says.
Evidently the next President conceives II to be
his duty to take the guardianship and direction
of the Democratic party. He means to shape
the legislation of the party, and wants Demo-
Gratis in the Senate who will take their orders
from him and work in harmony with him. In
his conception, it is of vital importance to the
party that il should be so steercd and SO con-
tro'lod as TO avoid extreme and destructive
legislation, and yet he knows that it must
satisfy its pledges to the people in some way.
Mr.. Cleveland has more faith in his own judg-
mcnt regarding the things ncodful than in the
Judgment of other men. This is perfectly n1lu-
raj. and it follows Of necessity that the coming
President is ready and willing to take large
risks, and to expose himself to not little
censurc in order to avoid the election OF son
ators who would be likely to oppose his policy.
Mr.. Clcvclands trouble is that the Democratic
party docs not appreciate its need OF die
tator or a guardian. 1t thinks itself abundant
Nv capable to decide what it ought TO do, and
would rather trust itself than the President
elect. In fact, on the most important qucs-
tons the great body of Democratic voters un-
doubleday has certain strong distrust OF the
Presdent-elcct and his influence, because OF
his relations with the active men in this great
financial centre Hence it is that the dcclara-
ton against Mr. Murphy l;indlcs intense re-
sentiment. which is shared by some who have
no love for Senator Hill or Tammany Hall.