New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-12-07
KEEP THIS IN MIND.


KEEP THIS IN MIND.
II is not surprising perhaps in existing con-
| djtions that the discussion now current concern
| ing the policy to be pursued by the party winch
won the great political victory OF last noh'h
should run somewhat upon personal lines. Inc
influence of certain men OF considerable proi"-
inencc and great activity in shaping the poii'!
of the party and in large measure directing us
legislation is a matter of public notoricly IL
is no secret that this influence has been uSeu
in notable instances for the promotion OF purely
personal ends and selfish purposes. when nave
not been believed by majority or the party 10
be in line with the partys professions OF III
consonance with the general good. Naturali!
enough. after victory gained by popular up
rising against all that such influences repre-
sent in politics and parties, in legislation ana
administration. discussion of the uses 10 WHICH
the victory shall be put. turns primarily upon
the possibility of miscellaneous interference by
the leaders, recognized or self-constituted, VINO
have y rctofore managed TO divert party sue
cess to personal profit. 1t was quite natural
that they should be diligently watched. ana
their movements and motives jealousy scruti-
niZed No less natural that the friends of these
should warm up in their defence, and that IN
the controversy arising thercfrom there should
be mutual elimination and recriminaton. In
this preliminary debate-which after all. has
helped clear the air and define the situation
The Tribune has endeavored to state its position
with perfect frankness We believe 1t is well
understood. We do not complain of the imputa-
ton Of wrong motives. the misconstuctions and
assailed on that account nor have we wasted
|! time space in reply.
What we have to say now is that the real
matter in issue Is far above any personalities.
Enough has been said as TO the relations Of in
dividuals to it and their motives. The good
thing that has been accomplished thus far Is
that the attitude of those whose relation to the
business in hand is Of importance has been de-
| fined and the Lies drawn. And the business
in hand concerns very deeply not only the tax
| payers of this town. but every one Of its cii-
| zcns: not only the citizens Of this town either,
| but of the whole State. and in Il great degree OF
the entire country. We are living here on Man
haitian Island to-day in Il city not merely beset
with rocucs and rlfiians but governed by them.
| No one who has read even in the most casual
| and Indifferent way the testimony brought out
can escape the conclusion that this city under
| Tammapy rule lies helpless AT the mercy OF The
worst gang Of blackmacrs. thugs thieves and
| rufiians Of every degree that ever plundered a
| treasury or looted captured town. The 41,rD
| majority which men Of all parties gave last
month for the Municipal Reform ticket was the
protest Of oppressed citizens against cruel
| dcspotism: the cry Of a roguc-rued community
| for relief. The 10000 majority In the state
| and the election Of an Assembly In sympathy
with the local uprising emphasized the protest
and echoed the cry. These citizens are very
| much in earnest. They want the whole system
| overturned by which the corrupt and tyrannouS
practices from which they have 80 long suffered
have been brought into being and pcrpctuatcd.
And they want all ofiicc-holders who can be
| reached by legislation who are related directly
| or indirectly TO This vast conspiracy against
law and order, morals and dcccncy. turned out
Of office and honest men put in their places.
| This Is the thing to he kept In mind. The
cleansing must be thorough. the overthrow
sweeping. Principals and agents, accessories,
| accompccs and bcnefciaries- all must 60 IL
leaders who have heretofore connivcd nj ras-
calties as a part Of what they call practical
politics, or are known 10 have had corrupt deal
ings with Tammany. now in favor Of the
sweeping reforms demanded, so much the bet
ter for them and for all concerned. If they OPP
pose. so much the worse for them. For we
have an abiding faith that. whatever may be-
their Vaccinations or however subtle and OBJ
scure their mischicvous ntrgucs. the great
uprising against political rascality and the
''Bossism' Of which it Is the product will in
the end prove irresistible. We recall our con
tcmporaries from the heat Of controversy over
mere personalities. which, as we have said. has
already had its full effect. TO the consideration
| Of the actual business in hand. To accomplish
| this a united effort Is necessary. And We do
not permit ourselves to doubt that so soon rs
the smoke Of the small disputes on the skirmish
line disappears and passion has time 10 cool all
who worked together for the victory Of last
month will be equally harmonious and encr-
gctc in securing its results