Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-12-12

With assurance the like CT which is not
often on exhibition even in New York pol
itics, Boss" Platt has at last come to the
front and laid claim to the credit for the
tremendous victory which put the repub-
Hcan party in power In New York City
and State For some time past there have
been indications that the republican boss
would take such a stand, but not until the
publication Of a letter sent by him in con-
1dence TO republican country editors
throughout the state did the intimations
materialize. Republicans who are practi-
cal politicians may permit themselves to
believe-it is to their personal interest to
do so--that the republican machine had
something 10 do with the overwhelming
defeat that knocked the life out of Tam
many and administered chastisement to
Tammany's country cousins but the un-
prejudiced observer is fully convinced that
whatever of victory was achieved by the
republican party came in spite of and not
through the efforts Of the republican ma
chine. For many years Plat has been
last as pcrnicious a factor in New York
politics any of the bosses in the demo-
cratic party; the principal difference be-
tween Boss Platt and Boss Croker is that
one affects republicanism while the other
alleges democracy. People unacquainted
with the practical side of politics may
imagine that these two men must surely
have been deadly enemies; as a matter of
fact they have worked hand in hand, have
traded votes and influence whenever there
was promise of mutual advantage in such
unsavory dealing. have never given thought
to the possibility that the men whom they
deemed puppets might some day rise up
and demand honest government.
Early this year 1T became evident that
the spirit of reform was abroad. A few
men, mostly republicans, realized at once
the necessity for at least one clean guber-
Material nominee. and in the discussion
which ensued 1t became evident that Levi
p. Morton was the favorite. Mr.. Plat
saw this. ard. with that skill which has
done him such good service. at once an
nounced himself as Mr.. Morton's sponsor,
although ne had no more to do with Gre
eting the Morton sentiment than he had
to do with the defeat of Jerry Simpson.
True friends of Mr.. Morton saw the dan
ger that threatened and some of the more
outspOken at once notified Mr.. Plat that
republican victory would be impossible
less ne kept his mouth shut and that, to
a considerable extent, he did. In New
York city there was neither republicanism
or democracy; the fight was for good gov
ernment-the decent people, without re-
gard TO political belief, being on the one
side and Tammany being on the other. If
Plat had worked his will Tammany would
have won in the city. and then he and
Croker would have divided the spoils to
suit themselves. as they have done many
times. Mr.. Platt is too shrewd to in
wardly entertain the idea that he was 4
great power in the last campaign. but he
must either pretend that he was or cease
TO be boss" and that Mr.. Platt will
never Willingly do. The people smashed
Tammany last November; if they ever-ip
some November to come-get MALT a chance
to hit Plat they will do 1t severely as
20 give AIR. Plat solid reason for sympa-
thizing with the mangled remains of Mr..
Croker BOsslsm in this country has
reached the end Of its rope.