New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-05-10
THE CONVENTION And THE PARTY.

Democrats whose most serious pursuit when
they are in power is the game of grab are dls-
tresscd because the Constitutional Convention
has been organized with Republican officers
Their moral susccptblitics have been gricvous-
" offended by this proof that the political ma
jority To whom the people intruStcd the control
Of the Convention, and whom they VIII hold
responsible for its work. understand the obi
CATION and are ready to fulfil 1t. Beyond oXcit-
ing considerable amusement. mingled with CON
tempt for the hypocrtical pre'cnsions of these
representatives Of party which was never
known to let chance 90 by for promoting the
greatest good Of the smallest number. we do
not imagine that these Democratic protests Will
produce much effect. They suggest an occasion,
however for few words to the responsible
majority in the Convention.
Delegates of both parties. we trust have come
together with a sincere purpose To do their duty
as they see 1t. Their views of duty may diher
widely but they ought To bc inspired by I'M
selfish aims. TO This extent II Is proper 10 in
sist that pariisanship shall have no place in
their deliberations. But those who say that
distinctions Of party are oblitcrateI ~ the
threshold OF n Constitutional Convention talk
foolishly The control Of this Convention was
deliberately given 10 Republican majority by
the voters Of the State. at "A time when their
choice of representatives for all purposes meant
great deal. That majority cannot In honor
or In common sense cvadc III" responsibility 50
imposed. The Republican delegates have been
instructed 20 recommend changes In The organic
law which will express as accurately as possible
the conception Of government and the prin
clplcs Of administration for which Republican
ism stands They have intended 10 signify their
understanding Of this fact In the organization
OF the Convention. and in 80 doing they hav"
not accepted privilege bn' performed plain
duty. The same principle Of action should gov
crn their proceedings hereafter. The people
will approve or condemn their work ~ they see
fit: but 1t can be- honestly and hopefully under
taken In no other way. \ popular government
can be conducted only through the instrumental
ity OF parties and the rcvisers Of the iunda
mental law Of free State are under d"lusion
If they think that no party obligation rests
upon them In the performance OF their grave
task The Republican majority should constant
" remember that their control Of the conyrn-
ton represents the popular Will. and they should
constantly cndcavOr 10 fortlfy popular conn
dcnce by fidelity 10 their trIIst. Tina, Il the
way and the only way. In which they are au-
thorized and expected to serve their party.
This. we suppose is the sense In which Mr.
Choatc would have the deprccaton Of partisan
ship IN his inaugural address 20 the Convcn-
ton construed. our agile and fluent fellowcit-
zen always understands himself whether he Is
In his most stalwart mood on the eve OF an
election or lapSng into Independence soon
aficrwanl but he j. occasionally misunder
stood As the choice Of the majority Of The dele
gates for president Of the Convention he Is
doubtless sensible Of all the obligations To The
party and The people which that choice imposes