New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-10-04
TiUUiNY AND ITS TEACHING.

II Is q new thing in this generation to see
Democratic candidate for the Presidency relying
for his chief Eastern support on the 1riendship
of Tammany Hall. This year Tammany IS AT
the head of the National procession, ana II d!
any chance the Boy Orator should reach Inc
White House. ii would be Tammany victor!
in a sense that no Presidential election ever was
before. The present members of the OrgahiZa-
ton are more accustomed to sulkng Ill 'her
wigwams knitting their party's standardbearer
or having their support purchased at the Ihsl
moment. than to being confidential friends OF the
candidate. But when one reads the history Oh
Tammany Hall from its foundation more than
century ago, which is set forth in detail else
where in this ISSUE he cannot fail to see that
Tammany has not in the least departed from us
traditions, nor made any innovation by taking
q hand in National politics.
II has been said time and time again that Tam
many cares only for the city, but that is hardly
true. From the beginning its power as local
organization has depended On It's reaching TO Al
bsny and Washington. When 1t was founded
the Mayor of New-York was appointed by the
Governor Tammany then took more interest i'll
State and National than in local questions only
with the great growth Of the city did its urban
oyershadow its other interests. Even then the
utter dependence Of this city on the State Legls-
ls+ure for its commonest daily administrative
needs. which continues to this day, gave Tam
manv An interest In the State government when
II never forgot.
with Tia principles and methods OF organiza-
ton Tammany was destined to be at once local
body and a force making for general political
immortality. No good intentions on the part OF
leaders could make 1t otherwise. Tammany has
had honorable men among Its members. Even
in recent years some such have thought 10 use
It's organization for good by retaining connection
with 1t. But the thing itself is impossible Its
fundamental doctrines are that politics Is war
that II Is an army. and that TO the victors belong
the spells. Such an army. though Its member
shin be at first most respectable. inevitably
Gathers to it the rabble. The rabble must b'
rewarded. The city offers the best field for small
rewards suitable to the purpose, and so Tam
manv's first effort Is to hold the city. But 1t II
not indifferent to other things. 1t forced III
theories on the Federal Government through
Van Buren, and cursed the country with IN
spoils system for which 1t Is still struggling. l
fought the Erie Canal because 1t hated Clinton
Burr and his Manhattan Company charter allnos
nj the start taught II legislative tricks TO &c
franchises The thefts of It's early Federal DIN
Gers foretold later defacations and Its alliance
now with Adams. now with Jackson, exhibited
its tendency to fight for place rather than 10
principle How should it be otherwise: com
pact body which from its nature must Decoln
n mere place hunting machine. 1t had nothing I
do but 10 make bargains and be mercenary
Tammany is true to itself in supporting Bryan
This Ia not because that Is regular but because
has natural affinity for him and his cause.
has been irregular before now, but 1t has neve
failed to 20 with the demagogue who nattere
the mob, for it, too. fatters the mob. and, whe
the sober sense of the community is aroused
Tammany inevitably goes against that sense
because II can do nothing else. 1t cannot hol
the hixh-minded men, so 1t must make conce'
sicns TO the passions Of the others and 1oin