New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-04-23
GOVERNOR MORTON'S OPPORTUNITY

The Republican machine has won the Greater
New-York fight in the Legislature. but another
such victory would ruin It, BY two more votes
than were absolutely necessary the bill was
passed over the municipal vetoeS yesterday in
the Assembly. the Democratic mana gers having
redeemed their contract to furnish majority
They would have delivered more votes if more
had been needed. but shrcwdly RETAINED from
cnltivatng superfluouS animosty among the
people whom they expect 10 govern Mr.. Platt
has carried out his intention thus far. and *
now believed TO be ready TO carry it ont 10 the
end. by breaking the promise which he ordered
Senator Lcxow to make at n time when concia-
ton deemed advisable and putting through
the commission bills upon which he has doubt
less been reckoning from the first. What he
wants Is power to rule the consolidated city for
an indefinite period with the cooperation Of
Tammany Hall. and he wants this power at
this Legislature and the Governor whom he as
sumes TO own. the date OF adjournment will be
postponed and the game will go on.
The legislative history Of the Greater New
York bill refutes every original argument in its
favor Six weeks ago it passed the Senate for
the first time by clear ma jorIty Of Republican
and two weeks later thirty-slx Republican votes
were cast against 1t in the Assembly. and the
Democrats had to come to the rescue. week
ago when it went back to the Senate lis four
original Republican opponents had increased
| to eleven, and II was necessary to pu. the deal
with Tammany into operation in order To pass
| the dctested measure over the Mayors vetocs
Again there was a shortage of Republican votes
in Acc ,Iy opJ in, II
ocrats supplied the deficiency Without the per-
| emptory orders Of the machine the bill would
have never had a chance of passage. and II would
! have been defeated at the last by an overwhclm-
ing majority of Republican Asscmbymen If the
pressure had been relaxed in the slightest de-
gree During the last half of the session no
body has ventured even 10 pretend that the bill
satisfied the conscience and judgment OF most
members Of the Legislature The newspapers
| which have opposed ii have not been more posi-
| tive than those committed TO It's support in de
| caring that ii was generally. almost universal
~. disapproved and distrusted at the Capitol
The evidence on this point is conclusive The
| men whose votes were ready for delivery to the
machine have been as frankly hostile In private
| conversation as those who refused TO obey or
ders and have cursed the reacherous and pitt
| less DOSS WHO WAS resolved 10 SEND tncm nome
| 10 their constituents in disgrace
| Such are the conditions under which the Great
| or New-YOrk bill passes into the hands of Gov
| ernor Morton. 1t Is not necessary to ask how II,
| likes the situation. There isn't a shadow Of q
doubt that he loathes it. He knows that the bill
| Is unpopular and oppressive as It stands to-day
| and that there Is an utterly detestable purpos,
behind II. He has learned on the highest au
| thority that his signature would cost him tn,
respect and goodwill of tens Of thousands o
citizens whose appreciation, already waverng. HI
| longs to rc-establish. And, worst Of ALL he hear,
| those whose patronage has brought him 10 thl.
| extremity guaranteeing his ratification OF the
| schemes. Has the Governor no possible way OF
escape? The people Of New-York certainly d,
| not want to believe that his case Is hopeless
| that a mortgage to the full value Of his politca
| morality Is about 10 be fOrecosed And the,
| will not believe this until they have to. The per
fidious bill which the voters despise, which Re
| publican Legislature condemned in the very ac
| of passing II over the vctoes Of Republican
Mayors. and which Tammany Hall in reality
sent TO him under the terms of contract will
| Thomas C. Plat. is at his disposal His IS Dov
the sole responsibility and his opportunity is a.
great as his obligation.