New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-03-10
GOVERNOR MORTON'S WEAKNESS.

In the echoes that come back 10 us from the
Western and Southwestern States of what
NAV be called the Morton boom there seems
TO he q distinct msunders landing of Governor
Morton's candidacy. The prevailing apprehen-
sion that Governor Morton represents merely
q Doodle candidacy is entirely wrong. That a
reasonable basis has not been prepared for it
in the uncommon exertions made by active anu
influential persons, such Mr. Anderson ana
Mr. Simms and Mr.. Thomas r. Fortune ana
ex-Postmaster Van Colt. we are not prepared 10
DENY But these gentlemen have been carrying
ON q canvass for which they themselves are
alone responsible We do not permit ourselves
to believe that Governor Morton himself has
advanced a dollar to pay either the ordinary
expenses OF these gentlemen in going through
the West and Southwest presenting his claims
to the Presidential nomination or the extraor-
binary expenses which are generally under
stood to be incurred in that sort OF canvass
We prefer TO believe that whatever has been
done in that regard has been without consulia-
ton with him and through the overzea of per
sons who are for one reason and another active
in his behalf The fact remains. however, that
most Of the activity in his behalf has appeared
to be due to the interest Of politicians. who
to him. have concealed Interior personal pnr-
poses in their own behalf.
And it is this prevalent impression that has
| done more than anything else 10 let what might
be called the Morton boom drop down to the
general level of all the booms for "favorite
sons" The resolution passed 10y Il unanimous
| vote Of the last State Convention. which named
| Governor Morton as the candidate of the Re-
6 N..pl~ far
President Of the United States, undoubtedly
| expressed the general sense of the Republican
| party of the State With some considerable cx-
captions In the matter Of his appointments. dne
rather to his amlabity Of disposition than 10
| his desire to further personal ambition. he had
made for at least one year generally salts
factory administration He had in several in
| stances helped the cause Of good government
| and municipal reform in a way all his own, but
| In such a way was generally appreciated, ana
| which made all honest Republicans friendly To
the promotion Of his ambition. if such it was.
Since then several things have happened. Not
least was the somewhat famous dinner given
by Mr. Dcpew. at which ex-senator Warner
Miller, ex-senator Thomas c. Plat, ex-senator
| Frank Hiscock and others were present, where
| II was agreed to urge upon Governor Morton
| his acceptance or the canuldacy WHICH ndu al
ready beea formally put forth by the State Con-
ventOn. There had been up to that time more
or less doubt as to Governor Morton's willing
| ness to be a candidate. 1t has been generally
| understood since that me that the urgency OF
these gentlemen overcame his reluctance. and
that he has been from that date willing can
ddate But only a willing candidate Not by
any means a candidate who seeks the great
office in question by such means as has been
intimated in the reports that come to us from
the Western and Southwestern States.
In the general canvass now in progress Gov
ernor Morton's relation to the event ought not
to be misunderstood He Is the candidate OF a
majority OF New-YOrk State Republicans be
cause of certain things he has done in the adj
yancement Of cause which they believe in
He Is not n candidate OF n great many New
York State Republicans because he has not been
great enough TO rise above faction and be the
Governor as we'll as the Presidential candidate
Of a whole party. That is all that as Governor
Morton and his boom. 1t IL all that made ncces
sary Mf. Depew's utterance on Sunday. 1t Is
all that dlsturbs the process OF events thai
might make him the unanimous choice Of tho
New-York delegation at st. Louis. 1t Is thu
weakness Of amlabity. And 1t is fatal.