New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-11-12
DISTRIBUTING REWARDS.

The suggestion is being brought forward that
gold Democrats might be properly rewarded for
their unseish services in behalf Of sound money
and Mckinley by giving them the Kentucky and
Illinois Scholarships, which are subject to cleo
ton by Republican Legislatures.
Aside from the objection that an attempt to
reward organizations which aid In political
movement by distributing offices among them
tends to emphasize rather than minimize par
tisanshp the scheme has some attractive feat
ures But the apostles Of non-partisanship cam
not be expected to look with favor on the plan,
and as they make considerable body among
the sOund-mOney men Of Democratic sympa-
thies that sort of recognition and reward can
hardly be welcome to many gold Democrats
themselves In this city they have seen and
been most forward in criticism Of the evils
which spring up when man or party intrusted
with power deals out favors to factions clubs
halls and democracles which contributed TO
success at the polls.
When Mayor Strong was elected as the result
OF combination. some Of the most hearty sup
porters of the reform ticket expressed rcgrct
that 1t should have been made up on this plan
of division among those organizations prons-
ing to Join in the movement. After taking Of
flee the Mayor attempted at first to curry on
nom partisan administration In the same way,
but seeing the bad effect Of the practice. with
the advice of Democratic refOrmers. he ceased
trying to recognize such services and the Int
ter days Of his administration have been more
successful than the first.
But beyond this question the probable effect
on the country Is to be considered Would the
giving up Of these two seats by the Republicans
promote wise legislation or prevent It? Even
with those two votes the Republican control OF
the Senate. Independent Of silver men, Is prob
lemntic. Two Democrats from Illinois and
Kentucky though sound on the money ques-
ton. might in all other matters entirely block
legislation. Mr.. Dingey. in m Interview pub
llshed on Tuesday, said that he did not expect
the Senate to pass the bill now pending to give
needed additional revenue because Of the OPP
position Of n few Sound Money Democrats.
Nevertheless this bill is favored by many Demo
Gratis, who see in it a temporary solution Of the
revenue question. and therefore, a putting OF
Of the general tariff revision, which they do not
desire. We must have more revenue. II the
Dingley bill Is not passed there Is the posi-
bty of hurried legislation next spring to give
1t, while If it Is passed, the question can be
considered at leisure. with the likelihood Of
more conservative action, and meantime the
Administration will have n chance to solve the
currency problem.
1t cannot be expected that the Republicans
should deprive themselves Of a party majority
in the Senate out of sentiment, II that act
means the creation Of n deadlock. When the
Sound Money Democrats now in the Senate
show disposition to make the Administration
they have helped elect a success. instead Of
tying its hands and being satisfied to have It
stand temporary buffer between them and
Popocratic danger there will be more reason
for giving them power to make Republican leg
islation impossible.