New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-05-02
KEEPING THE PARTY SMALL.

To the superficial observer it seems as If there
could be logically but one policy for the leaders
of political party under popular form of
government to pursue, either to keep the party
strong, increase It's strength, or insure its sue
cess That is. to throw its doors open and eX-
tend cordial and hospitable welcome to all
who avow their belief in its principles and their
readiness to support Its candidates. regardless
of past differences or previous political affllla-
tons. To such an observer political organiza-
ton which refused to accept recruits, ana viewed
all conversions with suspicion and distrust
would seem to be exhibiting degree of fatuous
folly almost certain TO end in the madness of
self-destruction. And yet this is the policy
which the so-called regular Republican organ
ization Of this county seems bent on pursuing
The main endeavor of the ruling spirits Of that
organization at its meeting on Thursday night
was to force through the committee amendments
TO the constitution, the effect OF which Will be
TO erect barriers against voters who desire to
become members of the organization and act
with the Republican party at the coming cleo
ton. They said they wanted mo trimmers or
independents who are better than the organ
"izaton," but wished to keep the rolls clean
"of Mugwumps, Goo Coos and other hypocrlt-
'ical persons who assume to be Republicans for
purposes Of organization, but whose political
interests are not our political interests" And
they so amended the constitution.
This, then, is the policy OF the managers or
the Republican political machine in this county.
No citizen who desires to support Republican
principles and vote for Republican candidates
in November shall be permitted to become 4
member Of the organization and have voice
in the councils Of the party and the selection OF
its candidates unless unless what!-why,
unless his political interests are "our political
interests" And what are "Our political inter
ests," we beg to inquire Of these gentlemen
who hold control Of the Republican Organiza-
ton Of this county. and are supposed to repre-
sent the whole party-what are "our interests
If not to insure party success by throwing open
the doors and welcoming in all converts. new
corners and recruits? Are we in danger of being
oyerrun, overwhelmed and Outvoted by Mug
"wumps Goo Coos and other hypocritcal per-
sons! Are these people going TO flock into the
party in such numbers that the great mass OF
Republican voters who are already in the or
ganization. or would be In 1t under any decently
honest management, will be in danger Of being
| oyerpowered? And on this account shall the
accredited executive body Of the party in this
county put a tyler at the outer gate with IN
structions to demand passwords and counter
signs and subject TO rigorous examination every
one who desires to contribute to Republican
success?
1t is true, to be sure, that all the signs on the
political horizon point to floods Of accessions
TO the party between this time and November
just as all signs point to an overwhelming Re
publican victory. But is that any good reason
for putting up bars against their coming? Who
shall say for the Republican party that victory
is already so assured that 1t wants no recruits
and will not have them? And IL we permit
them-not being able to prevent them-to vote
| the Republican ticket, what good reason under
/ Heaven can be offered for refusing them hear
| ing In the councils of the party and voice II
| the selection Of its candidates7 II It wise, u