New-York tribune., 1896-04-02
A SPLENDID OPPORTUNITY.


There seems to be no reason to doubt either
the capacity or the fidelity to duty Of Colonel II,
H. Lyman. the new Excise Commissioner. Since
his appointment he has had the rare good fortune
of being compmented upon these qualities by
the press of both parties and politicians OF all
factions. And the generous praise he has re-
ceived is the more significant from the fact that
it is based upon the excellent record he has
made for efficiency independence and personal
uprightness in an official relation not dissmar,
though by no means so important in conse-
quences and far-reachng In results, to the office
TO which he has now been called 1t Is safe to
say that Governor Morton has made no appoint
ment since his entrance upon the duties or the
Executive that has been received with such gen.
eral commendation The unusual warmth Of
this commendation is. Of course, due in great
measure to the fact that 1t was somewhat in
the nature Of gratifying surprise. 1t had been
so strongly given out by Mr. Platt and Mr.
Lauterbach and the other powerful persons who
seemed TO be running the entire State Govern
ment that the Governor would certainly appoint
an Excise Commissioner Of their own kidney.
who would use the law in the sole interest OF
their machine and for the promotion OF their
political interests. that anything having the ap-
was naturally hailed with emotions akin to graf
itude In the minds OF all good citizens 1t pro-
duccd q sensation Of relief.
And now TO the new Commissioner there opens
a splendid opportunity. 1t is an opportunity.
from n personal point Of view. for enhancing
the reputation already gained for Independence
Of character and action. and for probty In the
discharge Of official duty. Concurrently, It az
tha nj Ito Gnr-
vice in such a clean and wholesome lnterpreta-
ton of law which is In the nature OF an ex-
pertinent and such Just and impartial enforce
ment Of Its provisions as shall command the re-
spect of all citizens at the same time that it
subjects II to the farest and most legitimate
test of its usefulness and efficiency. For what
the great body Of voters desire most OF all to
know Is not whether this new experiment in
excise legislation can be used as an effective
instrumentality in strengthening a party or
building up q faction, but whether. on the whole.
1t promotes sobriety. morality and good order
in the community, and is conducive to the gen
eral good That after ALL is the main question
In the minds Of the Intelligent mass of voters.
Now that the law has been pass,d-no matter
by what processes-and is in full force. the pop
ular wish Is to give il a fair trial. and learn by
a step forward toward the solution Of This con-
stantly recurring problem.
In addition to these considerations, involving
both his personal reputation and the public good,
Colonel Lyman has to consider the opportunity
he has for justifyng the action Of the Repub-
lican party. which will be held responsible for
the enactment Of the law he IS 10 execute. and
for vindicating the wisdom OF Governor Morton
lae. ri,a
not least. Colonel Lyman has to consider that
in making his appointments he has to choose
whether he will act upon his own honest
Judgment. and fulfil the purpose which the
managers Of the Republican machine have 50
loudly procamed--Of taking the saloon, and the
liquor traffic generally. out Of politics or
whether by acceding 10 their demands he will
expose their insincerity, the hypocrisy OF Re
publican Legislature. the half-hcartedness OF
a Republican Governor. and his own weakness
OF character This is the panest possible state
ment of the situation that confronts the Excise
Commissioner We are aCquainting him with
no new facts. and we are Offering 10 arsi
ments. lie knows. for he cannot help knowing.
that the main objection to the law-sctting
aside minor details not cssentlal-has been that
its unconcealed purpose was to build up through
| tDe COMMISSION Oh Wul'l uc - uoW tn' H''u d
great political machine; that ii was not intended
| TO take the saloon out Of politics. as represented,
but to turn 1t over from Tammany influence and
| control to the no less corrupt uses of Repub-
lican faction. He save his own good name,
save the good name Of Governor Morton and Of
the Republican party, and. In spite OF them
selves, save something Of reputation for candor
and fair dealing for the very men who are
now urging him TO prostitute his office TO their
selfish ends, If he will proceed in making his ap-
pointments and in the further discharge OF his
official functions with no &C nsideratlon for par
ties or for factions but only with a conscien-
tious regard for the public good This Is Colonel
Iyman's splendid opportunity.
The Tribune does not by any means look upon
| this enactment as n final solution Of the liquor
| problem II has for good reason opposed some
Of its provisions which seem crlnle and loosely
drawn, and especially those which seemed TO
look to the establishment Of great political ma
chine deriving It's powers from the saloon and
| the LIQUOR traffic. But II halls the appointment
of Colonel Lyman with satisfaction as contain
ing the promise Of such honest and impartial
administration Of the law as will remove that
peril to the laws efficiency and to the well-being
Of the community. And 1t leaves with him the
opportunity it has endeavored to point out.
| GENERAL WEYLERS CAMPAIGN