New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-06-28
IAMLSE PROSCRLPTLON.

Mr. Edward NJ. Shepard made an address the
other night which impeled Us 10 remind re-
formers that the object of political action was
TO achieve results. and that il was the height
of folly TO plead cause and repel the support
of those who might promote 1t. PRESIDENT
Quigg of the Republican county organization
has also delivered speech which makes him
subject 10 the same reminder. He processes
himself sincerely anxious for an anti-Tammany
victory, and we believe he does desire H. lie
has every reason of personal and party amDi-
ton 10 do so. He has announced in the farest
terms his departure from the former blg0ted
policy which drove thousands of loyal Repubi-
cans from active relations with the organlza-
ton, and has apparently-and we believe seri-
ously-wished to promote an era OF unity ana
good feeling among all Republicans, and pre-
pare for harmonious working together OF all
good citizens TO the end that the new city may
be saved from the corrupt rule OF Tammany
Hall. Yet Mr. Quigg's declaration that no mem
Der Of the Citizens Union is Republican comes
dangerously near TO multiplying all his vrtuons
professions, and threatens to bar that union
without which any Mayor but Tammany
Mayor is impossible.
Ii NAV be conceded that Mr. Quigg has
technical justification for his action. But thls
is no time for techncallties. He is doubtless
irritated at the disposition of some leaders OF
the Citizens Union TO antagonlZe regular or
CARNATIONS, but il is as foolish for him TO tie
clare members of the Citizens Union enemies
because some of them are precipita'e and hot
headed as it is for Mr.. Shepard TO complain
because all of them are not so. Many eminent
Republicans such as Mr.. Erhardt. Mr. Conk-
ling. Mr.. Clafln. Mr. Root and General Swayne,
Joined the Citizens Union just as they would
Join any club or society whose objects met their
approval. In this case they desired 10 arouse
public sentiment in favor of municipal reform,
o prevent Tammany from stealing into power,
10 be a political solvent and overcome the bar
riers Of prejudice. TO say that these purposes
drive a man from the Republican organization
is TO confess that the organization sees men
ace In such a consummatlon and has other
designs in this campaign more precious than
he overthrow Of Tammany. What II few
citizens Union men are foolish: SO are many
Republicans. For every impractcable reformer
who has talked about Tammany being no worse
than the Republicans there has been an or
ganzation worker declaring he would as soon
see Yammany as the refOrmers in power. Why
not be reasonable rather than technical. more
ready 10 conclliate than TO feel Inundated:
Mr. Quigg says he wants 10 bring all Re
,ublcans together. and tells his lieu'enants who
hesitate lest free enrolment should rob them
Of their power that II they have not the favor
Of their districts they should not rule AT all.
lie cannot be ignorant Of the fact that the
reason why many Republicans are in the Citi-
zens Union is that they had no voice in their
party organization. and that the reason why
some people are distrustfnl of the machinery
he controls. and overhasty, as he would com
plain 10 coerce II from without. n that the
present Republican Secretary OF the Interior