The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-10-03

THE GREATER NEW YORK MIDDLE.

There are now four regularly nom:n-
ated candidates for Mayor Of Greater
New York and interest in the whole coun-
try is centered in the first contest OF the
newly organized city.
II we may reckon the party status by
conditions prior to 1896, Greater New
York is Overwhelmingly Democratic
when there is united action. AT the last
municipal election, combination of anti
Tammany Democrats, mostly Cleveland
worshippers; the more-holy-than-thon
Mugwumps; and the machine Republi-
cans combined to elect Republican city
officers. The result of this administra-
ton has Disguised and disappointed the
people, and they naturally turn to the
Democrats to reverse the narrow, costly
and harsh government they now enjoy.
Have the Democrats been equal to the
emergency? The fact that there has been
a division in the Democratic ranks.
would, ;lpon the face, indicate that they
have fallen short of the measure of their
duty and opportunity. 1t is too soon at
this distance. however, to judge. 1t is
unfortunate, in our opinion, that Tam
many did not formally endorse and rati-
fly the Chicago platform. That would
have made certain of the enthusiastic
support of the UNITED Democracy"
which organ;zation has named Henry
George as its candidate for Mayor. He
received 6S,000 votes when he ran a.
gainst Tammany's candidate about ten
years or SO ago. If he can POL two thirds
as many votes this year, the outlook for
Judge Van Wyck is not good, particu-
sariy if the Low and Tracy forces come
together, as is probable. II they love
offices more than reform, as their past
would indicate, this union of forces will
be effected before the election day.
Will Tammany gain as many votes by
ignoring the financial question from
the anti-silvcr Democrats as it will lose
by the failure to ratify the Chicago plat
form? Judge Van Wyck, the nominee
for Mayor, not only gave Mr.. Bryan his
vote but is represented as having done
30 gladly and with full endorsement OF
his views and admiration for him, as a
man. If the gold Democrats win vote for
. Bryan supporter, running On an anti
government injunction and city owner
ship of franchises platform, would they
not have done so also IL the Chicago
platform had been ratified? Was it not
wiser to risk the loss Of their votes by
standing true to National principles,
than to invite an opposition with the raj |
lying power of the Chicago platform?
At this end Of the line, it looks like
ITammany has blundered. 1t viii be
blunder equal to crime in practical poll
tics, and that is the only kind of poll
tics that Tammany deals in, If the gold
Democrats should, as is probable, refuse
to vote for Van Wyck because he sup
ported Bryan last year.
The Democratic vote is certain to be
divided, and it may be like Gaul-into
three parts. The silver Democrats will
End it difficult to decide what course to
nursue. Those who have always been
Tammany men-and that is the hulk-wili
support Judge Van Wyck. Those whose
indignation will be strong against what
they regard the sacrifice of the princi-
pies of the National organization will
support Henry George. The strength of
this faction Of the party will be the de-
termining factor in the results.