The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-10-16
DAYTON ACCEPTS.
Says He Is Democrat and Opposed to Croker
ism and Personal Rule.

New York. Oct. 15-The letter of ac-
ceptance of ex-Postmastsr Charles W.
Dayton for comptroller on the Thomas
Jefferson democracy ticket, which was
made public tonight, is in part as fol-
lows:
1.-THE administration of the office of
comptroller of th= second city of the
world is one, which necessarily affects
the interest of the poorest as well as
the richest citizen. 1t will involvs sys-
tenn of finance not only of enormous
magnitude, but of infinite detail, requir-
ing industry, vigilance and executive ar
kind. More than this the comptroller
must stand between thunderous attacks
upon tbs city treasury and the welfare
of the citizens who pay taxes in any
form. To the administration of that Of
flee along the lines here Indicated
will, If elected, give my undivided ener-
giles and such abilities as l possess
Agreeing, as I do with many Of the
the democracy of Thomas jefferson,
deem the main issue in the municipal
campaign now confronting the people
to be whether Crokerism shall for the
mkt four years rule our greater city.
BY Crokerism I mean an imperious gov
eminent in the hands of one man who
administers a principally solely through
the agency of personal favorites, sub
serviency to his WILL wishes and pur-
poses being the essential test of fitness
for office.
Until the people shall decide other
wise l refuse to believe that this mag
nificent city, with all it's attractions, its
great future, with all its affairs and
: treasury, wifi De placed in the hands of
any constituted ruler. Every instinct Of
manhood, self-respect, patriotism, civic
pride and true democracy rebels against
such a prospect. AT all events, I rejoics
at the opportunity which your nominal
tion offers to take a stand against such
humiliation.
This issue of personal rule in party
affairs is fundamental to the cause of
popular government. If one man can
control the action Of a great party from
the primaries to the conventions and
thus secure practical ownership of men
elected to office, we no longer have gov
eminent of the people, for the people and
by the people, but instead have gov
eminent of the people by despot for
his own purposes, whatever they may
be. If this despotism is permitted, laud-
able political ambition will be stided,
popular government must cease and vas
salage will take the place of personal
liberty.
1.-THE coming of Mr.. Croker and his
assumption of complete control Of the
democratic party of Greater New York
by the autocratic methods pursued by
him; the utter absence of any voice but
his in the action of the conventions OF
the party; the sitting of even the right to
all this seems to me to raise doubt as
to whether or not We are living in a land
of freemen.
my first vote was cast for Horatio
Seymour. I have never failed in loyalty
to the democratic party, and in this CAM
paign stand heartily with my fellow
democrats for the election of our SUI
perior state candidate, Hon. Alton B.
Parker.
'srhis acceptance Of your nomination
in a campaign to be waged for good
| government and for the establishment OF
the doctrine that equal rights shall pre-
vail in the councils of the democratic
| party place me upon impregnable dem
| ocratic ground.
NSigned) CHARLES w. DAYTON
SPECIAL MASTER REPORTS