New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-08-06
Of the city OF Elmira 1t would only affect country
roads where very little labor is done. -
Emira n. ", July g. 1897. HENRY FLOOD.
CONTROLLER OF GREATER NETWORK
AN ADVOCATE OF THE RETENTION OF AsHBEI =.
FITCH AND HIS NOMINATION BY
THE REPUBLICANS

THE REPUBLICANS.
To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir Some time ago The TribIne published
communication containing the. declaration that
"the selection Of the right man for Controller "
the Greater New-York IL Of the utmost Importance.
Confusion or uncertainty In Its financial afalrs or
any lack OF confidence in the wisdom or integrity
OF its chief financial officer. would be an irrepara-
BILE Injury 10 It's credit and greatly Increase Its
burden OF taxation In years 10 come. No nexpe-
rienced or untried man should DE intrusted with
the Organi2a lion of the financial system OF the new
city government"
That accords with the sentiment expressed In
favor Of the nomination Of the present Controller,
Ashbel p. Fitch The demand for his selection for
Controller OF the new city IL non pa tissn, and is
made through the columns Of leading journals OF
both parties; and II is urged that he should DE
nominated by both parties. 1t is made with the
double purpose TO retain the services OF an able.
experienced and trusted officer. and to take away
all question OF parisanship from the management
Of the financial affairs Of The new city
This Is wise and logical position. The future
credit Of the city will depend largely upon II
businesslike administration OF its monetary af-
fairs Ii would be serious misfortune to have
the Department of Finance at the mercy OF any
political machine. Mr. Fitch has never made n
change in his Department discharged man
except for cause. The administration Of his office
has been absolutely non-pariisan, every appoint
The spirit well the letter OF the civil Service
laws. Ills ability and fitness are proven, and ne
has the confidence ana respect Of the community.
There be no reason for the selection or AM
other man by either party, except the desire Tor
partisan advantage. which - the thing most
essential 10 be avoided. The reasons which should
influence the choice OF a candidate for Mayor 10
apply TO the Controller. The contest for Mayor
must be political II ii IL non-partisan on one side
depends the control OF all the city departments
for the possession OF which contest L. necessary
AS 10 the controership there 10 no such neceS-
sity. The nomination Of Ashbel L. Fitch by the
Republicans would be i wise act. Many thousands
Of Democrats would certainly vote for him. ana ne
would De elected BY Overwhelming majority.
The knowledge OF that fact would prevent Tam
many from opposing him. The consideration which
makes the retention OF Mr.. Fitch as Controller of
OF locality That this fact Is fully recognized l.
shown by the earnest advocacy of the nomination
Of Mr. Fitch by The Brooklyn Eagle. which is
also an indica ton that the better element OF the
Democratic party In brooklyn well rs In New
York viii support Mr.. Fitch II he IL nominated
by the Republican party, as he should be- .
The suggestion that Mr. Fitch shall re the candi-
date OF both parties accords with the precedent
established in the last election OF his predecessor
nominated FOR his second term by the Republican,
and was promptly accepted by Tanmany Han
The leaders OF that organization did not dare 70
name a candidate against him; and they would
not now dare to oppose the election OF Mr.. fitci
knowing as they DO that public sentiment would
he overwhelmingly against them I'm a partisan coh-
test for control of the Department OF tinance
a REPt' BI.ICAN.
New-York August T. 1897.