New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-24

The movement which took definite form In
the organization of the Citizens Union on Mon
day night. at Cooper Union. undoubtedly has the
svmpathy and support Of all citizens who are
more interested in good government and honest
municipal administration than in the success Of
anv party or faction or the promotion OF any
individual fortunes. 1t is in line with the
avowed object of the provision in the new Con.
stitution separating municipal from State and
National elections. which was TO remove the
former from the demOralizing influences Of ma
chine politics and the corrupt control of machine
managers and establish as far az possible the
principle that the administration of municipal
affairs should be conducted like the affairs Of
any other corporation upon business principles
by business men. With that object The Irlb
une. as its readers well know, has been in entire
sympathy from the beginning; and 1t is perhaps
needless TO add that any movement to make Inc
constitutional provision practical and enectNe
will receive its hearty cooperation.
The high character and standing Of the gentle
men who have interested themselves IN the mat
ter and whose names appear in connection wlth
and as officers Of, the organization Just erected
are sufficient guarantee that It's aims are IN
accordance with the aspirations OF all good cltl-
zens for better municipal government and that
the work 10 which they have set their hands VIII
be prosecuted with diligence and zeal as wen
as with business sense, prudence and sagaclty
They have not entered upon their task day TOO
soon The Tribune pointed out some time ago
that in view OF the obvious difficulties III The
way Of assembling the elements and perfectng
the organization preparatory to the election next
November no time was TO he lost. 1t was upon
this hint we believe, that the first steps were
taken which eliminated in the meeting on Mon
day evening at Cooper Union. For it IS 10 be
borne in mind that while the party machinery
10 which the Citizens Union is opposed Is on
both sides thoroughly organized and In work
ing order, the elements that must be depended
upon 10 form the opposition are as yet, or were
until Monday. without organization or coher-
ence They have TO be detached from their old
party associations, brought together in a new
combination. united and sOlidifed with com
mon bond In common purpose. 1t VIII not
ia 10 underestimate the difficulties in the way
Of such an enterprise or put too much trust IN
,ts manifest reasonableness for its effect upon
the intelligence and patriotism OF the average
voter. The Citizens Union has several months
NJ very hard work before It IL 1t Is TO accomplish
the objects 1t seeks.
And we shall be pardoned II we say that be-
sides the hard, dragging work Of enrolling and
organizing the voters. some skill In the presenta
ton Of facts and arguments. and great care in
the avoidance Of causes Of offence-as, for in
stance. tie assumption Of superior virtue and
too sweeping condemnation OF everything that
has been done heretofore and everybody who
has been or still Is prominent and active In ex-
lstIng political organizations required. 1t IL
10 be remembered that existing parties are the
recruiting ground for the new Un.'n; that the
great body of voters are members Of either the
Republican or the Democratic party, and that,
however well convinced they may be OF the wis
dom and practicability OF an organization Of