New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-09-21

ganzaton. In this state Of things it would
seem To an intelligent and unprecedented observer
that the chief. If not the sole question for
Republican convention 10 consider would he. not
who or what sort of men had forestalled its
action or what were their motives. hui whether
that candidate waS. all things considered. the
most available: whether he would draw the
most votes. What the party wants is votes.
OF the Citizens Union. its strength or It's weak
ness one Of two things must be true Either it
has behind il Formidable following that has
10 be reckoned with by practical politicians or
it is insignificant in numbers in which case the
Republican organization would he exhibiting
u most silly ~ well as unreasonable sensitive
ness in resnniing ts action rs arrogant and die
tatoral. If il is sufficient in numbers to justify
resentment it is certainly sufficient TO he treat
ed as a factor Of importance. one thing we be-
lieve. may he counted dead certainty. and
tina, Is that these inexperienced and irrcspOn-
sible persons will not Withdraw their candidate.
Whatever action the Republican leaders take
must be taken IN view Of that fact. He is al
ready in the field. and undoubtedly to stay.
How large a portion of Republican votes he
will receive is op.n To oniecuTc. but no intclli-
gent observer doubts that it will be enough to
The question That confronts the Republican lead
crs. then. is whether they are ready and willing
TO take that responsibility. Should the Repub-
lican convention nominatc Mr.. Low, from pres
cnt appearances he will be triumphantly elect
ed. The talk of a few loosc-tongucd politicians
about Republicans refusing TO vote for him is
the mcrcst chaf1 IF there any such they
will have to vote for the Tammany candidate.
The party can well afford to lose that kind of
support.
But can the Republican leaders who damned
the charter through and created the Greater
NewY afford TO throw the new municipality.
with its enlarged powers and enormous patron
age. into the hands Of Tammany for any reason
whatever? Theirs Is the responsibility. They
say the Citizens | 'nion will be responsible. But
they assert also that the Citizens Union il an
irresponsible body. which is mcasurably true.
1t has no past with which to he consistent and
no future 10 guard. 1t can better afford 10 be
defeated than the Republican party can. with its
creation OF the Greater New York to be justified
and its success in the future to bc cared for.
The Republican leaders say that the Citizens
Union people are leadstrong and reckless. and
would rather have Tammnny triumphant than
withdraw their candidate. II that Is the case.
they will not he without some grains of consola-
ton IN case the action Of the Republicans leads
to a Tammany victory. As for the Republican
leaders in such an event, what would become OF
their reputation for shrewdness. foresight and
sagacity? Present defeat would he hut the fore
runner of n train Of disasters for which the peo
pie would justly hold them responsible. Is it
worth while to take such risk when the nom
ination of Low would without any sacrifice OF
principle clear up the whole situation and make
the election of Republican Mayor reasonably
certain?