The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1897-02-26
How a Change of Slate is Claimed
to Have Ruined Democracy.

Accidents often decide the destinies
of men as well as of nations. 1t is
strange how easily we forget change
ofprogram, which, if carried out, would
have affected the history of the entire
country. A ease in point was the occa-
sion when David b. Hill was slated for
the nomination for Governor of the
great State of New York. Matters had
progressed most satisfactorily, and the
delegates from the different sections of
the Empire State had been selected
with pretty well defined idea that
Hill was to be the Democratic nomi-
nee for Governor. At a consultation
of Ring Democrats it was thought adj
visable to spring Grover Cleveland
upon the people, as he had been the
successful Mayor of Buffalo, and had
not been known in active politics
throughout the State. The suggestion
seemed TO meet with favor, and Hill,
ready to serve his party, abandoned
the Governorship nomination and ac-
cepted the position of Lieutenant Gov
ernor on the ticket The fight was
made bv the machine Democrats of
New York State, including Tammany,
and Cleveland was elected Governor
and Hill Lieutenant Governor. Owing
to his position, Hill presided over the
State Senate, and. rendered efficient
service to his party, by his ability and
thorough knowledge of State maaters.
In view of Cleveland's election as Gov
ernor of New York, he was made the
Democratic nominee for President OF
the United States and reelected to a
second term. At both elections his
party was united in every section OF
the Union, and never did Democrats
work harder for machine nomination.
In few days Mr.. Cleveland will leave
the White House after his second term,
and it is hardly necessary to say, that
never was the Democratic party so
thoroughly demoralized as it has been
for the past twelve months. Seldom
has it ever been known where Demo-
cratic President, through his direct IN
fluence. gave aid and assistance to ac-
complish the defeat of the regular NOM
inees of the party in a State election,
or where his Secretary of the Treasury
could be found using his official posi-
ton, in helping to bring defeat to the
regular Democratic caucus nominee OF
his party, and which defeat turned the
Senate of the United States into the
hands of the opposition. Now, If the
original program of the Democrats of
New York State had been carried out,
David B. Hill would have been nomi-
mated and elected Governor of New
York, and that election would have Sc
cured him the nomination and election
of President of the United States. Had
Hill been President, he would have
had Democratic administration and
the reign of Democracy would have
been perpetuated for a generation. No
regular nominee of any State in the
Union would have been defeated
through his influence or assistance. No
caucus nominee of a party for Senator
of the United States would have been
defeated by his Secretary of the Treas
ury using his official position to ac-
complish the defeat of caucus nomi-
nee. Had Hill been President, who
believes the Democratic party would
be in the demoralized condition it oc-
cupies throughout the country to-day.
A change in the slate of the New York
Ring brought all this about. Now,
will Mr.. Cleveland lend a helping hand
to bring about harmony in the ranks
of Democracy throughout the Union.