New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-10-20
POPULAR OBSERVATIONS.
THE FIGHT IN ALBANY.

III. FiSrhl IN fl'N.N''
To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: Albanians who have the welfare Of Al
bany at heart were surprised and disappointed
to find in the October II issue II The Tribune
a dispatch iom your Albany correspondent
containing laudatory sketch Of the Repuoiicah
machine candidate for Mayor and no mention
of the fight being made by Embossed Repub-
lcans and independents for good government in
Albany.
The ma chine has been forced - nominate
gentleman of elem and respectable character
but none the less is he a machine man. whose
best friends testify that he will implicitly obey
the order Of Boss Harnes-Patts crrand-boy
in the county.
General Marvin, whom Boss Barnes has ex-
humed from the political graveyard III which
he has reposcd ever since he passed into opiV-
ion with the others of Governor Fentons stan
in 1SS has r.aver emerged from his retire
mcnt to take any conspicuous position. nor has
he identified himself in the slightest degree
with any Of the movements which during the
last ten years have devised to promote
.Nbarys webeing and progress in civic life
Indeed. he represents nothing except the ma
chine and the corporations which dictate the
local nominations of both of the great National
party organizations In this city.
a struggle going or in Albany for the redemp-
ton Of the city from boss rule. our best citi-
zens have organized to combat the party ma
chimes and their allies. the gas. street railway
and telephone corporations which support ana
control them.
In three municipal elections an Independent
candidate for Mayor has been placed in the
field. In 1899 the movement was crowned with
success. and Oren f. Wilson was elected Mayor.
In spite Of every obstacle which could he devised
by both political machines to block progress.
Mayor Wilson's administration was the best and
most intelligent the city has had during the
memory of tn present generation.
Ru, the opposition Of Mayor Wilson ~ the
electric lighting contract. which a comrlacont
Board ~ Aldermen had passed through the
Common Council arrayed against him All the
powers OF III" municipal gas monopoly and its
allied corporations. ana Mr.. Wilson was de
feated for reelection.
Mayor Wilson's most efficient supporter and.
indeed almost tire only one. In the Com
mon Council in his fight against the lighting
monopoly. was Alderman George H. Stevens.
His efforts ir behalf II this cause and other
measures for good government we're consplcu-
Gus, able and constant. and he became the
recognized champion Of the people against the
bosses I'm the Board Of Aldermen
In the mean time the citizens movement had
become highly organized and perfected as the
Albany Nigilan,e League. which stands to-
day in Albany FOR the highest and best IN its
political social and business iif". Under IFS IN
fuence the civic pride ~ The city has been
aroused. and general attention has been di-
rected TO the necessity for Embossed inunicipai
administration.
Last week at an enthusiastic meeting OF IN"
League Alderman George II Stevens was non-
mated a. the candidate Of the League for Mayor.
The Leagues strength in the city. ana the
character. ability and personal popularity ot
Alderman stevens. make n possible to elect him.
But all the powers % the allied corporations
are being brought 10 bear against him. "a be
fore they were marshallcd against Mayor VII
son. and need tho help ~ every good man
and influence to assure success.
II is a hard fight. but We shall hght 70 tho
finish We are lighting the same battle ana
meeting the same enemies that YOU arc IN
Greater NeW-York. and we feel sure that Inc
Tribune and It's vast body Of readers have only
To know the facts 70 enlist their sympathy ana
aid In our local battle in tho great warfare
now going on all Over the country Tor inunlci
pal independence. ~
ALBANY Oct II 1897