New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-06-29
TILE ENROLNENT.

Mr. Ouigg has been led to think better Of his
wholesale prescription Of members of the Ciu-
zens Union and has modified his requirements
for enrolment so that ANY Republican who does
not feel that he Is committed 10 the support Of
"some other organization will be welcomed to-
the Republican body 1t is unfortunate that
this moderate statement rot made in the
first place. 1t would not have served so well
10 test the temper of the Citizens Union, but it
would have created fewer impedments in the
way Of cooperation among the anti-Tammany
bodies which is the supreme thing to he accom-
pished at the present tine. But late cOncila-
ton is better than none at all. and if the enroll
ing officers take Mr. Quigg at his latest word
and carry out his instructions with the honest
intention of reuniting Republicans of all shades
Of opinion the organization may be made really
representative one.
All voters who last year supported the Repub-
Gcan party and hope in the future 10 act with
1t should present themselves At the meeting
places in their respective districts tonight and
put themselves in position to make their voice
heard In its councils. They should not hold
aloof through any fear that their enrolment will
bind their liberty as citizens TO exercise con
scicntious Judgment on The action of parties and
the character Of men. The Republican party is
not inimical to citizenship. 1t is not a platoon
OF dummies walking in convict step, afraid to
look to right or left but an organization of free
thinking men. banded together 10 promote GER
tain great policies Of government and allowing
reasonable latitude FOR individual discretion
The pledge Of the rgalzation IN this county
under the constitution as formed by the Com
mittee of Thirty read: 81 am a voter and Re
publican. l desire TO promote the success or
"the Republican party and intend to act with
ait at the next election desire to enforce
machine regularity has led 10 an amendment re-
curing strctor statement Of past support OF the
whole party ticket. But Mr.. QuigS has properly
chosen TO ignore thar narrow minded rule. and
SAYS that every man is TO be received WHO
supported Mckinley and Hobart last NOvem-
"bcr and who intends 10 support the Republican
cricket next November" That does not mean
that a man binds himself under cath TO do every
single act his party convention may ask him to
do. 1t is Il perfectly familiar fact in the history
Of all parties that names sometimes get upon
ballots which are so d.sgraceful that no party
leader and no party paper defend them. To
refuse to vote for them does not make man
traitor. and the possibility that conscience may
require such a refusal in future need not par
man from the organization.
80 let all Republicans enroll The party Is
broad enough if liberal disposition rules It's
leaders. and. in spite Of irritation at the course
Of the Citizens Union. the management here pro
fesses Nberaty. Let those who believe In Re
publican doctrines who voted for a Republican
President and who desire to work with the Re
publican party this fall put their names on the
list This is the time for all Republicans to get
together and so rule the workings Of their party
machinery as TO promote union with voters Of
other affiliations so that the city may not be
given over to Tammany for plumber.