New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-05-19
W. g. VHITNEY'S POSITION.
HE THINKS THE LOCAL DEMOCRACY
SHOULD IGNORE NATIONAL ISSUES.


More than one reason has been assigned in ex-
PLANTATION OF the fact that ex-Secretary William Z.
Whitney changed his plans about going to Europe
recently. and instead OF starting off TO spend the
summer in England and the Continent with
his wife, decided to remain in Ncw-York. One
reason given is that the affairs of the Metropo-
tan Traction Company are In such condition that
he thought It imprudent to absent himself from
the country at this time. Mr.. Whitney Is the ruling
spirit well one of the heaviest stockhold-
ers In this great corporation. and when its extern
sions are antagonized by the Third-ave cable line
and efforts under way take possession of
some OF Its most valuable franchises in the name
of the city. It would not seem unnatural for him
to decide that the best place for him under the
circumstances this city.
Another reason given is that Mr. Whitney stays
at home to take "A hand in shaping the political af
fairs of the new metropolis AS The Tribune sug-
gesed on Monday. Mr.. Whitney is credited with
being possessed with ambition TO take control
of the warning and dsjointed odds and ends of the
Democracy and, welding them into a homogeneous
mass. lead them to victory at the first municipal
election OF the Greater New-York next November.
Mr.. Whitney has long been regarded as having the
qualities necessary to political leadership lie
demonstrated his abilities in this line at the Demo
cratic National Convention of 1899 at Chicago. when
he forced the nomination OF Grover Cleveland in
spite OF the solid opposition of Senator Hills New
York machine, backed and aided by many Of the
most crafty manpulators of State politics the
Democratic party then contained. Mr.. Whitney
tried it last year. second time. Chicago, when
he sought to stem the tide OF free silver and secure
the nomination Of gold candidates on a gold plat
form The signal defeat of his plans in 1896 may
have something to do with the earnest desire
which is said to inspire him to lead the Demo
cratic party of the newly chartered city out of its
present slough OF despond
Mr.. Whitney. when seen at his home, No. 81
Fifth-ave. last evening. could not be induced 10
say anything about the causes which had operated
to keep him In New-York when II known that
his arrangements were made less than a month ago
for going abroad.
II think that the political situation Ia very in
teresting." he remarked. after few observations
about matters more less personal which cannot
be quoted here. THE Republican party. as feared
last year and did not hesitate to predict in the
heat OF the campaign has disappointed the men
of independence and patriotic sentiments who cut
gave its candidates their generous support
I'm what respect?" Mr.. Whitney was asked.
We'll. take the DinGley bill. for instance. he re-
piled. IF such measure had been outlined before
the election the method by which the Republi
cans meant to meet the expectations of the coun-
try it might have been disastrous to Mr. Mcktn-
leys successor. The result is that the party has
alienated not only its recent allies i'm the sound
money campaign. but many Of its own sturdy fol-
lowers Its record IN legislation at Albany is hav-
ing the same effect
Mr. Whitney refused to go further into details
and closed the interview by saying:
81 think that In the coming municipal campaign
and conduct their campaign on local issues with
n man of character. ability and popularity TO head
their ticket for Mayor, 1t would stand good
chance of success.