New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-02-04
THE ANTJ-PAYN SENATOR'S.

The nine Republican Senators who voted
against the confirmation of Louis +. Payn as
Superintendent of Insurance. though they failed
TO defeat that unwse nomination, deserve to be
held in grateful remembrance by all Repub-
leans to whom the honor of the party is dearer
than the success of any political machine. They
were all subjected 10 the stress of great tempta-
ton. Establishments and threats alike were
brought to bear upon them. Though il is doubt
less true. as alleged, that Governor Black per-
Sonaly made no promise and uttered no threats,
the merest tyro in politics could not help know
ing from the unusual interest he manifested in
the matter, and his personal solicitations to Sen
ators for their favorable action that diScrim-
nation in the distribution of Executive favors
would inevitably be exercised to the advantage
of those who complied with his wishes. TO this
it may be added that the conduct and bearing
of Mr. Payn's active champions in the Senate,
and the arrogant tone of their prepared speeches
in his behalf left no doubt of a purpose on the
part of the machine leaders to subject the oppo-
nents of Mr.. Payn to rigid party discipline, If
not to put them under the ban and crush them.
1t IS greatly to the credit of these nine self
respecting. loyal Republican Senators that they
so manfuy stood up for their convictions, re-
apparently and for the moment ineiicacous.
will not be without wholesome influence. 1t
will serve to retain in some degree the conf
dence which the mass of voters rcpOse in the
party, and for some time 10 come will "shinc
like a good deed in n naughty world
1t remains TO be seen whether any attempt
will be made directly or indirectly on the part
of the Governor and his obcdicnt followers in
the Legislature to punish the nine rccusants for
their temerity in maintaining their own convic
tons against Executive dictation. Governor
Black has accomplished his purpose. He has
put his friend into the office OF Superintendent
of Insurance But he knows what effort it cost
him. and he must know as well that it has not
been without considerable damage TO his repula-
ton and sacrifice Of personal popularity. lie
has signifcd his loyalty to the machine and has
demonstrated his gratitude to the individual to
whom he is alleged to owe his nomination. SO
far as that IS concerned, his debts are paid.
That he has not up TO date promoted harmony
in the party. but, on the contrary. has brought
about dissatisfaction and dissension, is evident.
II depends upon him alone TO show by his action
in the future whether he has the wisdom and
breadth Of view TO cultivate harmonious rela-
tons with n united party and reasonable IN
derstanding with Republicans who do not upon
all points agree with him. or, following the in
stlncts of the petty machine politician. Will put
his own future and the success Of the party in
peril by seeking 10 crafty his resentments.
The appointment of Payn has created feel
ing of dissatisfaction that must inevitably pro-
duce breach in the party. If the animOSities
il has engcndpred are kept alive by his friends
instead of being suffered to cool and disappear
with the lapse Of time report is in circulation
that since his confirmation Mr.. Payn has signi-
fed his intention 10 administer the office with
such efficiency and fidelity as to vindcate the
Governors choice and refute the charges which
have been brought against lin. We certainly
hope that the report is true. and that he Will
succeed in his most laudable purpose. He can
make a good beginning toward establishing HIM
self in public favor by dsmissing any feeling
of resentment he may have toward those who
opposed his appointment. And his friends who
advocated bis confirmation with such unneceS-
sary heat will do good thing for themselves
and the Republican party if they initiate such
an example