New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-10-13
THE CLERGYMAN'S GUIDE.

II the clergy Of this city have been IN doubt as
TO their political duty at the approaching munic
lpal election they need hesitate no longer. The
Clergyman's Guide. "rhe New-YOrk Sun" has
pointed 1t ont for them with considerable clear
ness no little urgency and. for wonder, in
quite respectful language. The Sun Is OBJ
vlously apprehcnsive that the clergy as n body
may go wrong in fact may with practical UNI
nimity. though without prcconccrt. vote for Seth
Low. And It Is not 10 be denied that rs ap-
prehcnsiOns in that regard are well founded. In
the opinion Of intelligent and careful observers
Of the political currents. the clergymen OF this
city Will almost without exception give not only
their votes. hut their active influence, for The
candidate Of the Citizens Union. That IS Of
course, provided they are not turned from the
error of their ways by the arguments and ex-
hcrtations Of the new religious crusader which
addresses them IN the capacity Of the Clergy
mans Guide. The Suns" abors In the re-
llglous field hitherto. far as they have been
addressed TO the clergy, have been denuncatory
rather than persuasive. II has been cynical
satirical and derlsive rather than argumentative
or hcrtatory. It's business being to serve the
cause of successful and profitable vice by hold
ing up every profession Of n vrtuous purpose
as a hypocritcal pretence and every movement
in the interest Of good morals and social purity
as a sham and humbug. the clergy have been
naturally for many years a shining mark for
its ralllery and ridlcule. The suddenness of the
conversion may starle the clergymcn to whom
1.-The Sun" addresses its counscls. but they will
no doubt as Is their habit give them respect
eul hearing.
And as the clergy for obvious reasons are not
habitual readers Of The Sum-" we take pleas
ure in making it known to them that they are
the objects Of that newspapers solicitude THE
Sun tells them that this Is no time for eclectic
politics." that Mr.. Low Is simply conducting
"a diversion which, being diversion, is wholly
"ln the interest Of the opponents Of organized
society Then 1t says in a patronizny way.
that "clcrgymen are men Of education. trained
10 reason and reflection; and il they deal with
politics with their heads there are no men
more likely TO come out right: but alas and
alas. when they 90 into politics under the i'm
"pu'se Of their blind emotions only. no men ore
$50 likely to come out wrong" 1t proceeds TO put
them on their guard against being carried away
by their emotions. "Of all political campaigns
in our remembrance" 1t says Whose remem-
brance Is this? one naturally inquiries San old
campalsner's or some fresh young fellow's0
this has been most distinguished by sheer hum
"bug and rank political immortality. It has
been vile campaign. full Of treachery and
Hypocrisy and false pretencc along with folly
almost inconccivabc.' This Is the testimony
Of an expert. none more competent. The news
paper that stabbed Hancock IN 1880 made a
fool campaign for Butler In 1891. ana pretended
10 support Cleveland in 1883 and 1892 while Sc
cretly wishing and cOntriving for his defeat,
ought to be judge OF treachery. hypocrisy and
false pre;cncc. The clergymen will do we'll to
bear that in mind IN weighing the counscls Of
their new guide. Also TO pay due heed to the
Guides solemn assertion that "the issue between