The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-10-30
DEATH or MR. GEORGE.

If anything was lacking to give dramatic
interest to the first municipal campaign in
Greater New York it is supplied by the
sudden death of Mr.. Henry George. 1t has
been remarked of late that he contributed
most Of the ginger and picturesqueness
to the campaign, and now, by his death,
three days before the election, he has con-
tributed a most unexpected element of
tragedy. That he was a man of decided
ability, strong character and forceful per-
sonality will be admitted even by those
who regarded him as Unbalanced. No ordi-
nary man could have succeeded in propa-
eating and, within certain limitations, pop
ularizing economic views which were at
once novel and calculated to invite opposi-
ton to the extent that Mr.. George did his
views in favor Of single land tax. His per-
siste1gt and unwavering advocacy of this
and other socialstic doctrines showed that
he possessed force of character, strength
of conviction and honesty Of purpose to an
unusual degree. These qualities also APP
peared in his books, some of which were
very widely read. That he was a man Of
more than ordinary ability is further shown
by the fact that in 1856, only six years after
ne took up his residence in New York COM
paratively an unknown man, he received
6S,000 votes for mayor. 1t must also be said
for him that he was of unquestioned per-
sonal integrity, and, so far as known, up
right life. These qualities won a certain de-
gree of respect for him from persons who
totally differed from his economic and po-
litical views and who regarded him as a
dangerous, because honest, earnest and
misguided agitatol'. Such as his views were,
he proclaimed them boldly, and never tried
to curry public favor by modifying or quail
flying them. If he had been elected mayor
of Greater New York he would have been
the same after as before the election. and
would have done his best to give reform
administration according to his notions Of
reform From the tone of his speeches it is
evident he would have been relentless foe
of Tammany and political bosses generally.
1t has been evident for some weeks past
in the municipal campaign, and no doubt he
would have received large vote. Tom
Johnson said a few days ago that "the.
working people and small tradesmen are
for George-the wage earners and men with
small incomes" He also predicted that
George would receive from 100000 to 40 600
votes. Such predictions do not count for
much, but it is probable the bulk of Mr..
Georges strength was among the class in
dicated Where it will go now is matter
for conjecture. The substitution of his son.
Henry George, jr., a candidate in place
OF the deceased father was probably the
only thing the Jeffersonian Democrats could
do. The ballots are printed with the name
of Henry George at the head, and it was
too late to make any change of names. The
death of the father does away with the ir.
and the younger George fills all the require
ments OF legal candidate. No doubt he
will receive a considerable vote but moth
ing like that which his father would have
received. Henry Georges personality is re-
moved from the campaign and his follow
ing will scatter. There are five other tickets
in the field, viz, the straight Republican
Tracy; the Citizens Union and National
Democratic, Low; the regular Tammany
Democratic, Van Wyck; the Socialist
Labor, and the United Democracy. Not
withstanding the fact that Mr.. George has
been making bitter fight against Tam
many it is probable a large part of his
strength will go there and most of the
residue divide between Low and Tracy. The
nomination of the son is a clever ruse to
hold the George strength together but it
is not likely to succeed.