Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-10-11
LINEUP OF FORCES
Present Aspect of the Political Strug-
gle in Greater New York.
PERSONALITY OF TIE CANDIDATES
Shrewd Game Being Played by
Tom johnson of Cleveland.
LIGHT REGISTRATION so FAR

NEW YORK, October 1.-THE approach
ing political contest in Greater New York
Is of national significance. AS the time
draws near when the ballot box will re-
ceivc the peoples verdict, the general pub
lie is naturally anxious to know something
about the attempt to secure control of
offices involving the expenditure Of 10000
900 annually: something about the men and
the forces now engaged in this gigantic
struggle for political supremacy in what
will be the second largest city of the world.
Results? 1t is too early to attempt 10
forecast results when no one can tell what
changes day will bring forth Tracy, Low,
Van Wyck. George-there are large blocks
of citizens equally confident that OF these
candidates tn >ir favorite will win
Although two days of registration have
passed. there has not been that wild and
expected rush of people to qualify. In fact,
the registration for the two days has run
behind the total for similar period last
year. The figures, however, run ahead OF
those of two years ago. 1t IS thought that
the total vote in Greater New York will
approximate 100000 of which Jth.W@ VIII
go to the regular candidates. The scatter
ing vote and that for Patrick Gleason
mayor of Long Island City, and independ-
ent candidate for mayor of the larger CITY.
will account for perhaps 10000 more
Should the four leading candidates break
n, II
more than 125.O0O ballots to elect. And
though New York city, in common with
the other great cities of the country, may
be normally democratic. the program Of
the Greater New York voter this year
seems to be SO completely shrouded IN
mystery that 1t can only be expressed by
the ~" which represents an unknown
quantity
Personality of the Candidates.
However the election may go. it is in
teresting to watch the play of the forces
and study the men who apparently hold
the destinies CT the greatest city on the
American continent in their hands.
First, there is General B. F. Tracy, the
candidate of the regular republican organi-
cations. Gen. Tracys personality ana char-
acter are too well known In Washington 10
require extended description However, II
is worth noticing that he has aged rapidly
since. mis- selection TO fill the portfolio of
Secretary of the Treasury under General
Harrison. 1t is also worth mentioning that
at least two of the candidates enter the
contest without personal ambitions.
These two candidates are Cen Tracy and
Henry George. Both of these men, the one
the representative of the republican party
the other in many respects the representa-
tive of Bryan and the Chicago platform
care more for the principles which they
typify than for the office itself. For Gen.
Tracy. who won his spurs in the service Of
the republican party OF Lincoln. VINO ac-
quired military fame and renown during
the days of the war of the rebellion, who
was the friend of Grant and the associate
of Harrison. public life can hold out few
additional rewards. He has repeatedly said
that he would have preferred 10 have
another lead the republican hosts in the
fight this fall. and. even in his speech be-
fore the convention which nominated him,
he indicated that, personally, he would
gladly step aside in case he could retire
with honor from the field. and in case his
services were not required by the republic
Rg0 N "a fnl
regard him modern Cincinnatus, called
from private life to again lead to victory.
On the other hand. Henry George an
nCunces to all corners that he cares moth
ing for the Office; that public life. with its
duties and its cares. is repugnant to him;
that he would have preferred TO be allowed
to complete his political economy, q work
which he sincerely hopes will some time
rank with the writings of Smith and Mill.
But he says he holds with Thomas Jefer-
sen that while a man should not seek pub
lie Office, no citizen has the right to refuse
the call of his fellow citizens.
Il would accept, he said. in his Cooper
Union speech. even though 1t should cost
me my life. Whether 1 win or whether
lose in the contest means nothing to me-"
Something to Us. though" sang out a
voice in the rear of the hall.
Yes" replied the speaker. noticing the
interruption. something to all of US: some
thing TO friends and relatives in the
far-off lands; something for the future
something for the world; to make the fight
Is QOilOF, ENCtleT IL De 1Cr success fall
ure.'
Two Earnest Candidates.
Two OF the candidates. younger men, are
In deadly earnest Tie friends of Judge
Van Wyck, the Tamnlany Hall nominee
claim that another Tilden. or even a
stronger character and personality. will be
evolved from the choice of the regular
democratic candidate. Already they have
stretched his path away in the direction Of
Albany. and some Of his more enthusiastic
supporters even see visions and dream
dreams of the White House
As for Seth Low-the president of Co
lumbia L niversfty-he is nothing if not am
bilious Personal ambition forced him into
the Brooklyn municipal fights: personal
ambition induced him to surrender 4 pros
porous East India trade and million dol
lars for a new library for Columbia and its
presidency personal ambition has caused
him 10 consent to become n .'unifying
force for the Citizens Union And in
spite OF all the pressure brought to bear
upon him by old admirers and friends 10
lhauce him TO Withdraw in favor # Tracy
or compromise candidate. he has steadily
declined 10 listen to suggestions of this
character. The aim of Seth Lows life is
apparently to become republican Cleve-
Enu he would steer clear of the rocks
and the shoals which were ancountered
during Cleveland's last term. He iInayines
that ii he could be elected mayor nj
Eseater New York by the independents
ernor. IN spite of the leaders and in sp:,e
OF tne organization, and that afterward the
White House would be easy.
Centers of the Fight
The headquarters of General Tracy are
tie rooms at the Metropolitan Life Insur.
ance building made famous during the
last presidential campaign as the eastern
headquarters of the national committee
Here General Tracy can be found daily
surrounded by corps of assistants Sen.
ator Platt and the state committee are
CHARTERED at the Fifth Avenue Hotel di.
roctly across Madison Square. Chairman
Quigg. whose brilliant career as congress
Elan and republican leader has surprised
even his warmest admirers has his offices
In the life insurance building At thes.
rooms gather daily Postmaster Van Colt
Lieutenant Governor Woodruff and other
congenial spirits.
If Tracy has had handed down to him a,
the life insurance building the example OF
last years success. evidently Judge Var
Wyck. the Tammany Hall candidate, is
counting defeat. for he has engaged the
same headquarters that last year sheltered
the Organizes Ex-Mayor Grant, who has