The San Francisco call., 1898-09-30
THE BoSS-SHIP OF PHELAN.

HERE Is such thing as a political boss ac-
 quiring more power than IS good for him. In
 fact, the downfall of all men who have attempted to rule by securing control of the political machinery o government may be traced to the bewildering in- tuence of multiplicity of combinations and the ne cessity ot dispensing too many othees From the abdication of Bonaparte who was the abest boss the world has seen, down to the eclipse o Boss Buckley, the story has been the same. Indeed, history indicates that Mayor Phelan is about to become an illustration of the invincible prin- cipe. He is already possessed of more power than is good for him.
 There is no denial of the fact that the Mayor is master of what IS left of the Democracy of San Francisco The Committee of One Hundred has obeyed his will in all its proceedings. None but the adherents of his machine have been nominated, and analysis of the so-called Democratic ticket shows that almost every candidate is under obligations to him for his success Every voter in San Fran cisco knows that the creation of such ticket has been placed before the people by this committee mean but thing. It means that 1t is elected Mr. Phelan will exercise the functions heretofore exer cised by Buckley, Rainey, Harney and the other bosses that say that he will place Phelan Dem ocrats guard and use their political influence for the advancement of himself and friends.
 Mayor Phelan has but one point in his favor-he IS respectable man and does not keep saloon. But his methods those of the regulation municipal manipulator. He packs conventions, pledges those whom he assists to nomination to give him their patronage, connubiates with district and precinct bosses. figures purifying the registers to elect his candidates, and makes nominations for the purpose of controlling the Election Commission.
 The fact that Mayor Phelan says he is honest and claims to be striving to promote good government cuts figure in the matter Buckley always said he was honest and a matter of fact taxes were lower in this city than while he boss. The trouble with Buckley that he gave the offices to his personal friends, and by initiating hostile legsla ton compelled the corporations to put him on their payros Phean's necessities may never force him to this latter expedient but doubtless he will be found in the end promoting the fortunes of his tainers Tn that way. It but step from patronage brokerage to boodng politics.
 We doubt whether the people of San Francisco will indorse the Mayors course in recent manipulation.
 We. are certain that the rank and file of his party will not do so. Buckley overthrown for prac- ticng the kind of politics and unless the peo pie have lost their heads they will not place in Phelan's hands the power to create machine such that potentate controlled.
 If the Phean ticket IS elected the Mayor, assisted by Max Pepper Sammy Braunhart, Phil Fay and Gavin McNab will administer the government Pepper will probably get the street sweeping tract again, Braunhart will handle the Legislature McNab will act special counsel for the Auditor and Supervisors, and Fay will become Prime Minister to the boss and lead him around as Jerry Drisco used to lead Buckley We do not deny that this combina- ton would give us "good government by the whole sale, but it scarcely be claimed that 1t would be peoples government.