New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-11-06
THE CONTRAST.

The prevailing sentiment within the Repub-
llcan party which dictated the nomination 81
Colonel Roosevelt owed a large share of Its
strength 10 the knowledge that lie was a man
of the highest and most vigorous moral cour
age. who in all his public life had never feared
or dsliked TO declare his convictions and act In
accordance with them. The recognition thus
conspicuously given 10 that quality was cred
liable TO the party. and there was every reason
TO believe from the moment Of the nomination
that II would prove as politically wise as it
was Credtabe. But 1t could not be known
how great a part the candidates courageous
candor would play in the campaign, for nobody
had then fully comprehended the moral COW
ardice of the enemy A striking contrast was
expected, but such a contrast as every day OF
the campaign has witnessed was not fOrescen
Ii is impossible to doubt that it has made n
deep impression upon the minds of tie voters
who have gathered In immense numbers TO see
and hear Colonel Roosevelt and upon the great
or multitude who have read his incisive
straightforward speeches.
Colonel Roosevelt tells the exact truth when
he says that there is no issue which he has
not frankly met or question which he has not
honestly answered No interruption, fairly or
unfairly intended. has confused him for mo
ment He has never shown felt the slight
est embarrassment in accepting challenge
On the contrary. he has constantly invited per-
sonal Interrogation, and In every instance has
satisfied and delighted his audience by his
frank and exactly pertinent replies. The peo-
pie all know just where he stands. He has
proclaimed his position with respect TO every
issue, State and National without n trace OF
hesitation or anxiety or indirectness.
And while the people have been studying
Roosevelt their thoughts have inevitably turned
to Van Wyck for the formers courage has
made the latter's cowardice douby consplcu
GUS Even those to whom the contrast is most
distressing have been forced to contemplate It.
At every turn it has stared them In the face,
whether the Democratic candidate was pres
ent In the flesh or not. They have listened In
vain for one single word from his lips concern
ing matters which, whatever their own opn-
ions about them may be- they know are Of
vital Importance to every citizen. His election
of honest mnded citizens think would be dan
gerous between the Executive office at Albany
and the Mayors office in New-York. Does Mr..
Van Wyck consider such apprehensiOns nau-
raj though in the present case unnecessary?
knows Here is a man who a month ago was
a fudge of the Supreme Court, bound by the
most solemn obligations, and supposed 10 be
bound by his own liveliest sympathles. to de-
fend the bench against the slightest invasion
Of It's honor and independence. Has he had
ANYTHING to say about CrOker's attempt 10 de-
grade the judiciary to his political and per-
sonal service? Not one word. 1t may not only
have frightened but Disguised him Possibly
he thinks It was nothing worse than blum
der The public has no means OF knowing what
he thinks Two years ago Judge Van Wyck
voted for William !. Bryan. Did he believe
age of silver? He has not given the people
the faintest intimation Of his opinions on that
subject David b. Hill cheerfuly procaims
that New-York is wide open" There is over
UhelminC evidence to show that il Is, that il
was made and is kept so in consideration Of
cash paid TO those who are sworn to suppress
vice and crime. and that the consequences are
Infamous Does this candidate so lately on the
bench approve and desire to perpetuate the
! existing state Of things? Or does he hold that
! Hill is a campaign liar, that ten thousand clti-
! Zens bear false witness and that no such state
Of things exists? Nobody knows.
Assuredly the contrast between courage and
cowardce which this campaign has produced
IS one of the most remarkable specacles in the
history Of politics It needs to he. and We
/ firmly believe il will be- appropriately matched
! next Tuesday by the contrast between The vote
/ for Roosevelt and the vote for Van Wyck.