New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-09-06
LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES.

The Republicans Of NewYOrk are thoroughly
aroused to the importance of the coming cleo
ton for Governor. and are exhibiting keen in
terest in the selection of candidate who will
receive the support of every element in the
party organization and also of the great body
of independent voters who hold the balance Of
power between the two parties. Republicans
are In that happy condition where they realize
the wisdom of deserving support, and it is bet
ter to enter into campaign even against odds
I'm that frame of mind than to prepare for al
most certain victory in the conviction that the
organization is strong enough to force any can
didate or any measure on a helpless electorate.
Republican politics in Ncw-YOrk has not al
ways been managed in that spirit, and mis-
fortune and unnecessary defeat have resulted.
The present disposition of the voters TO pick out
their own candidates promises better for sue
cess than any amount Of apathy or dragooned
discipline so often iDiscallCd harmony.
THIS hopeful popular interest and determina-
ton to lead rather than TO follow politicians
should not be confined 10 the Goycrnorship. II
should extend TO the selection Of candidates
for other State Offices and particularly to nom
nations for members Of the Legislature. y
good Governor is an incs,Imablc blessing, and
a good candidate for Governor Is priceless
boon to his party But the Governors in
fluence is largely negative in stopping bad legis-
latjon while the Senate and Assembly are the
positive forces which should work for the PEG
ples interests. and would so work il the people
took adequate precaution to have them. SO.
too in the campaign the character of q legisla-
tive candidate is quite important rs that of
n man on the State ticket. His success really
depends more on himself than does that OF The
person running in tho larger constituency. Peo-
ple often vote the State ticket OF their party
even II they are not satisfied with the candi-
dates or the method of their nomination. They
are far more likely TO bolt nominee for Senate
or Assembly for personal reasons or because he
is nominated through outside d.ctation. 1t IL
therefore extremely important that the Repub-
lican candidates for the Legislature this fall
should In every district he men who will com
mand the respect OF their neighborS. secure the
support OF independent voters and assure 10 the
people that Republican majority in the Legs
lature will stand firm against political or imam
clal jObOery The nomination of weak or tainted
candidates may mean not merely the loss Of par.
ticular districts even the loss of one house
Of the Legislature. but IT may mean the alicna-
ton OF support for the State ticket suf-
ficient to change the complexion of the govern
mcnt IL the contest happens to be close one.
The lesson Of last year should not he forgotten.
An excellent candidate for Chief Judge of the
Court Of Appeals was defeated through the
folly of the party organization In this city In
nominating General Tracy for Mayor and drlv-
inc from the support of the local ticket lJo,eOo
voters. thousands of whor-more than enough
TO elect him-from disgust with the party or be-
couse uf the ANNOYANCE of splitting tickets
failed TO vote for Judge Wallace. though tney
had TO desire to elect his opponent.
This is the year when, for the sake OF the Ma
tional Administration. as tribute OF Loyalty 70
the Government. which has Just concluded
successful war, II is necessary that the Repuo
lcans should not only carry the State of New
York by rousing majority, but should roll nt
q large vote Ia every county. The iact cannon