The sun., 1898-01-09
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10 THE EDITOR or THE SUN-Sfr: As mem
ber Of the Manhattan Club and also OF the
Democratic Club wish TO enter protest
against the effort that has been made to disrupt
the former organization.
In doing this must run counter TO Mr. Gro
ker, OF course. and. dare say. a great many
people will aver that It would be my certain
political death should my identity be disclosed
However, am not afraid Of that. I am q
Tammany man, to be sure. and it seems to be
In order nowadays for men Of that organization
to bow TO Mr.. Croker's commands in social as
well as political matters. Yet am one Of those
who dissent in part There must be q point
somewhere at which political dictatorship ends
and Individual privilege begins. think that
point 10 where member Of Tammany Hall may
claim the right to locate his homo or establish
himself as o club man in this community.
Mr.. Croker 10 undoubtedly very astute. even
o very able and admirable political leader.
am sure he 10 not an ideal one. but he docs not
pose as such. and he is all the stronger because
he is an outand.out Democrat.
myself am regular. believe in tho party.
Every effort at tho disbursement Of Mug
wumpery. which Is another name for political
irresponsibility, meets my cordial approval. I
am, in brief, one Of that vast body OF Democrats
who do not hold Office. have no desire to do so.
and keep the faith, II you please. because II was
"bred In tho bonc.''
Thus far Mr.. Croker ana those Of my kfth are
at one. When that powerful chieftain under
takes. however. to suggest what my social afili-
ations should be. I am FREQ to tell him, as I
would say to anybody else in his place: Hands
OIL Mind your own businessi"
Here we como to the point which shows Mr..
Croker's weakness. His desire to build up the
Democratic Club is commendable, but why
4 rsAl-
bers Of the Manhattan The latter organiza-
tion contains among It's members vast ma
1ority Of the influential Democrats OF the
borough of Manhattan in business and social
circles. Nearly all Of the Judges of our higher
courts are members of It Several heads OF
families reckonod among the 400 are on ito
roll: but what is moro than either or both Of
these considerations, the general run Of its
membership 10 marked by a very high order Of
intelligent and virtuous manhood.
Now. it Is idle for Mr.. Croker to think that
such men are to be despised. These are tho
mon whose opinions must be respected. They
are. very largely like the writer. distinterested
act always and necessarily 40 chocks upon hasty
and a. 9Sd ,,,lI manipulation OF the party.
shs hs s
bs tie S Croker z szns
members Of the Manhattan Club; Can it be de-
nled that IL IL we'll that Mr.. Croker and his
coyrercs should have some friends who would
tell them the TRUTH Gan anybody believe that
the members Of the Democratic Club who are
fully suggested) would dare to do II
So 1t comes to this. that. whereas. 1t 10 TO Mr..
Cookers interest to have certain opposition in
his own political household, he 10 weak enoukh
TO wish to destroy It; and, whereas. he has set
about the destruction of an organization the
exietence Of which he could as easily have util-
lied. had he been wise enough, as q factor In
strengthening his control Of the party, the only
effect OF his effort will be that he win discover
there are come Democrats In town, who are able
TO take care Of themselves. whose aid Is essen
tiAl to his guccess.
Before concluding may as well say that I am
not Mngwump; neither was O :" gold bug in
1895, bNtI voted for Bryan then and for Van
Wyck ID 1897. simply mean to say that Mr..
Croker is trying to 90 O little too much. He
will find, I predict, within the next few years.
that the Democrats of New York will take occa.
sion TO show strong disapprobation Of any dis
position on the part of the rulers of the party
here to revert to the state of affairs OF 1S93 and
II he will exert his great influence for the avoid
ance. and not for the promotion, Of that result,
and leave outside matters alone. he win have
enough to do. MANHATTAN CLUB.
New YORK, Jan. z.