New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-02-20
GOVERNMENT BY MACHINES.

The ease with which the expressed Will OF the
people can be defeated by political machine
managers IS receiving new illustrations every
day There was never any doubt that the last
Constitutional Convention In this State ex-
pressed fully and fairly the popular will when
II adopted the provision in tie organic act sepa-
rating municipal from National and State cleo
tions, with the avowed purpose OF taking the
administration Of municipal government out Of
he control Of the partisan political machines
md placing 1t in the hands Of non-partisan
business men, TO he conducted on business prin-
iples. The popular response 10 that action was
,rdal. hearty and sincere. The machine man
ers themselves recognized the fact and vent
:, no organized opposition TO 1t. The Repub-
party in particular made non-partisan mu-
val government n cardinal principle IN It's
cal creed and through state and county
sntions committed itself 10 its mainten-
That the masses Of the party were in
r Of the principle with practical unanimity
beyond all question. And yet when the test
anne in this city the Republican machine man.
ayers were able TO put the party on record IN
opposition to 1t in the most open and shameless
manner and by their action turn over the city
government TO the most corrupt political ma
chine that ever debauched the franchise or loot
ed a treasury.
In the matter Of the Civil Service there is no
room for doubt that a majority OF the voters OF
all parties have been and still are in favor OF
regulations that give It stability and perrna-
nence. insuring the retention Of capable. honest
and faithful subordnates in office, not Only as
a tribute to their capacity and fidelity. but as
Q matter Of business policy The Republican
party has repeatedly declared its adherence 10
the principles Of Civil Service reform. and II
lie 10 be sale in its favor that 1t has almost IN
variably, when in power, lived up to its pro-
fegsons In that regard The Democratic party
also has, in way professed devotion to the
principle though not without the suspicion Of
mental reservation and cquivocation. The sim
pie fact that the party leaders have not only
avoided committing the party to open hostility
but have felt compelled to give it quasi sup
port Is sufficient proof that the principle finds
favor with the masses Of voters OF that party.
And II is also 20 be said that the only Demo
cratic President Of this generation took partic-
ular pains TO put himself ON record as Its cham
pion, and except under the stress Of unusual
temptation to enforce II. 1t Is safe to say that
an overwhelming majority Of all parties is in
favor O. the principle Of Civil Service reform
and Of It's enforcementH And yet the Tammany
machine now In control Of our city government
by grace Of the Republican. or Pla,t-Quigg, ma.
chine is proceeding boldly and openly to wipe
out every vestge OF Il! The Tammany leaders
make no secret Of their purpose. They chuckle
over the devices by which they propose to ac-
compish e. Those devices are not obscure
They are simple and easy.
Wherever there are Official positions now
Oh NV oh nd 70 ~
men hu, which they want FOR their hecers and
hangels-on, hey either abolish the Offices, give
them new names or temporarily reduce the
salaries TO 80 low a figure as 10 compel he
resignation OF the incumbenfs. There is no
great Ingenuity In those G"r!cos: they arc born
sAi.w c,ini.Ds; Lut all the Same ,hey answer