New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-10-15
Mr. MAZETS DILEMMA.

II is easy 70 appreciate the difficulties or Mt.
Mazet in the double character Of candidate and
investigator The picture Of his embarrassment
drawn by some Of his friends is one which can
not fail TO evoke sympathy. He did some excel
lent work Of investigation which might have
been useful to himself and his party up 10 the
point whore some of the Tammany misdeeds
were found to he committed in partnership with
+ Republicans. Then his troubles began As an
honest man whose sole object was 10 reveal
municipal abuses rather than serve The political
purposes of any political party, he naturally de-
sired 10 follow the trail wherever it led. There
fore he was of course anxious 10 call General
Tracy. who according to the testimony of Mr.
Frank r. Plat the person who could best
enlighlen the committee concerning certain
Ramapo transactions about which Mr.. Frank
Plat himself was unable 10 give the committee
desired Information. He must have been equally
DESTROYS 70 examine senator Plat and give him
an opportunity 10 diSprove the accusations made
under oath by Mr.. Croker and apparently forti-
fed nv the evidence before the committee and
at the same time vindicate the committee as an
impsrtislly reforming and not mere political
campaigning body. Consideration for his own
personal credit and sclfrcspect undoubtedly
urged such a course.
Bur AIr. Mazel il seems IS not able 70 obey
his own good impulses Not that he has per-
sonal fear or narrowly selfish ambition. He
would Willingly sacrifice himself in behalf OF
unrestricted inquiry into all the owls OF our city
povernmouf Rut no has 70 think Of the cause
az reform. Half loaf is better than no bread
and while no would Ike 10 have full loaf and
examine Senator Plat and General Tracy rs he
knous ,hev should ne examined ne feels that
&c olf
ZION. and il he was not reelected TO make his
renorr and secure remedial legislation on Such
evils he has discovered that DO not ilnplicate
Mr. Platt's friends the whole Investigation IS IA
work not of part iSanship but Of pure Dencvo-
1ence would 90 for nGught Who snail say mat
bic fears are unfounded? Perhaps if he sub
tected Mr.. Plat 10 the risk ana mortihcauoh Oh
having TO testify he would not De reelected
that is the loyal" Mr.. Plat's little way. 40
douhr such n catastrophe would he regretted by
Mr. Mazet for the sake Of the puDllc rather IMAM
himself. for certainly nobody. however cynical
bis views OF men, would think VT. N"N''
courted for his own sake the reputation Of fear
ing 10 do a plain duty. II is easier 10 De"''e
him like one OF the heroes OF romance ii loyalty
10 a high aim cOura gcOusly assuming ne Durueh
Of apparent wrongdoing. Nevertheless. when
Mazet ought TO make sure that it Is calculated 10
accomplish his high object. 1t Is said mat II 10
"ls NOT returned TO the Assembly the recon-
lamentations which the committee may make
twill not come with much force from body
"yhosc chairman the people have rejected ana
turned down That is doubtless true But IL
is likewise true that recommendations VIII NOV
come with much force from committee which
copfesses 10 all the world that II dare nor com
ulete It's task because it has found R"pnnhrahs
with pull involved In the Tammanv nlsgov-
eminent II ser our remedy Mr. Maze' a.
summing that his election is staked on not calling
Mr. Platt-must choose which way he "oni'
have his proposed reforms d.scredied
Hu. why should Tho calling q Mr. PAN ana
General Tracy endan0er Mr. Mazefs re-elecron :
Certainly II Mr Plar Is the innocent man Mt
,sds,e,. Mr.. Costello and their associates peNe'e