New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-10-11

So Senator Plat has had n talk with Mr.
Mazet and has inquired anxously how soon
the investigating committee can wind up It's
sessions! He has concluded that Mr. Mazet
and Mr.. Moss are mighty dangerous indi-
viduals" 10 have abroad asking qucsticns This
10 In no way surprising. Attentive watchers
of the situation have noticed growing rest
lessness the part Of Mr. platt's representa-
tives ever since the Investigation probed
through Tammany scandals far enough to see
the foundation for some Of them in the acts Of
Mr.. Platt and his organization. 1t has been
well understood that pressing duties in the
rural districts would soon be discovered for Re
publican AsSembymen, and that 1t would be
with the utmost dificulty-if at all-that Mr.
Moss would be able 10 prOlong the sessions for
the further investigation Of Ramapo, the tele-
phone monopoly. the Blackwcll's Island Bridge
deal and the Flushing and Newtown Creek
Canal, or the examination OF Mr.. Platt Mr.
Lauterbach and General Tracy concerning
them. There IS nothing remarkable In the de-
sire OF Mr.. Platt 10 call of" the Mazet COM
mittee but It is surprising that the effort should
be openly made al the very instant when the
testimony so far developed points directly to Mr.
Plat as an essential witness, and makes any
attempt 10 stihe the investigation a public con-
fession Of his unwlngness to take the stand
In spite Of his unwngness. however. there
are two men who cannot afford TO assist IN
the calling off " or even pasSvely TO acquiesce
IN IT, They are Mr. Robert Mazet and Mr..
Frank Moss Mr.. Patt's conversation with Mr.
Mazet is reported 10 have been unsatisfactory"
That is Mr.. Mazct was not willing 10 terminate
tie investiga ion 20 suit Mr. Platts convenience.
He certainly could not be If be- has any am
tltion 10 stand well IN this community. Trde,
he is q candidate for the Assembly, and Mr..
Platt's enmity would doubtless be incOnvenient.
But he must see that the reputation OF stead
fast and fearless persistence in work which
he has undertaken with avOwals of Intention
20 90 20 the bottom Of things. no matter who
was hit Will be worth incomparably more 10
him than good committeeshp or even seat
in the Assembly Itself We give Mr. Mazet
credit for sincerity in his promises and real
desire 10 make this investigation an instrument
for good. and not n mere tool Of partisan schem-
ing But putting aside AL questions OF honor
and self-respect, simply as a matter Of policy
he cannot afford 10 stultify himself. He Is too
deeply committed TO draw back at anybody 5
dictation The scandals are too plainly in sight;
the personality and the motives Of the dictator
are TOO Enthusiastically revealed for any excuse
for the closing OF the investigation without a
thorough probing Of Mr. Platts side Of the city
government 20 be accepted by the voters The
revelations are up 20" Mr. Platt. and whatever
part Mr. Plat may choose FOR himself whether
10 face the situation or run, Mr. MaZet can
neither end this investigation nor suspend II
without moral suicide and overwhelming popu-
Lar distrust.
But Mr. Mazct IS not the only nor the final
p,..asr Of this question The probing Of tho