The times., 1899-05-06
DEMOCRATS WANT A MACHINE.
Opinions of Leaders of the Party in
New York.


New York May Sin the Hoffman
House yesterday afternoon there was
gathering of Democratic leaders, such as
has not been seen In several campaigns.
Former Senator Edward Murphy, who Mr..
Croker says is the leader of the party in
the State. held a levee there, and had a
long talk with Frank Campbell, former
comptroller, chairman of the State COM
mittee and member of the national COM
mittee for New York State.
John B. Stanchfeld, of Elmira. who was
David B. Hills law partner, led the Demo-
Gratis in the assembly in 1897, and made a
speech at Mr.. Croker's $40 dinner, came
from his home and joined the party.
Mayor Mcclure. of Syracuse; former Lieu
tenant Governor William F. Sheehan, for
mer Senator Jacob A. Cantor. who was
turned down by Croker; Anthony N. Brady
John F. Gaynor, treasurer of the State
committee: Senator McCarren and Senator
Coffey, Of Kings. all Joined the three In
conference during the day and evening.
Frank Campbell in an interview indi-
Gated the purpose of the gathering as lar
as he was concerned He wants the Demco-
racy to have a real State machine, tuilt
on the lines of the one that has done
successful work for the Republicans.
THE Republicans" he said. have head
quarters in New York the year around and
are always at work. The leaders Keep in
touch with the men in charge of affairs
in all parts. of the State Every State
committeeman Is working closely with
them at all times. They know just what
each county did in 1898, and can produce
at once the figures in any election district.
They always begin work with knowledge
of lust how many votes they must have in
each county to win. They have the voters.
Their chief trouble is getting them to the
polls.
..Their county chairmen begin work in
June. knowing just what is expected OF
them. II they need money they tell Mr.
PIatt and the State chairman and help Is
given quickly. We get to work only IN
September and then we have to feel our
wsy through the darkness, with nothing to
base our efforts on except last years hg-
ures.
Il believe we should have permanent
headuuarters in New York. A man who
understands political conditions thoroughly
should constantly be in charge. under the
direction Of the State chairman. who
should himself spend considerable time
here.
81 would have department of publicity.
/ would have the rolls of every election
district in the State. l would have, too.
men doing work who did not think that
the only thing necessary to do was to get
a good majority UP to the Bronx. There
is pretty big section of the State beyond
that that needs attention
Il have talked of this matter with for
mer Senator Hill and Senator Murphy.
They both think we should initiate the
plan of the Republicans
81 believe that we can capture the next
assembly We can carry the State easily
if we can only arouse the Democrats from
apathy, and we can do that by working
intelligently from New York city all the
year. intend to keep this question be-
fore the leaders and 1 think something will
be done in the matter soon."
None of those who were at the confer
ence would tell whether anything had been
done. MIR. Murphy talked OF the recent
legislature. Whatever good it did, he
said. lit was either compelled to do by
public opinion or helped to accomplish by
the votes of Democratic members"