New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-15
MR.. FLOWER IN POLITICS.
MANY FRIENDS AT THE CAPITAL Ex-
PRESS THEIR GRIEF.
CAREER IN THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY-THE
DIsAPPoINTMENTs HE sUFFERED-MAY-
NARp AND TROY MURDER SCANDALS.

DISAPPOINTMENTS HE SUFFEKED-MAi-
NARD AND TROY MURDER SCANDALS.
Albany May a (speciaD.-The late Roswell p
Flower had many friends here. both political ana
business therefore there Is genuine GRIEF over
his sudden death. With Anthony NJ. Brady he had
been one of the capitalists who controlled the local
gas company. electric light company and excellent
street railway system.
But IL was prominent Democratic pohtciah
that he was best known Long before he became
Governor he was well acquainted with the promi-
nent Democratic politicians at the state capital lie
had a brother-in-law. Allen c. Beach, OF water
town. who elected Secretary of State in iS'' on
the Democratic State ticket OF that year; but at
that time Mr. Beach possessed an influence In poll
ties not in the least in Mr. Flowers power For
good many years indeed. Mr. Flower made no I'M
preston upon the Democratic politicians OF the
State He was regarded very generous con-
trlbutor to campaign funds, but when he desired
nominations for Office he could not gain any sup
port. Yet all this time Mr.. Flower was prominent
in the Democratic politics OF his home county OF
Jefferson. and served chairman OF the Demo-
cratic County Committee OF that county and. IT Is
said, persuaded Samuel J. Tilden, when the later
a candidate for Governor to give a larger voice
In the party's councils to young Democrats
MR.. FLOWER FAVORED YOUNG MEN.
Mr. TlIden had said: In politics old men take
hold OF log and grunt: young men take hold and
MT" Mr. Flower cordially commended this senu-
ment and, stated, then urged Mr. Iilden 10
give the young Democrats far greater power In
the party organization. Mr.. Flowers plan OF or
ganizatlon in Jefferson County was extended
throughout the State and largely contributed 10
Mr. Tdens success when he attempted 10 carry
the State as the Democratic candidate for Presl-
dent in 1876 In 1877 Mr.. Flower was chairman OF
the Democratic State Committee, and ably man
| aged that campaign, in the course OF when MI
Beach was elected Secretary Of State.
! Mr. Flower entered politics in modest way IN
1891 as a candidate for Congress in New-fork
district. The rival candidate was William Waldorf
Aston The Democratic managers laid stress upon
Mr. Astor's great wealth and endesvored TO ex-
! cite prejudice against him on that point Wher-
ever Mr.. Aston went he was depicted as leaving
! in his wake a shower Of golden eagles. Mr..
| Flower, the other hand, conducted n still
| hunt" He Is said TO have expended his
| campaign twice az much money Mr.. Aston: but
there was no camor about It. and he elected
| by three thousand majority. As Congressman he
was a great entertainer at Washington. and thus
| made many friends.
HIS GUBERNATORIAL ASPIRATIONS
In 1882 he aspred to the Democratic nomination
| for Governor. but Grover Cleveland won the nomi-
nation in general scramble for the office at the
| Democratic State Convention. Mr.. Flower received
IL larger number OF votes on the first ballot I'm the
| convention than Mr.. Cleveland did. But Mr.
| Flower was not discouraged. lie was candidate
| for President against Mr. Cleveland at the Demo-
! cratic National Convention OF 1884 But that was
| forlorn canvass. and was laughed at I'm Chicago
! Then he appeared at the Democratic State Conven-
| ton OF 1855 and sought once more the Democratic
| nomination for Governor David B. Hill, instead
was nominated and then Mr. Flower was nomi-
ted for Lieutenant Governor. This nomination he
evidently regarded an indigniy, for under the
advice OF Allen c. Beach. he declined 1t. lie con-
soled the managers OF the Democratic party. how
ever by giving them fat check for their cam
pagn expenses. In 1888 he was once more cand-
date for Congress I'm NewYork, and was elected
In 1891 Mr. Flowep at last arrived Under the
| influence OF Edward Murphy jr.. he was nominated
| for Governor by the Democratic State Convention
! This campaign however. did not start out pros
perously he being denounced By William {.
| De Witt of Brooklyn, in the convention as
| "fambuoyant" millionaire. But, neVertheiess. ne
was elected over J. Sloat Fassett the Republican
| candidate by large majority.
Mr. Flowers election as Governor was largely
due to the support he received from the farmers
| OF the State He had spoken at many or their falrs
| and he was looked upon with high regard by them
! as "a blunt honest man." He might be banker
| OF Wall Street, but this was matter wnlch ala
| not concern them. They saw in him man VINO
was personally interested in their concerns ana
was ready to aid them. apparently all In his
! power.