The evening times., 1899-07-07
Much Ado About Nothing.

Much Ado About Nothing.
II occurs to us that the mercurial New
Workers are making much ado about
nothing" over the speech former Governor
Hogg, of Texas. delivered at the Fourth of
July celebration of the Tammany So
ciety. The Texans break effected only
two possible results neither of which is OF
surprising Importance. One of these-and
doubtless the one of primary concern to
the Speakers the possible resuscitation
of the Texans waning political influence
at home to be utilized either for State
or National purposes-as to which it really
makes no material difference to the party
at this time. The other result was the
revelation that the hearts of the Tamma-
nyites are with William Jennings Bryan.
while the machine forces of the organiza-
tion are being operated for the benefit OF
a New Yorker, Mr.. Augustus Van Wyck.
There is nothing startling or wicked in
either of these revelations. In fact, neith-
er of them has even the redeeming quality
of novelty. If Mr. Hogg's political fortunes
are at low ebb in Texas-and this is noto-
riously true-he has the privilege of max
ing a speech wherever the opportunity pre-
sents itself TO reinvigorate his cause at
home. 1t may be. as stated, that Mr.
Hogg is a candidate foi Vice President
and that his Tammany speech was bold
bid for Bryan's support. There is nothing
wrong in that commendable ambition:
neither is the Tammany rostrum nor the
Fourth of July an improper place or time
on which to make the bid. Indeed, the oc-
casion was an excellent one for the pur-
pose, as is abundantly proved by the dis
tinct sensation the Texans speech has
created. We suspect, however, from GER
tain goings-on in Texas before and after
Mr.. Hoggs so-called contretemps at Tam
many that the speech was intended for
Texas consumption mainly. Mr.. Hogg has
good friend in Texas in the dignified
person of Senator Horace Chiffon, who is,
even this far ahead of the election OF the
legislature which is to select his success
sor, meeting with pretty lively opposition,
led by the Hon. Joseph w. Bailey. The
interests of Messrs. Hogg and Chiffon in
Texas politics are so ineXtricably mixed
that what affects one affects the other. If
Mr.. Hogg surges TO the front of the Bryan
column he carries Senator Chiffon with
him. This position would strengthen
Senator Chiltons cause with the magnet
ism of Bryans name. Mr.. Bailey would
be placed at that much disadvantage in the
struggle for the Senatorial toga. Just how
much of handicap that would put upon
Sir. Bailey we do not, al this distance from
- H. &c, h
ing in this view of the case derogatory 20
either Mr.. Hogg's political astuteness or
. sense of propriety, both of which have
been brought into question by his Tamma-
ny speech.
The revelation as TO Tammany shows
neither new nor discreditable condi-
tion. Tammany is always expected to
have a home candidate for President,
Persons who unnecessarily bother about
other peoples affairs had learned long ago
that Tammany was grooming Judge Van
Wyck for the contest of 1900. Judge Van
Wyck is a clean-cut and robust Democrat
his selection does not cast discredit upon
Tammany. There is no doubt that ne
would make a sturdy and popular standard
bearer for the Democracy. But Tammany
has never named the candidate for Presi-
dent. The organization always gives a
/ splendid account of itself at the polls
after other influences have made the
ticket and the platform, and there is no
room for doubt that it viii maintain its
record in November 1900, even though its
selection be not the party nominee or
some OF the planks OF the platform do not
! suit the views OF the Tammany leaders.
With these facts and assurances in mind
We refuse to become excited over the
! Hogg incident at Tammany Hall The
currents of popular favor are at present
running as swiftly toward Mr.. Bryan as
ever. They cannot be detected or weak
ened by Tammany Vaccinations. Neither
can their volume or momentum be in
creased by the oratory of former Governor
! Hogg or others. Mr.. Bryan's future is in
own keeping. With characteristic honesty
he has made public acknowledgement OF
this. With characteristic courage he will
face party conditions in 1900. If the party
does not commit itself to Mr.. Bryan s
| platform of anti-eXpansion he has cour-
ageously declared that he will not again
accept its leadership. On this thorough
| understanding of relations the Democracy
can proceed with its preparations for the
|