New-York tribune., 1900-08-29
A NEW ATTACK ON HILL.
EX-SENATOR MURPHY'S PAPER DE-
NoUNCEs STATE LEADER.

NOUNCES STATE LEADER.
Albany, Aug. 2s (speciaD-Ex-sen Ed
ward Murphy, jr entered the field OF Journalism
to-day with an editorial article in his newspaper
property here 'The Albany Argus" attacking
his former associate in the United States Sen
ate. David B. HILL The article excited much
interest among the Democratic politicians of the
city for a variety of reasons.
Mr. Murphy and Mr.. Hill have often been on
opposing sides at the meetings Of the Democratic
State Committee and at Democratic State con-
vcntions but have never before, so far as known.
come into personal conflict with each other. Mr..
Murphy however, for several years past has
more and more acted with Richard Croker and
the other leaders of Tammany Hall whenever
its leaders engaged in any combat with Mr.. Hill.
Yet at times Mr.. Hill and Mr.. Murphy appeared
to be on good terms and Democratic politicians
thought that eventually harmony of action
might be restored between them on factional
matters within the Democratic party 1t is the
opinion of most Democratic politicians how
ever, that after THE Arguss" editorial attack
Mr. Hill and Mr.. Murphy cannot remain on even
outwardly good terms, and that from this time
on the two men will wage political war on each
other.
SPONSOR FOR THE ATTACK
Mr.. Murphy owns THE Argus" in partnership
with Anthony n. Brady and some unknown
persons. The editorial attacking Mr.. Hill is
reported to have been sent here from Troy by
Mr.. Murphy's son. and naturally people be-
lieve that it came originally from Mr.. Murphy
He is the only man. aside from Mr.. Brady, who
would have authority to put such an editorial
in The Argus" and Mr. Brady never NEEDLES
with political matters of this nature The edi-
torial obviously was designed to affect the
Democratic primaries held here to-day and to
array Democratic voters against David B. Hill
and his followers. and bring them to the support
of Mr.. Murphy and his followers. Mr.. Murphy
plainly seeks to convey the impression that Mr..
Hilrs course harms the campaign to elect
Bryan President
Mr. Hill would make comment the edi-
toriaI to-day. The editorial is headed What
Is His Purpose?" and says:
Wherefore this abnormal and destructive
tivty on the part of our former Senator?
Is he ailtng in mind or body that he seeks
relief in embroiling the party in strife at this
critical juncture?
BAD FAITH ALLEGED.
Psychologists say that the mind which broods
eternally upon one subject whether upon for
tunes lost in finance at the gamester's table,
upon the dOgmas of theology, or upon oppor-
tunities in politics that have slipped nerve
less grasp or overshot the mark through greed
that such mind may in an instant, without
the slightest warning become frenzied, and. re-
calling the strength OF Samson, seize at the
destruction of everything within reach. At such
moments il one has so conducted himself that
he still has friends fortunate is he if they take
him in hand promptly and so avert a condition
which is perilous to all concerned.
The rank and file of Democracy are witnesses
to the extraordinary exhibition of men going
up and down the State. under the direction of
a former leader sowing the seeds OF disc1ra, score
setting Democrat against Democrat, soundlnS
a cry for party strife.
And for what purpose?
Does any Democrat recall. even in the bitter
est struggle for aScendency, such a spectacle as
that Witnessed at Saratoga Of a leader under
taking to dragoon State committee into Sc
lecting chairman for a State convention tnat
could not for full month be called to order?
Critics once dubbed a notable plunge taken IN
the season of sncwshoes, a snap convention,
but how will the Romenclator classify this recent
adventure?
chosen from the IrheFHbership of the committee
itself. Party usage has decreed so sound
practice, 20 DE departed from only in great euner
gencies. If al all, and after full consultation
with the collactfve membership. Was party
usage ignored aRd the spirit of harmony violated
this juncture?>- ' -s'
And for what purpose?
A FIGHT OF FACTIONS
Some members Of the committee remembered
that this is a Presidential year and passed II
over as too contemptibly small to notice. The
Saratoga incident however. has crystallized
doubt into suspicion and awakened fears for
the future of the National ticket in this state
return to which it is entitled from one upon
whom it has conferred marked distinction.
Legislative preferment. Lieutenant, Governor,
ship the Governorship for two and third
terms, a Senatorship. a pledged delegation for
the Presidency-these are some Of the honors
that are so lightly esteemed by their wearer
that he deliberately and so suddenly plunges his
Tarty into faction fight. Naturally and prop
erly Democrats Will ask. What is his pur-
pcse?" and hesitate longer to follow leader of
disaster.
Democracy can afford no longer to be dragged
hither and yon at the whim of the disappointed
and the desperate. The loot of highwaymen
for controlling local preliminaries will avail
nothing against an aroused sentiment that
scents danger for National leader The
cause of the great Champion of the Rights of
Man is imperilled by this political play OF
modern MachiaveIli. In earlier life such pol
itics was to be expected. In his declining years
it is inexcusable. Opportunity should have
broadened him Observation ought to have de-
veloped his fullest powers Not the taint Of
Annl, 70 IL. lnrnI q