New-York tribune., 1901-09-07
TIE QUESTION OF AEAELABILIrr.

The discussion provoked by the tentative pro-
posals OF the Citizens Union makes ID evident
that the task of selecting a suitable candidate
for Mayor must consist TO a considerable degree
In discovering who OF various men mentioned
can make the best campaign. Many men of ex-
cellent abilities and fitness TO perform the
duties Of Mayor would be utterly impossible
candidates. To any man some objections VIII
be raised. and We think they ought 20 be raised
frankly. not in any spirit Of depreciation OF the
individual. but merely for the purpose OF find
ing out what elements Of political strength he
has. and what weakness. or even prejudice,
might possibly handicap him and jeopardlze
ant-Tammany success. Certainly the friends OF
no candidate can wish for his nomination unless
he is really the strongest man who can possibly
be found, and they should welcome the straight
forward discussion OF the aVaila bity of each
OF the men who. SO far as personal character
and abilities 60, all considered III 20 iii the
Mayors chair.
II would De unWise for instance TO nominate
Mr.. Rives without taking into account the COM
plant made In some newspapers that he lacks
tact and the gift Of making friends outside
a limited circle. This may be a petty CON-
plant, but every element affecting popular SEN
timent must be considered by wise politicians
Something OF the same question has been
raised In certain quarters about Mr. Peabody
who is up TO this time better known as a flnan-
cier and philanthrOpst than a popular leader.
viii he develop that essential quality so neces-
sary 10 success quality which was so charac-
teristic OF Mr. Low four years ago, when he
showed himself one OF the most effective OF
campaigners; We do not attempt 10 answer
the question, but merely raise il as a point OF
importance in deciding IL he is the leader we
all want. Mr. Low. in spite of his great prestige
and bis ability 20 force upon the attention OF all
classes OF voters Ire vital issues OF cam
paign. may possibly run the danger of Aristides
the Just are there any considerable number
OF citizens who would be less enthusiastic for
him than they were IN 1892 That and his Re-
publicanism are the crucial questions as 10 his
availability. There is no evidence that the Re-
publicans, bitterly as some OF them opposed him
four years ago. would not support him cordially
now.
The name Of Mr.. Warner likewise presents a
complex problem. Some think ne is TOO radical
say that he is semi-socialistic and charge that
be would be- IL not an unsafe Mayor, at least
an unsafe candidate In a conservative CITY
strongly repudiating Organism, which Mr. War
per enthusiastically supported last year IL has
been said that be held saOof from some former
anu-Tammany contests. and was content 10
run for Office on the Tammany ticket, but IL Is
10 be doubted IL any considerable feeling per.
sists from campaigns now long past The same
cannot be said OF more recent elections. II is
true that this is municipal and bipartisan
campaign, and a mans opinions on national
politics have no proper place in IT, except as his
record concerning them may have revealed his
character. sincerity and judgment. N4verthe
less, while the views of the widest fopullss
might not be imputed 10 him for sin in Judging
him as candidate for Mayor. IL would bs