The Washington times., 1901-11-05
The Entc of Nem York.

1t is sincerely to be hoped that today
the campaign which the Intelligence
and decency of New York has been con-
ducting against the corrupt rule OF
Tammany Hall will culminate in a sub
stantial victory at the polls for decor
Gus and honest government 1t is un-
necessary anywhere in the United
States to explain what Tammany stands
for It's methods as well as its lack
of morals, are notorious from end TO
end of the country. The merely Incl
dental fact that this time it presents
a candidate for the mayoraIty who is
personally an honest and reputable
man is evidence OF prudence on the part
Of the organization which he has de-
nounced and fought vigorously all his
life, but not Of any change of heart or
purpose on its part. MIR. Shepard. the
Tammany standard bearer, has been
unable to show his former admirers that
his election in company with the other
candidates who appear on the ticket
with him would result in changing
Tammany government for the better in
any possible particular. His own virtue
is impotent TO cure the vice of his
present environment. Old Dog Tray
was an excellent and iovable charac-
ter; but he was caught In bad company,
and that hanged him
The triumph of Mr.. Low, Mr. Shep-
ards rival for the mayors Office if no
other point were gained, would be pro-
ductive of good results, but not of all
that are needed. The success of the
Tammany county ticket would be most
regrettable. 1t would place in the hands
of the enemies of good order and public
decency the office they want to control
more than any other-the district at
/ torneyship. It would also carry to the
Supreme bench Robert A Van Wyck,
the present Tammany mayor, the man
who has characterized the -nalodorous
Devery as the best chief of police the
metropolis ever had
We are heartily glad to know that
national politics have been absolutely
eliminated from the movement against
organized vice and crime in New York
I All respectable elements Of society in
the metropolis, without regard to the
| political views or affiliations of those
| identified with it, have been enlisted in
struggle, the Importance of which
hardly could be overestimated AS an
abstract proposition, in the circuai-
stances of the case there ought to be
no manner OF doubt regarding the out
come OF today's voting. if manhood suf-
frage in our great cities is a thing to be
trusted But Tammany organization,
discipline. and its iron grasp upon the
ignorant, vicious and criminal classes,
always are to be counted with. Those
classes, IL may be presumed, will vote
as they are ordered to from the Wig
wan, and their suffrages. combined
with irregularities possible where such
power as Tammany controls the cleo
ton machinery. may render the contest
| close, If not doubtful. Against this
/ consideration we may set the latest
! estimates and forecasts, which are re-
markably encouraging to the cause of
reform. The issue will be watched with
anxious interest by the whole American
people. Upon it will largely depend
public opinion as to the ability of Amer
lean cities to rescue themselves from
the control of organizations or political
! cliques perpetuated in power by black
I mail levied on vice