New-York tribune., 1901-05-01
MR. CUTTINGS DEFENCE.


Mr. r. Fulton Cuttings letter to The Tribune
in defence of the Citizens Union platform, which
was published yesterday, is an excellent pres
entation of the Citizens Unions position as
municipal political party. AS The Tribune said
in its previous comments on that platform, there
is nothing TO prevent any body of men with
certain common principles from prOclaiming
those principles to the voters and asking for
the election OF men who will carry them ont in
the administration of public office Mr.. Cutting
explains that the Union was not organized as
an anti-Tammany body, nor was its purpose
except incidentally to rally honest citizens for
a campaign struggle. but rather TO carry into
effect the principle of separation Of municipal
from State and national politics. Accordingly
he holds that 1t is the Unions proper historic
function TO be n municipal party and promul-
gate representative policy"-representativ
of IT'S organization concerning purely municipal
affairs.
Mr.. Cutting is unquestonably right. as we
have previously conceded, II the Citizens Union
is merely municipal party, he makes II out
10 be in his letter, and II its present member
ship has been recruited on that understanding
But in that case what becomes of it's assump-
ton Of leadership OF all. regardless of differing
opinions, who desire the regeneration Of our city
government? Last November the Union issued
address In which 1t set forth rs its simple
purpose the union Of all who demand the sepa-
ration of municipal from State and national
politics, and civic administration without
'spoils favoritlsm political tyranny" stated
that ii would spare efforts to secure the
active cooperation OF all organizations, socie
ties and individuals qualified to render effec
tive service" and appealed to all citizens TO
orgaOiyaTiOD
purpose only. In promulgatlng a progressive
programme" of benefits for the people" and
becoming a mere city political party II goes
quite beyond the covenants Of that invitation
which drew to il many voters with no belief in
this particular programme. but with an intense
desire for honest administration and a union to
Obtain IT such rs they hoped this organization
they were joining would secure.
That November declaration, which marked
the practical renaissance of the Citizens Union
superseded the platform of 1897. Moreover
those who recall the attacks upon that platform
visionary and sOciaistc by the opposition
even though platforms cut only n small figure
in that campaign. and many who did not believe
in the detailed programme of the Citizens Union
voted for Mr. Low the only hope for good
sovernment-will not be certain as Mr.. Cut
ting that the Citizens Union makes no mistake
in expanding that platform of 1897, even If it
has no conflicting obligation under the declara-
lion of last November 10 be not a muncipol
political party, but the hospitable home for all
believers in honest government
Mr.. Cuttings defence of the Citizens Union Is
perfect one if it has become political party.
one among the many which hope may he
united into an effective and successful anti
Tammany force. Our criticism and regret are
based merely on its failure TO rise to the higher
estate which it promised to occupy and furnish
the certain solvent for the coming campaign