Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-09-26

and in support of his argument he explain
ed how much of the vice which is SO east
ly encountered by visitors was meant for
their benefit and was maintained by their
support. Everybody who makes money
comes to New York for good time" he
said. The appearances support his asser-
ton.
Under a reform municipal administration
able to carry out its own good intentions
there would be less liberation Of vice either
for the denizens Of the city or for the visit
ors who come to seek 1t. l have found a
pretty general opinion that while the ex-
listing conditions are deplorable, they are
not entirely due to a police system honey
combed with hostility to reform, or even to
politics I even have heard questioned the
wisdom Of fusion movements In municipal
affairs and a preference for party govern
ment as a means of securing responsibility.
This has come from men who took part In
the movement of last year and who were
hopeful of non-partisan municipal govern
ment Their encouragement Is due to the
failure of individuals rather than TO the
weakness of a non-parttsan municipality.
Some Disappointing Reformers.
Some of the men elected on the ticket
with Mayor Low have not come up to their
promises. Others who were appointed to
important positions also have been failures
One trouble seems to be self-esteem and
self-complacency which quickly develops
into self-righteousness. Whatever else he
does the ward politician who gets into Of
foe 10 careful not to snub the public. The
reformer on the contrary seems to think
that official responsibility puts him above
the public and he resents eltner Suggestion
or criticism That Is one very serious weak
ness Of Mayor Lows administration. He
has too many men around MIN whose heads
are too big for their hats
Another weakness, when Is not the fault
of the MAYOR is due to the political ambi-
ton of some Of the reformers. 1t Is an
old story in New York OF ambitious demo-
-lry,a tn hon hair
Gratis who are too indepehuem ~ 10 pow Nv. 'neir
neck to Tammany, or VINO cannot get rec
ignition from the organization Joining re-
form movements, and tnus estaplsnlng
their own political importance. They are
sincere in wanting good government, but
their personal ambitions fan their zeal
Tammany always keepshwatch on these
men. 1t bears no resentment, and follows
strictly the maxim not TO keep BOOKS IN
door is kept open for Them Generally when
they see reckoning finger they respond
They find much good an Tammany and dis
cover the sociologicainside, which Is really
one of its great sources Of strength. They
will not actually join the organization. but
thew keep on good terms with 1t and the
trade Is made.
Ambition Engenders Tolerance.
II might not be quite just to say that
some of the leaders in the movement which
downed Tammany q year ago are bergan-
ing for a reconciliation, but no one can
fail to see that ambition for preferment in
state and national politics makes them very
tolerant It also weakens reform in the
municipal administration. 1t will not be
at all surprising II two years from now Big
Chief Devery, in a national convention, sits
beside some of his prosecutors" of six
months ago. Mr.. Cleveland's mugwump
friends who were exalted to the thirty
third degree Of political morality, always
accepted the support of Tammany at the
polls with great. complacency.
Tammany itself, I am assured, Is on its
good behaviour. Mr.. Sport Murphy the
new head. has lofty ideals. and actually a
much worse choice might have been made
BY the organization In choosing a boss