New-York tribune., 1902-08-14
4 gaRD PUSHED 0PPoRTUNIST,

Ex-Governor Robert Z. Pattison of Pennsyl'
vania seems TO be challenging the fate OF the
pitcber carried once too often to the noilllcdi
fountain. Hitherto his record in PennsyIVanla
politics has been that of an alert ana Flgldh'
opportunist- His appearances as candidate
for political honors have been timed with
delicate appreciation of the ripeneSs OF the
hour Launching his fortunes on the crest ot
tbn reactions Of 1882 and 1890. he twice sue
ceeded in capturing from a Republican oppo-
nent the Governorship of the most confirmed
and stalwart of the great Republican States.
This year. apparently, Mr.. Pattison consulted
his political horoscope afresh and found con-
functions more or less decipherable. which sent
him hurrying light heartediy into another Dem
ocratic State convention st Erie six weeks ago
his name was once more hoisted to the place of
honor on the State ticket; and since then he has
been industriously laying plans for stalking his
way again into the Governors chair
Conditions in Pennsylvania have greatly
changed however since the campaigns of 1882
and 1890 and even so sanguine an opportunst
as the Ex-Governor has had to confess his ardor
checked by some of the recent developments Of
the Democratic canvass. A year ago Mr.. Patti
son took the leadership in a half hearted at
tempt TO discipline the Democratic organization
In PhiIadelphia-an organization accused OF
all the misdemeanorS in the political calendar
This year the organization thinks itself in a
position to administer little discipline 10 Mr..
Pattison Not long ago the Democl attic candi-
date chose an auxiliary committee to push his
own private and personal campaign in Philadei-
phia But the regular managers protested SO
vigorously against his selections that a new
committee, approved by them, had TO be sub
stituted The ex-Ciovernor's troubles did not
end with this rebuff. however. Two years ago
he declared his adherence to the principles or
the Kansas City platform, and pledged his per
sonaI support to Colonel Bryan's candidacy: and
this surrender &c the influences then dominant
in Democratic national politics has returned TO
embarrass him In his contention that his candi-
dacy for the Governorship can have no possible
hearing on national issues or national interests.
Only day or two ago well known Philadel-
phia Democrat invited by Mr.. Pattison and
Chairman Donnelly to serve on the reorganized
auxiliary committee, curtly refused TO do so, on
the ground that ''the selection Of members of
Congress will be largely Influenced by the atti-
''tude of voters toward the head Of the State
ticket" and that, having followed the course
"of the Democratic party in Congress with
much interest it would not be- in the writer's
opinion for the best interests Of the country
TO put It in control in that body at the pres
"ent time"
Mr.. Pattison's only hope Of overcoming the
normal Republican plurality in Pennsylvania
has lain in successful effort to attract the sup
port this year of the so-called Union party the
Citizens party. in Pittsburg, and the other in
dependent organizations which figure or have
figured in the politics of the State. But the
citizens organization in Pittsburg has already
indorsed Judge Pennypacker's candidacy; and
from present appearances the Union party,
which made fusion in 1901 with the Demo
Gratis will split in almost equal factions If re-
newal of that alliance is attempted now. On
the whole. it Is reasonably clear that Mr. Patti
son has misread his astrolabe. The ascensions
and declensions he fondly trusts to point rather
to a total obscuration in this years contest Of
his former prestige as "a man of destiny" In
Pennsylvania politics.