New-York tribune., 1902-05-05
J. D. H. Mongin.
Nathan L. Miller.

Albany, May 1 SpeciaD.-Polticans are
watching keenly every development of the State
political contest this year. That contest ap-
pears to be in progress. although il is only May,
and the November election day is far distant
But David B. Hill chose to precipitate the con-
f1ict usual in political year by assailing in his
New-York speech on Jeffersons birthday both
the national and the State administrations; and
Benjamin B. Odeu, jr.. who knows something
about politics himself under cover Of disser-
tation on the State tax rate, at once compared
effectively. to the advantage of the Republican
party. its administration OF the financial affairs
of the State with that of Roswell p. Flower the
last Democrat who Governor of the State.
Governor Odell made plain the fact that direct
State taxation has been practically abolished.
In 1894, when Mr.. Flowers term expired. the
direct State tax imposed was S9,155 742 SS If
the Governor retires from Office the expira-
ton of his term on December 81 he will know
that the tax for that fiscal year will be only
S74S,OO0
Mr. Hill must be aware that Mr.. Odells state
ment has made profound impression upon the
voters. for he has thought 1t necessary, with the
cooperation of Bird ). Coler, to establish a lit
erary bureau here in Albany; and soon. 1t may
be expected, the Democratic newspapers will
receive carefully prepared statements assailing
the Republican administration of the State. 1t
can be predicted that all the acts of Governors
Morton, Black Roosevelt and Oden will be re-
viewed in an unfriendly spirit. Especial atten-
tioH. of course will he paid to Governor Odelrs
administration 1t is thought that the head
quarters of Mr.. Hills literary bureau will be in
the Ten Eyck Hotel. This is only about three
minutes walk from Mr Hills law offices, in
Broadway. But the telephone service Of Albany
is also good and Mr.. Hill therefore will not be
obliged to make any personal visits to his
bureau.
Patrick w Cullinan, the State Excise Com
missioner. when informed that the Democratic
leaders would soon establish literary bureau
here, said:
Well they won't make any progress in rural
New-York If they assail the Republican admin
istration's financial policy. l have Just been
up State. and find the State administration solid
as a rock in the affections of the people. My
judgment is that Mr.. Odell is much stronger
than he a month ago. You cannot free
people from taxation without its having pow
erful political effect The farmers of the State
appreciate low taxes. and l believe they will
show their sentiments at the polls in November.
Failing to make any impression upon the
rural voters it is thought that Mr.. Hill will en-
deayor to win votes for the Democratic party
in the big cities of the State, and especially in
New-York and Buffalo. Attacks will be unre-
mttingly made 1t is believed on the admins
tration of Mayor Low in New-YOrk and Mayor
Knight in Buffalo. 1t may be stated however,
that the longer these two administrations are
tested the more voters convinced Of the
intention of the Republican mayors to act in
the public interest. 1t is quite probable, there
fore. that the Democratic reaction hoped for
by Mr. Hill and his friends will not start in
the cities mentioned and lead to the giving by
them Of sufficient majorities TO put Democrat
in the executive chair at Albany.
But will the Democratic party be united this
year? Bird S Coler. who has not had many
years of experience in politics, thinks it will be
Mr. Croker. who never had a high opinion of Mr.
Coler may not agree with him. Mr. Coler said
here on Thursday: THE fights in the Demo-
cratic party this year will be limited TO the
primaries; there will be union at the Democratic
State Convention" Possibly there may be union
on the surface but will there be at the polls?
Last fall here in Albany there was an ostenta-
tious exhibition of harmony in the Democratic
party but near Election Day the ominous report
went about that the Herrick Democrats, who
had not nominated their candidate for Mayor
were saying: We are going to support the regu-
lar Democratic candidate for MayOr-until we
enter the ballot booth" And the Republican
candidate for Mayor received big vote in the
Herrick wards, and was elected.
Mr. Hill is not a candidate for the Democratic
nomination for Governor nor would he accept it;
nor is his friend, Alton p. Parker, Chief Judge
of the Court of Appeals. Both have been sur
veving Democratic politics for years. and are
aware of the nature Of the men who have
Gently swayed the fortunes of the party, which
is vet torn with dissension. Richard Croker and
Edward Murphy. jr., for many years had con-
troll of the organization. and they have many
friends still in powerful positions in 1t. Mr
Croker is in exile in England. What does he
think of Mr. Hills prominence at present? Mr.
Murphy no longer controls a Mayor of Troy.
His friends say ne has been deprived of his
mower by the secret attacks upon him of other
Democrats What will be his opinion this fall
of Mr.. Hills leadership of the Democratic