New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-23
Either a Deliberate Betrayal or He Has Be-
come Eighty, 1t Is Charged.
To the Editor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir. What an extraordinary position Mr. Jerome
has placed himself in before the pubhci ne al
rnts Mayor Lows administration has been frulIui
OF reform: he does not pretend that the Mayor mas
been remiss in the performance OF his ouues, OF
that he has not succeeded beyond expectations ->OI
does Nj Jerome pretend that he has abandoned
the party OF reform, that reform IS pla!ed
out" Not at all. He says-at least SO the news
papers inform us-that he intends 70 vote for the
nominees Of the Citizens Union, only, mInd you
Mr. Low should not be one Of them. because he Is
u,lovab bic ecotistical self-complacent, humorless
Incapable OF leading. unpopular, and therefore
sure to be defeated The fusionists. says Jerome
are going absolutely and with open eyes TO
political defeat
But how does he know all this7 How does he
prove il? Only BY bald assertion and reassertion.
Apparently he hopes the public Will swallow his
predictions and assumptions without inquiry or re-
fection-witbout demanding or receiving some in
formation as TO the sources Of his pretended
knowledge Of what people think and what people
are likely to do is nothing to him that all the
FRIENDS OF good government differ with him in his
estimate Of Lows personal qualities and popu-
larity. 4. jerome. say so: therefore believe.
seems to be his ultima ratio ct ratio sofa.
Every one has a right 10 his own opinion IN poll
tics. supposing lie is sincere and acts up 10 his
faith But no should expect credit or respect
who while pretending 10 favor cause. is yet do
ing everything in his power 20 injure T. Espe-
ciay is that kind Of consistency looked for in one
ike Jerome who sets up guide and leader 20 his
fellows. How can he pretend to have at heart the
interests OF good government while yet openly
promoting or striving to promote dscord ameng
its friends? Does he imagine il is sufficient
Cuse say that he has right 10 express himself
freely 20 the best way 70 carry 70 success the
cause OF reform?
nation, before standard bearers are CHOSEN the
place for debate Is the private council chamber.
here differences OF opinion among the faithful
may 6e adjusted. But once IL becomes evident
that only certain candidates and platforms are
possible the time for debate is past and the party
must submit. even the important leaders of the
party either accept the inevitable or leave
their party. So II. instead Of hurting his com
Tiaints and criticisms Of Mr. Low before the pub
vately 20 the leaders OF reform. they could have
been discussed and pe-haps adjusted without dan
ger scandal confusion Of the public mind.
Furthermore there would have been no suspicion OF
his loyalty or sincerity. How can he complain If
he is not accepted now In the light he would wish?
In the name OF heaven. what is Mr.. JerOmes
Ohiect2 What results he hope for from his
will force M Low withdra va thing impossible
at this stage. There is TO one in sight available
a substitute. not even Mr.. Jerome himself.
Why. then. continue The attacks. especially the
utterly silly grounds he has put forward? Before
these NaCal letters 7 regarded Mr.. Jerome with
admiration, as an earnest, Jealous, capable Off
Cial and lover Of reform. But now, Well.
there seems escape from the horns OF a dilemma.
namely, either that he is deliberately betrayng
the cause q good government that he has sud
cerly become Mighty and unsafe political guide.
Neu-Yo-k Cit~. Sept. q 1908