New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-03
FRIGHT FUSION PROSPECTS.

IL Tammany was looking for aid and comfort
from the fusion conference on Tuesday evening,
II found none The proceedings were nominally
secret but the newspapers were Judiciousiy
permitted 10 give the public an accurate knowi-
edge OF their character, and those who are long
inc fo- the restoration OF n corrupt and inef1-
Gent government are now aware that the anu
Tsmmany forces which were successful two
years ago viii be again substantially united In
the coming campaign. There may be some indi-
vidual deserters but there is little reason 10
think that they will be able to carry over TO the
enemy any important organization which con-
tributed TO the election of Mayor Low. The Sc
lection Of anti-Tammany candidates may still
depend uDon the result OF further consultation,
hut il is not too carly TO say that the men to
whom was intr71sted the delicate task Of pre-
nar4ng the way for another solid union Of anti
Tsumany elements have conducted the prelim-
mary work with so much discretion that scarce
lv possibility Of harmful friction and 1nal mis-
takes remains
The tetnper OF Tuesdays meeting was admira-
l,le There was no trace of a disposition in any
ouarter 10 dictate a course Of action, to profess
p superior attachment TO the principles which
all were pledged to support or 70 insist upduiy
on claims which comparisons OF voting strengm
in the various organizations might suggest
Every member of the conference was ready 10
concode 70 every other a degree Of sincerity
equal 10 his own and to acknowledge the force
Of considerations Shch did not appear 10 him
to he conclusive Assuredly that is the spirit in
which every citizen who hopes TO see the hon.
orable and generally wise policies of the pres
ont administration continued must wish TO have
his representatives in the joint committee dis
charge their trust. 1t is that spirit OF mutual
respect and confidence which must control the
campaign IL the good government OF the last
two wears is 10 be prolonged and improved.
A change OF views Us to the most suitable
candidate for Mayor is still conceivable, but
the prevailing sentiment at this time unques-
-ionablv favors the denomination of Mr.. Low.
In seeking the reason for that feeling it is I'M
Necessary TO look further than the resolutions
which were unanimously adopted on Tuesday
evening declaring that the excellence OF the city
government fully justifes the fusion OF 1901.
To set aside the man chiefly responsible for re-
suits thus emphatically approved might not IN
der all circumstances be an irrational waste OF
resources. but It is probable that no one of the
fusion conferrees. whatever his personal pref
erapces nav be. has failed to recognize the
strength OF the argument that some sacrifice
would be involved in making Mayor Lows rec
ord TIE basis Of an appeal for popular support
Of another candidate.
Mr.. William Hepburn Russell and Others,
whose good faith we do not question for mo-
rnent are nevertheless convinced that even
IL the selection Of a new leader should he some
what generally regarded as illogical, any disad-
vantage arising from that source would be more
than offset IN case the choice should fall on an
independent Democrat Of ascertained charac-
tor and capacity their contention being that
NeU-Yor1 is naturally a Democratic city, and
that anti-Tammany Democratic votes might be
withheld from q Republican candidate for
Mayor. especially in anticipation of the State
and national campaigns next year. i majority
" the conferrees are presumably willing to be
convinced as we are. that this is sound est
mate Of the situation; but i'm the mean time they
do not forget that without the assured Tam
many vote New-York would certainly not be
Democratic city. or that the relation OF next
wears politics 10 this years municipal duty IS
exceedingly remote and should not arouse the
Jealous apprehensions Of men who have just
declared their -unalterable determination TO de-
oliver the city permanently from the scandalous
"nlisgovernment Of Tammany Hail.