New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-18

In deciding 10 accept a reorganization In case
the ADVICE Of the fusion conferrees shall be
adopted by the anti-Tammany conventions, Con-
troller Grout has evinced high sense OF duty.
Ii is the habit Of cheap men who burn TO secure
the pecunsry rewards Of Office 10 dwell on the
personal sacrifices involved in serving the pub
lie Because of his character and professional
standing Mr.. CIRCUITS simple statement that he
had hoped 10 retire at The close of his present
term will be universally believed without mo-
ment's hesitation. But be does not feel at lib
erty 20 follow his inclinations. The appeal 10
the voters this year must be made on the record
OF the administration OF which the Controller is
a part: TO defend that record is his obvious and
plain duty and he can perform that duty ef-
fectively only by accepting the obligations of a
candidate. That IS the way in which. after
earnest consideration. the question presents IL
self TO his mind and conscience. He accordingly
subordinates his private preference and puts
himself at the command Of the fusion forces.
The essential part of Mr. CIRCUITS wholly adj
mirable communication is fits explicit announce
ment that he is ready TO take his place the
city ticket with Mr.. Low and Mr. Fornes. Next
20 that the way I'm which. without mentioning
Mr. Jerome's name. he administers a singing
rebuke 10 our vain and petulant District Attor-
ney Will produce the livelest satisfaction. There
are not a few men who. in Mr.. Greeleys men,
orable phrase, would like 10 be useful TO a good
cause but don't know how. We choose TO be-
lieve that Mr.. Jerome still has the desire, but
il is clear that he has lost. temporarily we trust
the knowledge. II is hard TO imagine anything
better adapted 10 supply lamentable deficiency
than Mr. CIRCUITS letter 10 Mr.. Cutting. Docility
is the first condition Of mental and spiritual
growth.
still stands Thine ancient sacrifice.
A humble and a contrite heart
II Mr.. Jerome. in his moments Of silent refec
ton. Acknowledges that profound truth. he will
mark. with modification but without resent
ment. these words Of the Controller
BY those who do not know Mr. Low as do
who have not worked side by side with him for
two years and who have not seen his breadth OF
view and strong grasp upon municipal ques-
tons and his marked ability to get results. at
thence and care and conservatism are distorted
into weakness.
Democrats Of independent professions but par
tisan timidity have been INDUCING their appre-
tensions OF future injury in State and national
campaigns from supporting Mr.. Low this year
Mr.. Grout thus strips the mask and sheet from
that decrepit bogie:
The issues TO be passed upon are those affect
ing city affairs They in nowise affect Repub-
hcaIlism or Democracy. 1t is the legal right. il
ought 10 he the undsputed privilege. of every
Democrat or Republican. whatever the action
or his party convention and without prejudice
TO his party relations. TO vote in such municipal
contests for what candidates he chooses. And
in so doing he affects not at all the probable ac-
ton OF New-1ork City In future national or
State elections.
In his letter Of consent Mr.. Grout has be-
slowed a wholesome admoDition where il was
well merited. and we cannot doubt that he has
cleared the judgment of many who have been
hesitating what course TO pursue By his own
unselish action be has supplied an impressive
Illustration Of the spirit i'm which intelligent and
hGhmnded citizens like 10 be served