New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-10-21
Mr.. ELAUGHLTNS VICTORY.

In the preliminary stages OF the present cam
paign. when signs Of Mr. McLaughlin's disposi-
ton 10 make a stiff fight against the aggressons
of the Tammany machine had begun TO APP
near we said more than once that the righteous
wrath Of the Kings County Democratic leader
was often too easily abated. and that he had
fallen into the habit Of issuing ultimatums
which were not ultimate. That was true state
ment and we are not constrained to regret hav-
ing made it. especially since we permitted
10 believe that il was not wholly without effect
In stiffening Mr.. McIaughlin's nerve. At all
events in the face Of Unforeseen difficulties
arising out OF the desertion Of adherents who
owed much TO his favor he has stood by his
guns. repulsed the Tammany assault and won a
victory which Will prove decisive il he chooses
90 have ii so.
The suggestion is heard that Mr.. Mclaughlin.
having shown his power, may now be per
suaded TO refrain from pushing his advantage
and consent TO compromise with Murphy on
favorable terms. But we are not prepared to
believe that he is contemplating any such step.
He must be aware that the sympathy which
he has gained in his encounter with Tammany
from a large number of citizens who are in no
sense his followers is chiefly due to their con-
viction that IN defending bis own personal in
terests he has been, in this instance. repelling
a political invasion which, If successful, would
do Brooklyn infinite harm. 1t cannot fail TO be
q satisfaction TO him In his old age to realize
that h has performed service to the COM
muI.ty in which he has spent his life that is
heartily appreciated by good citizens of all par
ties. In future contests they will take sides
with against him according as their political
principles dictate, but, IL he now dsdains to
accept advances which Murphy may be eager
TO make, they win not forget that in critical
emergency he fought their fight well as his
own and kept Tammany out of Brooklyn.
It is agreeable to believe that Mr.. Mclaughlin
has not been unmindful of these higher obliga-
lions and comprehends the meaning of the gen.
eral congratulations which he is receiving. But,
even If his sole object has been TO retain the
personal authority in politics which he has long
welded, he has nothing to gain by STOPPING to
negotiate for future fayors from the selfish and
tyrannical organization which he has just de-
feated and which is utterly obnoxious TO a great
majority of the people of Brooklyn Of all par
ties That would be blunder which his most
faithful adherents would resent which even
those who have done nothing to help him in this
contest would regret as soon the election was
over and which would expose him TO successful
attacks hereafter from enemies and rivals.
But it cannot be necessary TO surInise that
man who has shown so much courage. yigor
and resource in the fight of his life is capable
Of such weakness in the moment OF victory. Mr..
Mclaughlin has never before stood so high in
the estimation of his fellow citizens, and their
present feeling toward him is creditable to their
intelligence. Those who make up the fusion
forces In this campaign are no more In SYM
patty with his views of municipal government
than he is with theirs but they know what the
domination OF the Democratic party IN Kings
County by Tammsny Hall would mean and
what is due to Mr.. Mclaughlin for averting
that disgraceful calamity.