New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-10-20
Az INCENTIVE TO HARD WORK.

The res.s rat on is exceed ngy gratifying to
all supporters of god government as exempli-
fed by the present administration, and has OBJ
viousy caused increased anxiety among the
Iammany leaders Whether or not the small
enrolment on the first two days, doubtless due
in part to the stormy weather, was partly due
also TO indifference which vigorous efforts ana
the course of events aflerward overcame. the
final result shows that an enormous vote is to
be cast on November s. II is true that the in
crease as CONF AIRED with 1901 is only proper
tionate TO the increase in population. but thar
fact is not unsatisfactory 1t may reasonably
be taken 10 mean that the community. atter
TWO years of efficient honesty in the public Of
fees. is prepared deliberately TO ratify the judg-
meut to which it was led by the damning proofs
of Tammany'S abominable misuse OF power
The popular agitation which made the last
Campaign memorable may not be reproduced
during the coming fortnight but there is good
reason TO believe that the verdict will not be
less decisive two weeks from to-day than 1t was
two years ago.
The registration is highly encouraging, not
only because Of IT'S proportions, but because also
Of its distribution. That is to say the most
notable increase is in districts on whose resi-
dents Tdmm2ny does not confidently aud nat
urally rely. The figures have been carefully
ana wed at political headquarters and it is a
fact. denied in public but privately admitted
10y Tammany that the conclusions legitmatcly
deduced from them are favorable TO the fusion
cause There are many signs of alarm on the
lart of Murphy and his advisers One Of them
is the reckless production of falsehoods which
survive hardly long enough 10 need official refu-
taton. There was the platform lie about 5000
c:id-en wholly unprov.ded for in the schools
&c 1,Hg. rl1tf tod
his first speech and so strangely omits TO with
draw. There is nothing left of except that
familiar Tammany stencil" which used 10 be
so offensive 70 Mr.. Grout. Even more swiftly
put ont of use and made ridiculous was Muir
phys fantastic invention of an interview be-
tween Devery and Governor Odell last week,
which was hopelessy wrecked by the Governor
before Murphy could get the newspapers 10
launch it.
Especially significant il appears TO us. arc
Tammany's lu.ubrious complaints against flu
sion motors The organization has not been
! accustomed TO whimper when its crimes have
been described in plain terms. Why is it so
thin skinned and sensitive this year? 1t would
not so suddenly have become susceptible to the
assaults Of the enemy if it had not seen its
hopes fading and Witnessed the miserable fail
IRE Of the falsehoods with which Il has sought
10 Offset the truth The plain facts are that
Tammany has a had case Of nervous prostra-
ton aud that the explanation is easy. 1t eX-
pecte1 that cross purposes ard lack Of expert
ence would cause the reform administration TO
break down In attempting 10 deal with the i'm
mense'y difficult conditions which 1t inherited
through the contrivance of Tammany; whereas
the general testimony that il has achieved
great success is emphatically supported by two
out Of three of Tammany's own city candidates
Murphy supposed that his smart seduction of
Giout and Fornes would create dismay and re-
sentiment in the fusion ranks; whereas its effect
has been to make them more united and aggres-
sive and to intlame the followers of Mclaughlin
with implacable hatred of Tammany 1t
was reckoned that Mr.. Jerome having given
and received some hard blows would watch
the campaign with silent discomfort. If he did
not do anything more TO make his friends I'M
comforta bic; whereas Mr.. Jerome has taken the
stump with all his old fervor and effectiveness.
The Tammany calculation that reform had
spent its force and would let the election 60 by
default: whereas the registration reveals grim
determination to continue and complete the
work begun two years ago.
All these signs are hopeful. What shall be
clearly indicate? On the answer to that cues
ton depends the result OF the election They
ought to produce. not state of indolent COM
piacency, but the sort of elate and unsuhduabIe
temper with which, for example. a college foot
ball team that is just on edge goes into action.