New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-05-05
FOR ANOTHER FUSION CAMPAIGN.
Considerations Which Should Govern the
Conduct of It.

OOIQuct OF II.
To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: Permit Democrat to address few lines
to the Republicans of New York City through
the columns of The Tribune on the subject of
fusion this year in our local political affairs.
Having taken an active part in every anti
Tammany campaign since '94, and having al
ways opposed Tammany Hall. feel competent
to discuss the fusion question intelligently and
with practical and comprehensive knowledge
of the peculiar conditions existing in this city.
The proposition this year is most difficult one,
much more so than it in 1901. In fact an
other victory like the achieved two
years ago, even though defeat Tammany in
November next, will be very apt to permanent
ly retire us from the fusion business at least
for many years to come. While our late VIC
tory is by means barren of results-on the
contrary, the surprise is very much has been
| accomplished for the benefit of this city by the
present ad1ninistration-at the same time. our
chances of winning the next campaign would
be much better had there been no fusion two
years ago. In other words, made bad
start and much of our work must be done over
again. or. rather. must do better this time
if we expect to keep the affairs of this city out
Of the clutches of Tammany. This Is not in
tended as a reflection upon Mayor Low. who has
done the best he could under the circumstances.
but 1t is aimed at the manner in which the
fusion ticket was put together. 1t was case
of playing politics from the beginning, and after
the conference committee agreed on Mr.. Low as
the candidate for Mayor it anybody's race
as far as the balar of the ticket was con-
cerned, with little thought or consideration as
to the qualifications of those nominated; the re
suit OF which is, have some rare specimens
holding office under the present administration.
more than of whom, I may add, are per-
fectly acceptable to Tammany Hail.
Aside from those whose only interest in fusion
is decent government. a majority, or at least
large number. of the active participants in
fusion movement place-hunters. A very
cornmendable ambition, that of seeking public
office. but it sometimes warps q mans judg-
ment and narrows his point of view. I have
even known OF some very eminent reformers
who were so afflicted. However. that is all in
| the game. and politics is very funny game
The trouble is so many of the delegates to
fusion convention or conference are more in
tent on where they in and what they are
to get out of 1t than they the public well
fare and the class Of men selected as candidates
for Office. This peculiarly so two years ago.
That a combination, indeed, perhaps the
most extraordinary one ever got together under
one political roof in this city elsewhere
Here we had two distinguished extinguished
Tammany lights, both former Tammany office
| holders prior to the Strong administration, one
of the rottenest periods of the wigwam-which.
by the way, they had no fault to find with. 1t
was good enough for them then. 1t was only
since they became "reformers." They were
present to help shake the plum tree, and that
they shook it to good effect is evidenced by the
fact that one holds one OF the most respon-
sibIe Offices in this city. the other has been sub
stantfally recognized" in the distribution OF
patronage, while many of those who have con-
sistently fought Tammany. giving both time and
money for several years past toward that end'
have been entirely ignored by the present adj
ministration. This is politics. 1t is also re-
form"
Again referring to the fusion conference OF
two years ago: One organization had nine
votes, which, on their own admission was ali
they had This Organization" had nine menl-
bers all of whom now in Tammany Han!
We had q narrow escape there, as they ieft IN
though cordially urged to remain and take an
other place the ticket and help along the
good work of reform. Another patriot, VINO
claimed to have "one hundred thousand votes
behind him having got everything he could lay
his hands from this administration, and IN
cidentally getting favor or TWO OUT Oh lam
many at the last election, is now of the opinion
that there is nothing in it, for him with fusion
this year; he proposes this time to do little
business with his Tammany friends. AND so It
goes. j.
without trespassing further on the space Of
The Tribune I desire to call attention 10 the
fact that there are two, and only two, bona hde
anti-Tammany organizations worthy or the
name-the Republican county organization ana
the Citizens Union. It rests with these two
organizations to blaze the way; the rest Will
follow The independent Democratic and the
German vote must, of course, be considered as
thew are most important factors in a campaign
against Tammany. There need be no fear as TO
how the former will vote, If the right KIND or
man is nominated for Mayor, and he is sup
ported by q good ticket. But there must ne no
more of this three taiors Of Tooley street
business in connection with the selection OF
candidates: nor should the Tammany influence,
however indirect, have anything to say IN re-
gard to the composition of the ticket or be rep
resented thereon. ! am not insensible OF the
fact that 1t takes votes to win an election OUT
7 also appreciate the fact that il is ant-Ialn-
MANY votes which elect g. fusion ticket inde-
pendent Democrats not as a rule, IN the
ha bit of voting for Tammany men, Whether OF
not they happen to pose as 'reformers nor Is
| II the practice of Tammany men TO vote the
fusion ticket We gain nothing by catering TO
| a few soreheads and disgruntled Tammanyites
We not only stand to lose a very great zeal py
so doing but we render the cause or reform II
diculous Tammany can be defeated this Ian'
| hui the MANAGEMENT Of fusion affairs must De
| in competent hands.
| New York. May 3, 1903
nArnI Oils